The palm oil industry is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy, but it also presents a significant environmental challenge in the form of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). Traditionally, the discharge of untreated POME into the environment has posed serious risks. The effluent, rich in organic carbon and nutrients, impacts soil pH—a critical factor for plant nutrient availability.
The introduction of POME into the soil can result in the leaching of heavy metals and other harmful physico-chemical properties. POME also raises levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other elements, altering the soil’s composition and potentially degrading its health.
As the world’s second-largest palm oil producer, Malaysia generates an estimated 50 to 75 million cubic meters of POME annually. Addressing this environmental issue is critical to safeguarding the country’s ecosystem and agricultural sustainability.
RT-ECO Technology: A Sustainable Solution
Meru Jaya’s RT-ECO technology is designed to tackle the challenges of POME treatment in a revolutionary way. This advanced plug-and-play system, using hybrid electro-chemical processes, eliminates the need for large effluent ponds and minimises environmental damage. Unlike conventional methods, which require extensive land and civil structures, the RT-ECO system is compact, modular, and scalable, utilizing only a quarter of the space required by traditional treatment systems.
RT-ECO combines electro-coagulation and electro-oxidation processes to efficiently treat the organic and inorganic contaminants present in POME. Through these processes, pollutants are coagulated and oxidised, turning harmful substances such as sulfides, ammonia compounds, and mercaptans into harmless byproducts like carbon dioxide, water, nitrogen, and simple salts. These pollutants, including pathogens, are effectively removed, leaving behind clean water and organic solids, which can be reused in a variety of ways such as animal feed, fertiliser, or for landfill purposes.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the effluent treatment technology will offer sustainable solutions to our palm oil industry and make it more appealing to the global market as importing countries are examining the way we manage our waste. He said this after visiting the demo plant in Banting, Selangor in September.
Minimising Environmental Impact
This technology not only addresses the immediate environmental threats posed by untreated POME but also actively contributes to sustainable practices. The treated wastewater can be reused within palm oil mills, reducing the need for fresh water. The system is chemical-free, microbe-free, and odour-free, making it exceptionally eco-friendly. Furthermore, it operates within a broad temperature range (10-49°C) and generates minimal sludge, further reducing its environmental footprint.
Driving Green Innovation
Meru Jaya’s RT-ECO system goes beyond simply treating waste; it supports a waste-to-wealth philosophy by turning byproducts into valuable resources. In addition to producing reusable water and organic solids, the system enables companies to achieve carbon credits and access green bonds, allowing them to align with global sustainability goals. The compact, IoT-integrated system also ensures real-time monitoring, reducing the need for human oversight and offering enhanced operational efficiency.
“The technology supports several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), among others,” explained Meru Jaya Solution’s Director for Technical and Business Development, Datuk Ir. K. Thanarajah, who has over 30 years of experience in civil engineering.
He also expressed his satisfaction in contributing to these goals at a time when environmental degradation is at its peak, stressing that adopting sustainable technologies is no longer just an option but a necessity for securing a viable future for coming generations.
Elevating the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Standard
Adopting the RT-ECO technology will not only enhance sustainability practices but will also further elevate the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standard. By integrating this advanced, eco-friendly system, palm oil producers can demonstrate a stronger commitment to environmentally responsible practices. This is especially important as the MSPO certification increasingly emphasises waste management, environmental preservation, and the reduction of carbon footprints.
RT-ECO’s efficient POME treatment, along with its contributions to circular economy practices, will help Malaysian palm oil producers meet and exceed the stringent sustainability benchmarks required for MSPO certification. This will not only improve the sector’s international reputation but also enhance market access and competitiveness on the global stage.
Towards a Greener Palm Oil Industry
With Malaysia producing millions of cubic meters of POME each year, the need for efficient and sustainable treatment methods has never been greater. Meru Jaya’s RT-ECO technology offers a breakthrough solution that aligns with Malaysia’s environmental and economic goals. By reducing pollution, conserving land, and contributing to the green economy, RT-ECO is leading the way toward a more sustainable future for the palm oil industry.
This innovative system not only addresses the pressing issue of POME treatment but also opens new opportunities in fields like green hydrogen production, reinforcing the palm oil sector’s commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices.
The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Meru Jaya POME Solutions in October where the MPOB will provide consultancy services on technical evaluation of the RT-ECO technology at the demo plant in Banting.
