UTMCat, revolutionizes wastewater management in Asia's palm oil industry by addressing challenges in palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment. This solar-powered membrane offers a hybrid process of photocatalysis and filtration, efficiently removing color and recalcitrant pollutants from POME. With its self-cleaning design, compactness, and cost-effectiveness, UTMCat integrates seamlessly with existing treatment systems, enabling water reclamation and reuse while overcoming previous limitations. Its streamlined manufacturing process, scalability, and enhanced permeability position UTMCat as a game-changer in sustainable wastewater treatment for the palm oil industry, promising a significant impact on environmental conservation and resource efficiency.
Asia, more specifically Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, is considered the world's largest producer of palm oil. At least 66.0 m3/year of palm oil mill effluent (POME) generated in Malaysia alone, with effective biological treatment using a variety of high-tech methods. The issue is currently being addressed, but POME continues to have a colour problem (brownies tea-like color). Additionally, it falls short of preventing light penetration and oxygen transfer into water.
To tap into an underserved market in the region, UTM developed UTMCat, a type of membrane that is solar powered, self-cleaning, compact in design, and capable of performing a hybrid process (photocatalysis plus filtration). Additionally, it is capable of removing colour and recalcitrant pollutant contaminants from the water stream being treated.
UTMCat, developed to address challenges in palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment, revolutionizes wastewater management in Asia's palm oil industry. This solar-powered membrane offers a hybrid process of photocatalysis and filtration, efficiently removing color and recalcitrant pollutants from POME. By integrating seamlessly with existing treatment systems, UTMCat enables water reclamation and reuse, overcoming previous limitations. With its self-cleaning design, compactness, and cost-effectiveness, UTMCat outshines competitors by offering a streamlined manufacturing process, scalability, and enhanced permeability, positioning itself as a game-changer in sustainable wastewater treatment for the palm oil industry.
A smart integration with existing wastewater treatment systems can remove recalcitrant pollutants such as colour pigment in POME and EDC that have proven difficult to remove in previous treatment systems As a result, the UTMCat is now capable of treating water that has the potential to be reclaimed and reused.