Student Research Reports

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Heavy metal contamination in natural water sources is a critical environmental disaster that severely impacts ecosystems and human health. This issue is particularly prevalent in areas with industrial and manufacturing activities, such as Krajood (Lepironia articulata L.) dyeing, which utilizes chemicals containing lead (Pb) and sulfite (SO₃²⁻). Without proper treatment, these pollutants accumulate in water sources, degrading ecosystems and posing health risks to local communities. The situation worsens during natural disasters such as floods and industrial spills, which can further spread heavy metal contamination into drinking water sources. This research focuses on developing "Electro-Purify," a portable heavy metal treatment system utilizing Electrocoagulation (EC)—a technology that accelerates the coagulation and precipitation of metal contaminants using electrical currents. The system is designed to be compact, user-friendly, and operable via battery or solar power, ensuring practical deployment in disaster-affected and off-grid areas. The study evaluated the system's efficiency under different voltage conditions (10V, 15V, and 20V) using aluminum and copper electrodes to induce electrochemical reactions. The results demonstrated that Electrocoagulation successfully removed up to 95% of Pb and 90% of SO₃²⁻, while also reducing turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) by over 80%, significantly improving water quality. The Electro-Purify system has strong potential for real-world applications in community-based wastewater management and disaster response efforts. Additionally, integrating automated control systems and real-time electrode maintenance alerts could further enhance its efficiency and long-term usability.