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| The portrait of Dr. Ahmad Mubin, M.T., a University of Muhammadiyah Malang Lecturer. (Photo: Istimewa) |
Rapid industrial growth drives the economic growth of the community. Unfortunately, the social phenomenon not only has its positive side but also its adverse one: harming mankind and the Earth like a double-edged knife. The University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) Lecturer, Dr. Ahmad Mubin, M.T., said people’s life is inseparable from industrial influence. In fact, waste treatment will also negatively impact water quality, which is one of the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Clean Water and Sanitation.
“We are never inseparable from industries. All we use daily comes from the industrial sphere, such as our clothes, and the plants in our yard, which are industrial products,” said the Lecturer known as Mubin.
Continuing his explanation, human dependence on the industrialized world has produced much waste. Furthermore, many industries are built near residential areas. While in contrast, a factory should be ideally established in particular industrial sites because it will significantly benefit industry and society, including waste management.
“The presence of the industrial estate is advantageous because there can be built a wastewater distribution system that is directly integrated so that it can be immediately treated,” added the Lecturer.
An integrated liquid waste distribution system is considered effective in increasing waste management efficiency and minimizing environmental pollution, including water around industrial settlements. It aligns with Goal 6 of the SDGs: Clean Water and Sanitation. That way, the surrounding community will be safe in utilizing water.
“In treating liquid waste, industries must have at least a level-4 standardization, meaning water is safe for agricultural irrigation. Thus, the discharged waste will not pollute (the environment),” added Mubin.
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Besides the drainage system, the Industrial Engineering Lecturer also said that industries need to have an exceptional information system related to the waste produced. "Sometimes, industrial actors are idle to think about processing their waste. Even though many wastes from one industrial sector are actually needed by other sectors as raw materials. For example, shrimp shells, which are waste from the food and beverage industry, are a blessing for the pharmaceutical industry. It can be utilized to produce various medicines," said the Gresik man.
He also advised stakeholders to participate, care, and consider this concern, not limited to policymakers, like the government. However, each company must also understand waste management. They are the ones who can determine whether the industry's influence on society and the environment is positive or negative.
“Self-awareness is the main driving factor. If every individual is aware, his/her synergy is possible to realize,” concluded the Industrial Engineering Lecturer. (imh/hil/sil/wil)
