Responsible research and industry-academia partnership to enhance indigenous green technologies

• Main Author: Al-Khatib, Ma'an Fahmi Rashid
• Format: Proceeding Paper
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: T175 Industrial research. Research and development; TD201 Water supply for domestic and industrial purposes
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/93529/1/93529_Responsible%20research%20and%20industry-academia%20partnership.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/93529/2/Tentative%20Programmes.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/93529/

The unsustainable use of resources and technology under the traditional economic model -despite the growth achieved- has led to environmental degradation and climate change. These effects have had a negative impact on several sectors, including water. Unsustainable water consumption, as well as the degradation of limited water sources, have been a major challenge that has threatened water resources while promoting the use of green technology that is more environmentally friendly towards a better and prosperous future. Green technology comprises technology for both production and consumption. It involves among others, technologies to monitor and assess, prevent, and control pollution, remediate, and restore. It could be used as an alternative or complement to the technology currently in use. For instance, in water treatment chemical coagulants are widely used despite the side effects in terms of health and large volume of sludge produced. Further, for wastewater, fats, oil and grease (FOG) is an ever-growing concern to municipalities and solid-waste facility operators. It is causing blockage of sewer pipes and disruption to wastewater treatment plants operations. Chemical coagulants could be replaced with natural coagulants which are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Bioremediation as a proven treatment method is a possible means to address FOG issue. Although the effectiveness of these technologies has been proven by research, however, it has not been taken to a commercialisation stage. For such indigenous green technologies to become reality, besides implementing responsible research at the academic institutions, effective partnership between industry and academia is critical. It is essential to communicate these needs policy makers and industry as well as the public.