Surabaya's BRIDA develops pyrolysis to turn mangrove plastic waste into boat fuel

Surabaya’s Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA) is developing a solution to the accumulation of plastic waste in coastal mangrove forests through pyrolysis technology, turning it into fuel that can be utilised by fishermen. BRIDA Head Agus Imam Sonhaji stated on Friday that the waste problem in mangrove areas originates not only from river flows but is also carried in by sea currents during high tide. He explained that while the city’s Water Resources and Highways Department (DSDABM) has installed waste screening nets in the Kebon Agung channel, plastic waste still piles up in the mangroves because it is brought in by the waves. “It turns out that during high tide, the sea actually brings waste into the mangrove area, where it gets snagged on the mangroves’ breathing roots,” he said. He noted this condition poses a challenge because most of the waste is trapped between the mangrove roots, making it difficult to retrieve. “Plastic bottles still have a price. Damaged plastic bags have no value, but they float in large numbers and get caught in the mangroves. It is this non-valuable waste that we want to collect,” he said. The plastic waste will then be processed using pyrolysis technology to produce fuel oil, which is expected to be reused by fishermen in the coastal area. “When fishermen are not fishing, they can collect plastic waste from the mangroves and give it to us for processing. The resulting fuel oil can then be given back to them to power their outboard motors,” he added. BRIDA Secretary Mamik Suparmi explained that the pyrolysis technology is focused on processing plastic waste that has been difficult to recycle and holds no economic value. “Plastic bottles still have value because they can be shredded and recycled. It is the damaged, useless plastic that we collect and process through pyrolysis to produce oil again,” she said. According to her, the oil produced from pyrolysis can be used directly as fuel. Currently, BRIDA is collaborating with the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Surabaya State University (Unesa) to conduct research and develop the pyrolysis device. “We are currently conducting research while developing the device,” she said. In addition to developing mangrove waste management innovations, BRIDA is also opening up research collaboration opportunities through a web-based platform called BRIGHT (BRIDA Research, Internship Growth and Holistic Training). “BRIDA facilitates research and innovation, including student internships. From this research and internships, it is hoped that new ideas will emerge and develop into tangible innovations,” Mamik said.