Chitosan-Based Water Purification: Harnessing Indonesian Shrimp Shell Waste for Sustainable Water Management

Natasha Sebastian Haryanto; Norbertus Krisnu Prabowo

doi:10.58445/rars.2455

##article.authors##

Natasha Sebastian Haryanto Penabur Junior College Kelapa Gading
Norbertus Krisnu Prabowo Department of Chemistry Education, State University of Jakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.2455

Keywords:

STEM, Wastewater Treatment, Chitosan, Eco-friendly, Adsorbent, Sustainability

Abstract

In Indonesia, both urban and rural residents face a critical problem with water contamination. With rising levels of wastewater from domestic and industrial sources- particularly in developing countries like Indonesia- there is an urgent need to develop economical and sustainable methods of filtration. As one of the world’s largest shrimp producers, Indonesia generates a significant amount of shrimp shell waste. Within this waste is chitin, a material that can be derived into a biopolymer known as chitosan. This byproduct has emerged as a popular, eco-friendly water filter for its biodegradability, non-toxicity, and availability. With this high supply industry, chitosan can be upcycled from waste streams into valuable water purifiers. This review identifies chitosan's efficiency in eliminating pollutants, with extensive heavy metal removal (Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺), its natural flocculating and antimicrobial properties. Phosphates and nitrates are also removed by chitosan-modified membranes, preventing agricultural runoff. However, limitations such as mechanical instability, pH-dependent efficiency, and high processing costs hinder large-scale application. Given its abundant supply in Indonesia, chitosan can be utilized to develop scalable water treatment solutions for pollution problems. This review addresses its applications, limitations, and policy recommendations for sustainable water management.

Author Biography

Natasha Sebastian Haryanto, Penabur Junior College Kelapa Gading

Natasha Sebastian Haryanto is a motivated student at Penabur Junior College Kelapa Gading with a strong interest in optimizing systems, enhancing efficiency, and solving sustainability problems with Industrial Systems Engineering. She aims to contribute to innovative and eco-friendly solutions that drive operational success.

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