Unand Environmental Engineering Lecturer Presents Microplastic Research at ICOEE 2026, Strengthening International Collaboration

Padang (ANTARA) -

Dr. Ir. Ansiha Nur, S.T., M.T., a lecturer from the Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Andalas (Unand), presented her research findings on microplastic pollution at the 7th International Conference on Environmental Engineering (ICOEE) 2026, held in Bali on July 30–31, 2026.

The international conference, organized by Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), served as a forum for academics, researchers, and practitioners from various countries to disseminate the latest research developments in the field of environmental engineering. In this year's event, Universitas Andalas also served as a co-host, demonstrating the institution's commitment to supporting scientific advancement, innovation, and international academic collaboration.

During the conference, Dr. Ansiha Nur presented a paper titled "Effect of Household Connections on Microplastic Occurrence and Removal Performance in Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plants." The paper is the result of a research collaboration between the Department of Environmental Engineering at Universitas Andalas and the Faculty of Science and Technology (STF), International University (IU), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The study examines the impact of household connection characteristics on the presence of microplastics in domestic wastewater treatment plants (DWTPs), as well as the efficiency of their removal during the treatment process. Findings indicate that household connection characteristics play a crucial role in determining the microplastic load entering the treatment system and influencing the removal performance of decentralized domestic wastewater treatment systems.

"These findings show that household connections are a vital factor affecting microplastic load and removal performance in domestic wastewater treatment systems. The results provide scientific insights to optimize decentralized wastewater management strategies, thereby reducing microplastic release into the environment," said Dr. Ansiha Nur.

She added that growing global concern over microplastic pollution demands the development of sanitation systems that do not only effectively remove conventional pollutants, but are also capable of minimizing the release of microplastic particles into water bodies. Consequently, the research is expected to serve as a reference for developing technology and policies toward more sustainable domestic wastewater management.

Furthermore, Dr. Ansiha Nur explained that the study supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), by improving the effectiveness of domestic wastewater management to limit microplastic emissions into the environment. Additionally, it contributes to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by mitigating the influx of microplastics into rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, thereby protecting aquatic ecosystems and supporting resource sustainability.

The presentation took place during a parallel session chaired by Assoc. Prof. Muhammad Roil Bilad from the Chemical and Process Engineering Programme, Faculty of Integrated Technologies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). Assoc. Prof. Bilad is a well-known academic with expertise in water and wastewater treatment.

Following the session, Dr. Ansiha Nur met with Assoc. Prof. Muhammad Roil Bilad to discuss research collaboration opportunities in water and wastewater treatment. The discussion covered joint research initiatives, international scientific publications, and technological innovations in the field.

"Our research focuses are complementary, particularly in water and wastewater treatment. This meeting serves as an initial step toward building closer research collaboration between Universitas Andalas and Universiti Brunei Darussalam. We hope this partnership will yield innovations that offer tangible benefits for environmental management and water sustainability," Dr. Ansiha Nur expressed.

Dr. Ansiha Nur’s participation in ICOEE 2026 served not only as a platform to disseminate research findings, but also as a means to strengthen Universitas Andalas's standing within the international research network. Through such scientific forums, Universitas Andalas continues to expand partnerships with universities and research institutions worldwide to create innovations addressing global environmental challenges.

The active involvement of Universitas Andalas lecturers in international scientific forums reflects the university's commitment to enhancing research quality and reputable international publications. By fostering global collaboration, Universitas Andalas continues to produce innovations supporting the SDGs—specifically SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through effective wastewater management and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by mitigating microplastic pollution to preserve aquatic ecosystems

This activity is funded by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) on behalf of the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology and managed under the EQUITY Program (Contract No. 4304/B3/DT.03.08/2025)”