Jakarta, INTI – On Wednesday, 20 August, 2025. Three renowned universities Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Universitas Indonesia (UI), and Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) collaborated to develop an innovative water filter technology based on ultraviolet (UV) light and photocatalyst nanoparticles. This technology is designed to address water quality issues in Gunung Putri Village, Bogor, where local water sources are often contaminated with heavy metals and the community faces seasonal droughts. The device is effective for daily needs such as washing and bathing, although it is not yet suitable for direct consumption.
Water Issues in Gunung Putri Village
Gunung Putri Village has natural springs, but both the quality and quantity of water remain problematic. Initial academic research revealed that the water contains heavy metals such as iron and manganese at levels exceeding safe limits. As a result, local water cannot be consumed directly, as it poses health risks including digestive problems and skin diseases.
In addition, the village frequently experiences seasonal droughts, making access to clean water very limited. Many residents are forced to use unsafe water, which can cause long term health problems. These challenges prompted the three universities to collaborate on creating a safe, effective, and affordable water filtration technology that can be used by the community.
The Water Filter Technology
The research team from the three universities developed a water filter device that operates in three main stages:
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Physical Filtration: Water passes through activated sand and activated carbon to remove large particles, dust, sand, and coarse impurities. This stage ensures the water is cleaner before proceeding to the next processes.
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Sterilization with Ultraviolet (UV) Light: UV light is used to kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms, making the water free from waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and skin infections.
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Filtration with Photocatalyst Nanoparticles: These nanoparticles degrade organic pollutants such as industrial dyes, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals. They also have antimicrobial properties, enhancing the sterilization effect of UV light.
Researcher’s Statement
As reported by Kompas.com, Dr. Damar Rastri Adhika from ITB explained that the combination of the three filtration stages is designed to provide safe water for daily use. “The first stage of physical filtration removes large particles, followed by UV light sterilization to kill microorganisms, and finally, photocatalyst nanoparticles break down hazardous pollutants. This combination ensures that the water is safe for everyday use such as washing and bathing,” she said.
Conclusion
The collaboration between ITB, UI, and UNDIP in developing this UV light and photocatalyst nanoparticle-based water filter proves that academic innovation can be practically applied to solve environmental and social issues. This technology successfully improves water quality in Gunung Putri Village, making it safe for washing and bathing, even though it is not yet suitable for drinking.
With the integration of physical filtration, UV sterilization, and organic pollutant degradation, the device demonstrates high effectiveness in filtering particles, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants. This innovation serves as a tangible example of how scientific research can deliver practical solutions that truly benefit society.
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