6.3 – Wastewater treatment

6.3.2 – Preventing water system pollution

Processes to prevent polluted water entering the water system, including pollution caused by accidents and incidents at the university. At UKM, the prevention of water system pollution is a top priority, reflecting our commitment to environmental sustainability and public health. The university employs a comprehensive approach that includes regular monitoring and assessment of water quality, advanced wastewater treatment systems and sustainable stormwater management practices. Through educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns, we engage our community in understanding the importance of water conservation and pollution prevention. Our policies emphasize responsible waste management and collaboration with local authorities to protect our precious water resources. By implementing green infrastructure and promoting sustainable landscaping practices, UKM strives to minimize the impact of campus activities on the surrounding ecosystem. Together, we are dedicated to ensuring that our campus remains a safe and healthy environment, safeguarding water quality for future generations.

Water Pollution Control in Campus Area

UKM is committed to ensuring effective water pollution control on campus through a comprehensive set of policies and regular monitoring programs. These initiatives align with both national regulations and UKM  internal sustainability goals, ensuring that water quality on campus is consistently maintained at high standards. The Infrastructure Development Department (JPP) at UKM is responsible for ensuring that all water management activities on campus align with these regulations, supporting a clean and safe campus environment.

1. Environmental Quality Act 1974 – Act 127

UKM fully adheres to Malaysia Environmental Quality Act 1974 – Act 127 to prevent water pollution on campus, in line with standards set by the Department of Environment (Environmental-Quality-Act-1974). The university actively complies with key sections of this act, including:

Section 25: Restrictions on Pollution of Inland Waters
UKM actively controls water pollution in compliance with Section 25 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127) by implementing stringent measures that prevent unauthorized discharges into inland waters. The university ensures that any wastewater discharge occurs under proper licenses issued by the Department of Environment (DOE), with advanced treatment systems such as oxidation ponds and aeration tanks in place to meet regulatory standards. UKM prevents waste from entering water bodies by utilizing physical barriers, proper waste storage, and regular monitoring of effluent quality, including temperature regulation to maintain prescribed limits. Regular audits, public education campaigns, and staff training on environmental laws further enhance compliance, while established emergency response protocols ensure swift action in case of pollution incidents. Through these comprehensive strategies, UKM demonstrates its commitment to protecting water quality and promoting environmental sustainability within the campus community.

Section 27: Prohibition of Discharge of Oil into Malaysian Waters
UKM prohibits any discharge or spillage of oil or oil mixtures into Malaysian waters unless authorized by a license from the DOE. This includes conducting thorough assessments and obtaining necessary permits before any oil-related activities that may involve potential discharges. The university maintains stringent monitoring protocols to ensure that no oil pollutants enter water bodies on campus, employing spill containment measures and response plans to address any accidental spills immediately. Regular inspections and audits are conducted to assess compliance with regulatory requirements and to ensure that all facilities that handle oil are equipped with appropriate safeguards, such as secondary containment systems and spill response kits. Additionally, UKM promotes awareness and training among staff and students regarding the importance of preventing oil pollution and the legal implications of non-compliance with Section 27. Through these proactive strategies, UKM demonstrates its commitment to protecting water quality and preventing oil pollution in accordance with environmental regulations.

Section 29: Prohibition of Discharge of Wastes into Malaysian Waters
UKM strictly prohibits any discharge of waste into Malaysian waters unless authorized by a license issued by the DOE, aligning with subsection (1) of Section 29. This includes all forms of waste, such as liquid effluents from industrial and laboratory processes. The university employs advanced wastewater treatment systems to treat all sewage and industrial waste to meet the acceptable conditions specified in Section 21 before any discharge. Regular monitoring and sampling of wastewater are conducted to ensure compliance with regulatory limits, and the results are documented and reported to relevant authorities. UKM also emphasizes training and awareness programs for staff and students about the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and the potential consequences of non-compliance, including fines and imprisonment as outlined in subsection (2). Furthermore, UKM is proactive in engaging with local environmental authorities and stakeholders to ensure that any materials or equipment used on campus comply with safety and environmental standards. By promoting best practices in waste management and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, UKM demonstrates its commitment to protecting water quality and preventing pollution in accordance with Section 29 of the Act.

2. In-house Policy on Water Source Management in UKM Bangi Campus Physical Development Master Plan 2007 – 2020

Based on the figure below, UKM also has an internal policy that is stated in UKM Bangi Campus Physical Development Master Plan 2007-2020 that focuses on water source management, in which the water source in the campus must be preserved so that the campus water supply is continuous, sufficient and of good quality for use by all campus residents. UKM has implemented rainwater harvesting facilities, gray water and black water separation systems, automatic tap tubs and toilets with half and full pumping systems to control the quality of water resources in the campus so that it is maintained.

In addition, UKM has published the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030, which is built on five sustainability pillars, (i) governance and management; (ii) teaching and learning; (iii) research and innovation; (iv) sustainable campus; and (v) university community well-being. Under the sustainable campus pillar, UKM focuses on optimizing water usage and reducing pollution rates by implementing regular monitoring and quality control measures for the campus water supply system. Based on the diagram below, this pillar also emphasizes the development of policies on responsible water usage and conservation, further reinforcing UKM commitment to sustainable water management and pollution prevention.

3. Water Analysis and Research Center (ALIR) UKM

The Water Analysis and Research Center (ALIR) at UKM provides high-quality water analysis services to support water research, particularly for UKM environmental monitoring and public health initiatives. ALIR specializes in water quality assessment and analysis, guided by the MS ISO 17025:2017 Accreditation Certificate as shown in the diagram below, which it has held since 2015. This certification underscores ALIR’s commitment to reliable and efficient water research. Through its state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, ALIR analyzes a comprehensive list of water quality parameters, supporting UKM dedication to sustainable water resource management and pollution control.

ALIR is organized into three core divisions, (i) training; (ii) research; and (iv) laboratory testing as shown in the diagram below, each staffed by experts in water chemistry, environmental health, and water treatment. ALIR is dedicated to comprehensive water quality analysis across the university, including the critical monitoring of Alur Ilmu. As UKM central hub for water quality assessment, ALIR ensures that water resources meet high standards, supporting UKM commitment to environmental health and sustainability.

UKM water quality research and analysis emphasizes solutions to safeguard and improve water resources across UKM and Malaysia, recognizing the crucial role of clean water in public health, environmental sustainability and economic growth. One key focus is Alur Ilmu, also known as The Heart of UKM—a large stormwater channel that functions as a holding basin for water before it enters the Langat River. Alur Ilmu serves as an important buffer, allowing for the detection and management of contaminants before they impact the Langat River ecosystem.

Commitment to Research and Innovation
UKM research initiatives on water quality reflect its commitment to addressing environmental challenges. For instance, numerous published studies on Alur Ilmu as shown in the diagram below, investigate essential topics like water quality, stormwater management and pollutant load concentrations, contributing to solutions for sustainable water management.

Research detail on the water quality at UKM can be access in the link below

1. https://shorturl.at/X042F
2. http://mjas.analis.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Haslinur.pdf
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339549107_Penilaian_indeks_kualiti_air_Alur_Ilmu_UKM_sub-lembangan_Sungai_Langat
4. https://journalarticle.ukm.my/11409/
5. https://tinyurl.com/alurilmu
6. https://journalarticle.ukm.my/15520/
7. https://journalarticle.ukm.my/11409/1/16271-45588-1-PB.pdf
8. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-017-0079-y

UKM takes proactive steps to prevent water pollution across its campus, implementing a variety of pollution control measures, as shown in Table 1. This approach reflects UKM dedication to maintaining water quality and environmental integrity in daily operations.

Key Water Control Equipment and Practices:

• Polypropylene Dilution Recovery Traps (PDRT): Installed beneath each laboratory sink, these traps neutralize acids through dilution, enhancing lab safety and reducing environmental risk.
  
• Grease Traps in Cafeterias: To prevent contamination, grease traps are installed in all UKM cafeterias. These traps separate fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater, ensuring only clean water flows out while capturing solid waste.
  
• Sewage Treatment Plants (STP): UKM operates a robust centralized wastewater treatment system with 27 STP stations across campus, each using advanced mechanical systems like the Extended Aeration System, Imhoff Tank Pump System, and Hybrid Septic Tank System. Effluent is tested every six months to meet Malaysian Local Authority standards for safe release, ensuring all treated water complies with acceptable conditions for sewage discharge (Standards A and B).
  
• Alur Ilmu: Known as The Heart of UKM, this large stormwater channel acts as a buffer, collecting and treating stormwater before it flows into the Langat River. Studies on Alur Ilmu focus on water quality indices, stormwater management, sediment control and pollutant concentrations, underscoring UKM commitment to the channel’s maintenance and its role in campus sustainability.

Table 1: List of water pollution control practices in UKM Bangi.

No	Water Control Equipment and Practices	Uses
1	Polypropylene Dilution Recovery Traps (PDRT)	Polypropylene Dilution Recovery Traps are installed under each sink in the laboratories at UKM. These underbench installations are crucial because the process of dilution renders acids less harmful, making the laboratory environment safer.
2	Oil and Grease trap at Cafe	Grease traps are installed in every cafeteria at UKM to prevent water pollution. A grease trap separates different layers of waste with water which FOG (fats, oils, and grease) rises to the top, while water remains at the bottom along with solid food debris.
3	Sewage Treatment Plant at UKM	UKM implements a centralized wastewater treatment system. There are six different types of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) stations in 27 different locations in UKM that are powered by mechanical pump systems: Pump Transit Station, Oxidation Catchment Pond System, Extended Aeration System, Hi-Kleen Tank System, Imhoff Tank Pump System, and Hybrid Septic Tank System. When the treatment process at UKM is complete, the STP Extended Aeration Station, Oxidation Pool, Hi Kleen Tank System, and Imhoff Tank Pump System produce effluent. This effluent is only released into the closest waters through drains and creeks once it satisfies the standards established by the Local Authorities (PBT). To determine if the quality of the effluent produced meets the acceptable conditions for sewage discharge of standards A and B, a data reading analysis test of the effluent sample of each STP station is conducted every six months at a laboratory accredited by the Malaysian Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAMM).
4	Alur Ilmu	Alur Ilmu, also known as The Heart of UKM, is a large stormwater channel that serves to store water before it is released into the Langat River. This serves as a buffer zone to detect the continent before it reaches the Langat River.  Numerous studies are  conducted on Alur Ilmu, focusing on aspects such as water quality index, stormwater management, soil erosion and sediment issues, and pollutant load concentrations. This demonstrates UKM commitment to ensuring that Alur Ilmu is well-maintained, contributing to the sustainability of the UKM campus.

At UKM Bangi, sewage treatment is essential for water pollution control, effectively managing wastewater before it is safely released into the environment. By implementing proper treatment processes, UKM protects water quality, public health and local ecosystems. The campus operates 27 sewage treatment plants (STPs), each designed to treat wastewater to meet environmental standards before discharge into natural water bodies. Figure below provides a map of these STP locations, covering all catchment areas within UKM Bangi to ensure comprehensive water quality management.