How Universitas Sebelas Maret is Pioneering Sustainable Water and Sanitation
Imagine a world where every flush of a toilet and every drop of wastewater could be transformed into valuable resources—clean water, renewable energy, and nutrient-rich fertilizer. This vision is becoming a reality at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) in Indonesia, where researchers and students are tackling one of humanity's most pressing environmental challenges: sustainable waste management for water and sanitation.
of Earth's water is freshwater
consumption in traditional wastewater treatment
As the world grapples with water scarcity and pollution, innovative approaches are urgently needed. By combining cutting-edge technology with community engagement, UNS is demonstrating how academic institutions can lead the way in turning waste from a problem into a solution 5 .
"The numbers behind the global water crisis are staggering. Although water covers 71% of the Earth's surface, only 2.5% is freshwater, with a mere 1% easily accessible for human use."
Water pollution has far-reaching impacts on freshwater availability, ecology, and human health, necessitating comprehensive solutions. As the global population continues to grow—projected to reach nine billion by 2050—the strain on water resources intensifies 3 .
| Technology Type | Key Features | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activated Sludge | Biological treatment using aerobic microorganisms | Effective organic matter removal | High energy consumption, significant sludge production |
| Lagoon Systems | Natural treatment using physical and biological processes | Lower energy requirements, simple operation | Large land requirements, potential odor issues |
| Membrane Bioreactors | Combination of biological treatment and membrane filtration | High-quality effluent, compact size | Membrane fouling, higher operational costs |
| Bioelectrochemical Systems | Microbes produce electricity while treating wastewater | Energy positive, low greenhouse gas emissions | Emerging technology, scaling challenges |
Current urbanization and population increase are progressing faster than measures to enhance drinking water quality and wastewater treatment, creating a dangerous gap between need and infrastructure 3 .
In 2021, UNS launched a groundbreaking initiative that reframes waste management entirely: the UNS Waste Bank under the tagline "Memilah Sampah, Menabung Emas" (Sorting Garbage, Saving Gold). This innovative program, created in collaboration with PT. Pegadaian (Persero), offers a practical solution for the university and surrounding community to manage waste while promoting a program to exchange waste with gold savings 5 .
Per Kg of Plastic
Per Kg of Paper
Per Kg of Cardboard
Per Kg of Metal
"There is a need to manage waste and change behavior... wise behavior in managing waste could become a culture and be passed down to the next generation."
| Aspect | Before Program | After Program |
|---|---|---|
| Community Participation | Limited awareness | 70 waste banks established |
| Economic Value | Unquantified waste | Specific pricing per material |
| Behavioral Change | Littering common | Competition for highest volume |
While the UNS Waste Bank addresses solid waste, the university's research into wastewater treatment is equally innovative. One particularly promising technology being explored is BioElectrochemical Treatment Technology (BETT), which represents a paradigm shift in how we approach wastewater treatment 1 .
Specialized bacteria introduced to modular reactors
Microbes consume organic pollutants in wastewater
Microbes release electrons captured by electrodes
Treated water emerges with reduced BOD
BETT systems produce 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional aerobic treatment systems 1 .
Transforms wastewater treatment from energy-intensive to potentially energy-neutral or energy-positive.
| Technology | Mechanism | Efficiency | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioElectrochemical (BETT) | Microbes produce electricity during treatment | High BOD removal | 90% lower GHG emissions, energy generation |
| Biodynamic Aerobic (BIDA®) | Worms and microbes digest contaminants | 99% removal in 4 hours | Produces fertilizer, 91% lower GHG emissions |
| Advanced Membrane Systems | Uniform pore membranes filter contaminants | High purity water production | Enables water recycling for various uses |
Creating effective waste management systems for water and sanitation requires both sophisticated technologies and strategic approaches.
Systems that separate greywater from blackwater at the source enable more targeted treatment and resource recovery.
Next-generation systems incorporate anaerobic digestion, bioelectrochemical systems, and novel biological agents.
Modern systems are designed not just to treat but to recover valuable resources like nutrients and energy.
Advanced sensors and monitoring technologies allow for optimal system operation and rapid response.
The experiences at UNS and innovations emerging globally point toward an integrated approach to sustainable waste management for water and sanitation. This approach recognizes that no single technology provides a complete solution; instead, a combination of technical, social, and economic strategies is needed.
Treating wastewater to appropriate quality for secondary applications like toilet flushing, cooling towers, or irrigation. Epic Cleantec, for instance, provides distributed wastewater treatment with onsite water reuse for commercial or large residential buildings, recycling up to 95% of a building's wastewater 1 .
Large centralized systems have their place, but smaller decentralized systems can be more adaptable and resilient. As one review notes, "Exploring these technologies in decentralized wastewater treatment systems to address sanitation needs in rural and remote communities requires more attention" 3 .
Technologies like Aclarity's PFAS destruction system, which breaks down carbon-fluorine bonds using an anode surface, are essential for dealing with "forever chemicals" and other persistent pollutants 1 .
While high-tech solutions have their place, natural systems like constructed wetlands can provide effective treatment with lower energy inputs and additional ecological benefits.
The innovative work happening at Universitas Sebelas Maret demonstrates that the challenges of waste management and water sanitation can be transformed into opportunities for community engagement, resource recovery, and environmental stewardship.
By viewing waste not as a problem to be disposed of but as a potential resource to be harnessed, UNS is modeling a path toward genuine sustainability.