IWK produces ‘Black Soldiers” as it ramps up efforts in circular economy

 

The reuse of biosolids to produce a valuable and sustainable nutrient source is certainly a game changer for IWK as they continue to strengthen its green initiatives.

PETALING JAYA: With sustainability and the move towards a zero-waste planet becoming more imperative today, circular economy has been gaining traction on the forefront of initiatives and efforts that companies can look into.

As such, the national wastewater company, Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd has a holistic practice in intensifying its waste-to-wealth initiative as it progresses beyond conventional sewerage services.

This is because the company aspires to adopt circular economy principles through the reuse of its by-products, namely bioeffluents, biosolids and biogas.

In its resource recovery journey, IWK has not only embarked on a water reclamation initiative whereby wastewater treated from its plant would undergo further treatment to be used for non-potable purposes, but IWK also began investing its efforts by collaborating with a local company, Menum Industries Sdn Bhd to pioneer the biosolids recycling initiative for the production of Black Soldier Fly Larvae.

Biosolids or ‘sewage sludge’ are primarily organic solid products that are produced from wastewater treatment processes.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae, grown on feedstock of these biosolids mixed with other organic waste, can be harvested to produce a full-fat protein meal; a sought-after feed meal for aquaculture industries.

The larvae consume the mixture of IWK biosolids and other organic materials, and bio-converts it into its body tissue which contains 40% protein and 30% fat. It takes about 20 days from egg to larvae stage, in which it can be harvested and processed into animal feed, while its droppings (frass) can be used as high-quality organic fertiliser.

Last month, IWK signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Menum Industries to pioneer a biosolids recycling initiative for the production of Black Soldier Fly Larvae. Through this collaboration, IWK seeks to reuse treated biosolids as feed to Black Soldier Fly Larvae to produce a full-fat protein meal and reduce the disposal of biosolids to landfill.

Menum Industries has the technical know-how and facilities to produce these Black Soldier Fly Larvae that feed on a mixture containing IWK’s biosolids.

In a media statement recently, IWK’s chief executive officer, Narendran Maniam said its Regional Sewage Treatment Plants (RSTPs) across Klang Valley generate approximately 200 tonnes of biosolids per day which are currently disposed of to landfills.

“In line with IWK’s aspiration towards circular economy, the company embarked on this partnership with hopes to manage the biosolids produced in a sustainable manner. The partnership will pave the way forward as we continue to seek innovative measures to ensure our processes and downstream by-products are managed in a sustainable manner. The reuse of biosolids to produce a valuable and sustainable nutrient source is certainly a game changer for us as we continue to strengthen our green initiatives,” he said.

Narendran added, the initiative is also in line with the Green Technology Master Plan (GTMP) target, which is to achieve 100% recycling of biosolids by 2030.

Entrusted with the mandate of developing and maintaining a modern and efficient sewerage system for the nation, IWK holds a mission-critical role in ensuring Malaysians today and in the future get to enjoy a clean and healthy environment through the quality of water it discharges through its treatment plants. - FMT