EC+ Process, An Innovation By IPB University Researcher To Reuse Palm Oil Waste

IPB University continues to introduce innovations to support a more sustainable palm oil industry. This time, the innovation comes from Prof Suprihatin, lecturer at the Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology.

This innovation was motivated by the rapid growth of palm oil mills (PKS) in Indonesia, which have made significant economic contributions but also left serious environmental challenges, particularly from palm oil mill effluent (LCPKS).

According to Prof Suprihatin, every ton of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) can generate around 0,75–0,90 m³ of liquid waste, equivalent to 3,33 m³ per ton of crude palm oil (CPO). The waste contains various pollutants such as total suspended solids (TSS), organic matter, oil and grease, as well as nutrients that have the potential to contaminate the environment.

“Currently, palm oil mill wastewater is generally treated using conventional anaerobic–aerobic pond systems. However, this approach still has limitations in terms of effectiveness and efficiency,” said Prof Suprihatin.

As a solution, he developed the EC+ process, an advanced treatment technology based on electrochemical methods (electrocoagulation). This innovation has been selected as one of the 117 Indonesia Innovations 2025 by the Business Innovation Center.

In simple terms, the process uses a direct electric current to release positive ions (Al³⁺) from the anode electrode. These ions destabilize colloidal particles and form Al(OH) flocs capable of binding contaminants in the wastewater.

“This process is effective in removing TSS, COD, BOD, color, oil and grease, as well as nutrients such as phosphate. The wastewater can become clean and suitable for reuse. The advantages of EC+ lie not only in its technical performance but also in its environmental and economic aspects,” he explained.

He further noted that the process does not require additional chemicals such as alum, making it more environmentally friendly. The treatment cost is also approximately 50 percent lower than chemical coagulation methods. Its electricity consumption is relatively measurable at around 9,80 kWh per cubic meter of wastewater.

“The process operates quickly, can be designed in a modular system, run either continuously or in batches, and is easy to scale up. The resulting sludge can even be utilized as organic fertilizer or soil improver,” explained Prof Suprihatin.

Furthermore, Prof Suprihatin emphasized that EC+ plays an important role in supporting the circular economy concept in the palm oil industry. The treated water can be reused for washing equipment and factory floors, as well as for plant irrigation. Meanwhile, the produced sludge can be combined with biochar from empty fruit bunch pyrolysis to enrich soil nutrients.

“The EC+ process can become a key component in creating a closed cycle for water and nutrients, reducing the use of synthetic fertilizer inputs, and supporting the realization of a zero waste concept in the palm oil industry,” he added.

He hopes that this innovation will provide a technological solution that not only addresses waste management challenges but also creates added value and sustainability for Indonesia’s strategic industries. (Lp) (IAAS/CAA)