As part of Telkom University’s commitment to creating a Green Campus, wastewater management has become a critical aspect of fostering an environmentally friendly and sustainable campus. By introducing the Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL), Telkom University is taking concrete steps to maintain water quality and minimize negative environmental impacts. This program aligns with the university’s efforts to promote sustainable practices across various operational aspects, including liquid waste management.

What is a Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL)?

The Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL) is a technological system designed to treat wastewater, making it safe before it is discharged back into the environment or reused for various purposes such as irrigation or plant watering. Wastewater generated from campus activities, such as from toilets, canteens, laboratories, and other public facilities, is collected and treated through the IPAL process. This system aims to remove hazardous substances, chemicals, and pathogenic microorganisms that could contaminate the environment if released without treatment.

IPAL is responsible not only for processing domestic wastewater generated from daily activities but also for treating laboratory waste, which may contain hazardous chemicals. With proper treatment, Telkom University can ensure that water released from campus meets environmental quality standards set by the government, thus protecting the ecosystem around the campus and preventing water resource pollution.

How Does IPAL Work?

The process within the Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL) involves several stages to ensure that wastewater generated on campus is effectively and safely treated. Here is an overview of how IPAL works:

• Pre-treatment Stage
  In this stage, incoming wastewater goes through an initial separation process. Large solid particles, such as trash, sand, and other coarse materials, are filtered to prevent them from entering subsequent treatment stages. Mechanical screens are typically used to separate large materials, while oils and fats are removed through oil separation processes.
• Primary Treatment (Sedimentation)
  After screening, wastewater moves to a sedimentation tank where smaller solid particles, such as sludge and other organic materials, settle at the bottom. The resulting sludge is usually processed separately, while the clarified wastewater moves on to the next stage.
• Secondary Treatment (Biological Treatment)
  This stage is the core of the IPAL process, where natural microorganisms break down organic matter remaining in the wastewater. In this biological process, bacteria and microbes in the tank naturally decompose organic compounds present in the water. This process is essential to remove organic substances that would otherwise pollute the environment if discharged untreated.
• Tertiary Treatment (Advanced Treatment)
  After biological treatment, wastewater undergoes advanced or tertiary treatment. In this stage, water is treated using more sophisticated technologies, such as sand filtration, activated carbon, or even disinfection with chlorine or ultraviolet (UV) light. This advanced treatment ensures that the treated water is free from harmful bacteria and residual chemicals.

Reusing Treated Wastewater
After going through these treatment processes, the wastewater produced meets environmental quality standards and is safe for discharge or reuse. At Telkom University, this treated water can be used for non-potable purposes, such as landscape irrigation, plant watering, or even in cooling systems.

Benefits of Using IPAL at Telkom University

The implementation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL) at Telkom University brings several benefits to the campus environment and the surrounding community. Some of the key benefits of using IPAL include:

• Reducing Water Pollution: With a proper waste treatment system, the campus can prevent contamination of groundwater and rivers around the campus. IPAL ensures that wastewater discharged is free of harmful substances that could pollute natural water sources.
• Saving Water Resources: Treating wastewater for reuse in non-potable applications helps reduce the consumption of clean water. In this way, Telkom University contributes to water conservation, which is essential amid increasing demand for clean water.
• Promoting Health and Environmental Cleanliness: Proper wastewater management significantly reduces the risk of disease spread due to wastewater contamination. This also has a positive impact on the health of the community around the campus.
• Supporting the Green Campus Vision: Implementing IPAL aligns with Telkom University’s broader vision of creating an environmentally friendly campus. This system demonstrates that the campus is not only committed to education but also to environmental preservation through green technology.

By implementing the Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL), Telkom University has taken a crucial step in maintaining environmental cleanliness and supporting campus sustainability. This system not only ensures that wastewater generated from campus activities is properly treated but also helps realize an environmentally friendly and sustainable campus. This initiative is a concrete example of how Telkom University remains committed to protecting the environment and contributing positively to a greener future.