Malang — Students from the Environmental Engineering Study Program at Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) took part in an International Guest Lecture Series on Thursday, 12 February 2026, focusing on “Landfill Leachate Treatment: From Pollution Control to Nutrient Recovery.” The session provided valuable insights into integrated waste treatment technologies and the evolving concept of resource recovery.
The lecture featured Dr. Mohamad S. J. Darwish from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), whose participation reflects UM’s growing international academic collaboration. The session was designed to broaden students’ understanding of landfill leachate treatment, shifting the perspective from conventional pollution control toward sustainable resource utilisation.
In his presentation, Dr. Darwish explained the characteristics of landfill leachate and its environmental risks, as well as the range of technologies used to treat it, including biological, chemical, and membrane-based processes. He emphasised that modern waste management approaches no longer focus solely on reducing pollutants, but also on recovering valuable nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus for potential reuse.
The lecture also outlined key stages in leachate treatment, from initial characterisation and method selection to the integration of multiple treatment technologies for optimal results. This structured approach helped students understand how different processes work together within a sustainable waste management system.
A key theme of the session was the shift in paradigm—from waste treatment as pollution mitigation to waste management as resource recovery. Students were encouraged to view leachate not merely as a by-product of waste, but as a potential source of value that can support innovations such as fertiliser production.
The session was complemented by an interactive discussion, where students raised questions on real-world challenges, including implementation feasibility, operational costs, and opportunities for research development in Indonesia. The discussion further enriched participants’ perspectives and encouraged critical thinking in addressing environmental issues.
This activity supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by enhancing students’ academic capacity and awareness of sustainable waste management practices.
Through initiatives like the International Guest Lecture Series, the Environmental Engineering Study Program at Universitas Negeri Malang continues to strengthen students’ global perspectives and analytical skills. The programme reflects the university’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, expanding international networks, and contributing to sustainable environmental solutions.
Source: Universitas Negeri Malang Sustainability Website
https://sustainability.um.ac.id/index.php/2026/03/02/international-guest-lecture-series-of-environmental-engineering-on-landfill-leachate-treatment-from-pollution-control-to-nutrient-recovery/
Adapted and refined by Office of International Affairs, Universitas Negeri Malang.
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