UPMâ€™s Chemist Shares His Microplastics Research Experience At USK, Aceh.

» NEWS » UPMâ€™s Chemist Shares his Microplastics Research Experience at USK, Aceh.

UPMâ€™s Chemist Shares his Microplastics Research Experience at USK, Aceh.

Prepared by: Dr. Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap AMRSC, FSSM |

Banda Aceh, 12-14 August 2024 - The Doctor of Engineering Science Program (DIT) of the Syiah Kuala University Graduate School (USK) held a public lecture entitled "The Role of Spectroscopists in Microplastic Research" at the Mini Theater Room of the USK Postgraduate School Building on Monday, August 12, 2024. With him, two students from The University of Bonn, Germany and the University of Manchester, United Kingdom were also present with the UPM team. Public Lecture participants consist of Doctoral Lecturers in Engineering, Chemical Engineering, FMIPA, as well as Masters and Doctoral Students from USK Postgraduate Schools and outside USK.

Dr. Rashidi explained that Infra-Red Spectroscopy or better known as IR Spectroscopy is an analytical technique that can be used to determine the type of polymer or parameters of a material either qualitatively or quantitatively.

The activity was inaugurated by the Head of the DIT Study Program, Prof. Husni Husin. In his speech, Prof Husni expressed his appreciation to the students and lecturers who attended the ceremony. According to him, microplastic waste has become a hot topic for experts to talk about, this is because it is difficult to decompose in the soil, due to its long carbon chain, eventually being carried to the sea and affecting marine life. Therefore, he believes this opportunity should not be wasted by USK students and lecturers.

Figure 1. General Lecture Activities

In addition to the general lecture, this activity continued with Microplastic Sampling Techniques in several locations on the coast of Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar, jointly conducted by Doctors of Engineering, Chemical Engineering and students from the University of Bonn, Germany and the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. This activity aims to increase students' understanding of microplastic sampling techniques.

Figure 2. Microplastic sampling activity

It is hoped that the continuation of this activity will form collaboration in the field of research and publication together with the Doctor of Engineering lecturers at the USK Postgraduate School, Joint Supervision, and Examination of Examiners for Doctoral Program students.

Meanwhile, Post Graduate Director, Prof. Dr. Hizir Sofyan in his speech also expressed his appreciation for the implementation of this activity. He hopes that USK can establish further cooperation, involving the Graduate Studies Center, which will end with the closing of the Guest Lecture Activity.