BRIN Develops Technology to Clean Water Contaminated with Heavy Metal Waste
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Nuclear Technology Polytechnic (Poltek Nuklir) of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing technology to clean water contaminated with heavy metals, particularly copper (Cu²⁺), by utilising modified activated carbon through gamma irradiation and environmentally friendly materials.
Dhita Ariyanti, a lecturer at Poltek Nuklir BRIN and head of the research team, explained that this innovation aims to provide a practical solution for wastewater treatment.
“We are developing a method to enhance the ability of activated carbon to absorb heavy metals. The results show good potential for application in wastewater treatment, especially since the process is relatively quick and efficient. However, there is still much work to be done to improve the absorption performance of activated carbon waste through radiation technology innovations,” she said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
She explained that the commonly used activated carbon for water filtration has its capabilities improved through a modification process. The activated carbon is mixed with the surfactant Methyl Ester Sulfonate (MES), a material that is more easily biodegradable and derived from more environmentally friendly sources.
The material is then processed using gamma irradiation to improve its surface structure and increase its adsorption capacity for heavy metals.
As a result, she said, the modified activated carbon can absorb copper metal more quickly and effectively compared to ordinary activated carbon.
Optimal conditions are achieved with a contact time of 15 minutes and a gamma irradiation dose of 10 kiloGray (kGy), with higher adsorption capacity.
She stated that the use of the MES surfactant is a particular advantage because it is safer for the environment compared to conventional chemicals.
“Gamma irradiation allows changes to the material structure at the micro level, so that activated carbon has more space and active sites to capture heavy metals. This demonstrates that nuclear technology can be utilised to support environmental solutions,” she said.
In addition to increasing absorption effectiveness, she said, this method also has the potential to save time in the water treatment process. This is an added value, especially for applications in the industrial sector that require quick and efficient processes.
Nevertheless, the research continues as a form of refining previous research results.
In the future, this innovation is expected to be further developed and widely applied, both for industrial waste treatment and the provision of clean water, as part of efforts to maintain environmental quality and public health sustainably.