Article published on 2nd July 2022/ Majalah Sains

Ultra Portable Water Filter From Palm Oil Shell Helps Treat Contaminated Water- Majalah Sains

AquaPod is an eco-friendly innovation produced from palm shells. The micro-pore-structured active carbon produced from oil palm shells has contributed to the very high adsorption properties of these ultra-portable water filters and is suitable for all types of pipes.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dato' Dr. H'ng Paik San, the use of micro-porous activated carbon synthesized from palm biomass can remove heavy metals, chlorine 

and microorganisms from the water as well as contribute directly and indirectly to enabling the community to enjoy a clear and odorless supply of tap water.

This innovation is produced through two methods, namely two-stage continuous physical activation and ultrasonic treatment to eliminate the silica content in high quantities and produce activated carbon which is mostly made up of micropores.

AquaPod innovation can make a significant contribution to Malaysia through more efficient and waste-free resource management as well as improving the quality of waste management.

"Through the approach of the novelty process by integrated treatment, oil palm shells that are commonly used as low-quality products (coal and fertilizer) can be converted into high-quality products and ultimately contribute to the social economy," he added.

The new process approach through integrated treatment was found to produce commercial grade activated carbon with a high surface area and contained a total of 80% of the micropore surface which showed very high adsorption by using low activation temperatures.

This intellectual property invention has been registered under the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) and the project received funding through the Environmental and Green Technology Small Grant 2021/2022 by the Selangor State Government, Fundamental Research Grant (FRGS), Higher Institutional Center of Excellence (HICOE) and International Funding Grant under EVC Management Pty Ltd (Australia) which offers benefits not only to the agricultural industry but also to the oil palm industry.

According to Asrizam Hj. Esam, Senior Research Officer, Innovation Promotion and Commercialization Division, PSP, UPM welcomes collaboration from industry partners to bring research results to the market so that the benefits can be shared with all parties targeted.

Date of Input: 27/07/2022 | Updated: 16/08/2022 | asrizam