Diponegoro University (UNDIP) students have once again achieved a proud achievement. The team led by Risqi Prastianto Setiawan (Physics study program of the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, class of 2022) with members Fitra Ari Aditya (Biology study program of the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, class of 2021) and Muhammad Is’ad Rozan (Environmental Engineering study program of the Faculty of Engineering, class of 2022) succeeded in getting the Winner Research Grant USD 3000. The grant is given as they won the Best Paper Award in the 2nd International Conference on Nature-Based Solution in Climate Change (RESILIENCE) 2023, which was held on Friday, November 24, 2023, at Grha Pertamina Jakarta.
Representing the team, Risqi Prastianto Setiawan said he was proud because he could make UNDIP proud on the international stage. “This result is not the end of the team’s effort. From here, we are motivated to continue to innovate to make the name of our alma mater proud and, of course, our parents,” said Risqi.
Risqi and his team brought innovative work regarding microalgae biofuel. Microalgae biofuel is an alternative energy source that can replace fossil fuels. The use of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles as a supplement can increase biomass growth and lipid content produced from the microalgae Chlorella sp., which will be converted into biofuel with a percentage of 52.9% and 42.9%.
“The research method used is direct laboratory scale with a series of methods in the form of microalgae cultivation, carbon absorption analysis, microalgae harvesting, lipid extraction, biofuel production by co-pyrolysis, post-use carbon output analysis, and economics,” explained Risqi.
“The results of this research show that the biomass growth of Chlorella sp. is faster, and the lipid content is thicker. The effectiveness value of Chlorella sp. in the formation of biofuels and the absorption of carbon emissions in the environment reached 87.0% and 63.4%,” he added.
This activity, organized by the Pertamina Foundation, Pertamina University and Pertamina, is an activity to channel ideas and research regarding nature-based solutions to climate change as well as the launch of the Pertamina Sobat Bumi 2023 independent energy village.
Furthermore, Risqi invited UNDIP’s young generation to remain focused and responsible for what has been started. “Make your initial enthusiasm continue to burn until we achieve the goals we have planned,” he concluded.
