BRIN Proposes Nuclear Technology to Tackle Air Pollution

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Research and Innovation Agency or BRIN proposed a solution to overcome air pollution by using nuclear technology. "Nuclear technology is magnificent. With this refined technology, we hope to shed light on air pollution issues,” said BRIN Research Professor Muhayatun Santoso on Saturday, August 10, 2024, as reported by the BRIN website.

The discovery was presented by Muhayatun at the Nuclear Talk Series event, themed "Nuclear Analysis Techniques for Air Pollutants", as part of the 2024 Indonesia Research and Innovation (InaRI Expo) activities. 

She explained that nuclear technology can be a solution to overcome air pollution by characterizing hazardous particles in the air. Air pollution, she said, can be attributed to many different sources, including human activities and nature.

Natural air pollution is derived from the amount of volcanoes in Indonesia and the country’s fire-prone nature. On the other hand, human activities such as transportation and industry also contribute a great deal to air pollution.

"We cannot equate air quality from city to city considering the activities within each one are different,” she said.

How nuclear technology works as a solution to overcome air pollution

Muhayatun said there are already 17 locations of air pollution monitoring devices spread across several provinces and major cities in Indonesia. The air monitoring sensors provide air concentration data which consists of different particles. The proposed nuclear technique by BRIN will analyze this data to detect hazardous particles. 

"Because the particles are microscopic, it requires state-of-the-art technology. Releasing nuclear energy, whether gamma, X-ray, or protons, will detect all the particles. Since the test is non-destructive, the particles are all intact,” she said.

Furthermore, this technology can provide comprehensive information that allows policymakers to draft the proper policy for each region. Hopefully, she said, Indonesia can utilize nuclear technology to help solve the issue of air pollution 

Muhayatun said that BRIN has partnered with various countries with advanced technology to conduct air pollution research. In Asia Pacific, BRIN collaborates with 22 countries and is included in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"Where we are given the opportunity to use sophisticated facilities in Italy, New Zealand, and Australia," she said.

HENDRIK KHOIRUL MUHID

Editor’s Choice: Greenpeace Questions Jokowi's Claims on 'Very Fresh' Air Quality in New Capital     

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News