A general view of Tasik Aman in Petaling Jaya. UM researchers are trying to find ways to address the microalgae problem there. — Filepic
Universiti Malaya (UM) researchers have invented an innovative device to trap the growing amount of waste that is fuelling algae in Tasik Aman, located in Taman Aman, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Constructed from nets and buoys and strategically anchored to poles along the banks, Sampah Snagger 002 acts as a barrier to trap floating debris on the lake.
UM Sustainable Development Centre (UMSDC) research officer Affan Nasaruddin said its primary objective was to combat the adverse effects of rubbish, especially plastics, on local aquatic ecosystems and public health.
He said the rubbish barrier, comprising 21 buoys strung together with metal wiring and netting, was installed at one of the lake’s inlets on July 24.
“It effectively traps floating debris, and is suitable to be installed at small streams and inlets of ponds and lakes.
“We were told by residents and visitors who frequently visit Tasik Aman that there is a lot of rubbish there,” he told StarMetro at the High Impact Research Building in UM.
The Sampah Snagger environmental initiative, under the Petaling Jaya Social, Environment and Economy Development (SEED) Fund, is an effort by Affan and his team of researchers as well as scientists from UM and Monash University Malaysia to enhance sustainable water systems and bolster ecosystem resilience in Klang Valley.
Affan (right) and his team deploying Sampah Snagger 002 at Tasik Aman in Petaling Jaya.
Project leaders UM Research Management Department social research officer Nuratiqah Mohamad Norpi and UM Centre for Civilisational Dialogue (UMCCD) research officer Chang Lee Wei secured the SEED grant, funded by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), last year.
With Sampah Snagger 002, Affan said they would be able to determine whether rubbish was coming from the drains or thrown into the lake.
“This is one of the methods to find the source of rubbish flowing into the lake,” he added.
A StarMetro report on May 24 highlighted the researchers’ collaboration on gathering data from Tasik Aman to find the reason for its decline, after microalgae invaded the 2ha lake.
Earlier this month, Affan said he was shocked to find what looked like a human hand floating in the lake.
“I thought it was a real hand, but it belonged to a doll.
“If we don’t remove the rubbish, it will break down and contribute to microplastics.
“Organic materials such as dry leaf will break down and increase the nutrients leading to algae bloom in the lake,” he said.
StarMetro report on May 24.
Sampah Snagger 002 follows successful implementation of a similar device, Sampah Snagger 001 at a UM stream where it has demonstrated its effectiveness in improving water quality.
The project was carried out by UM social enterprise Sekitar Kita with the assistance of 12 university students.
Affan said the team had updated MBPJ on its initiative.
“We told the city council not to collect rubbish at the lake because we need to analyse what is trapped in Sampah Snagger,” he added.
