Sustainable wastewater management remains a pressing challenge, particularly in balancing treatment efficiency with long term environmental safety. A recent study by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Chan Mieow Kee from the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT examines the potential of iron–copper nanoparticles as a solution to enhance both performance and reusability in sewage treatment systems.
The research found that iFeCu nanoparticles perform optimally at a flow rate of 15 mL per minute with a dosage of 60 g, effectively removing ammonia and suspended solids. Notably, the nanoparticles maintained physical stability even after 25 reuse cycles, with minimal metal leaching observed. While a slight decline in performance occurred over time, the treated discharge consistently met Malaysian regulatory standards, confirming the method’s reliability and environmental compatibility.
By integrating optimisation, performance evaluation and sustainability assessment, the study provides practical evidence that advanced nanomaterials can be applied in wastewater management without compromising safety or compliance.
Published in Separation and Purification Technology (SCOPUS Q1) by Elsevier, the research was conducted in collaboration with Cao DingDing from Guangdong Technology College, China, and Noor Atiqah Sharani, Alijah Mohd Aris, and Bee Chin Khor from Indah Water Konsortium Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia.
This publication is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production