JOHOR BAHRU, 24 Ogos – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has launched its own Mobile Laboratory capable of doing on-site water analysis.
The lab, manged by the Institute of Water Management and Environment (IPASA), was officially launched by the Pro-Chancellor, Tan Sri Dr. Salleh Mohd. Nor at the opening ceremony of the UTM 52nd Convocation Festival.
The overall set up cost for the mobile laboratory, inclusive of equipment, totaled approximately RM 500,000.00, fully funded by the UTM Endowment Fund.
IPASA Research Officer, Mohd Faiz Foze said that this Mobile Laboratory cabin is the first of its kind and is equipped with portable instruments such as UV Spectrophotometer variable that can detect heavy metals, anions and several physical properties of water including optical microscopy.
“The lab is also equipped with other tools that can detect biological oxygen for water quality testing.
“The main purpose of developing this mobile laboratory is to provide water quality monitoring, and quicker frequency of water pollution detection that sometimes requires faster service, “he said.
In addition to meeting public needs, the laboratory will also boost UTM’s research in the field.
“Some equipment such as Metalyzer can analyze the content of certain metals like arsenic, mercury and ion chromatography ,” he said.
A key feature to building the laboratory cabin is a polymer that has excellent thermal insulation and light weight. Neither nails nor screws were used in the construction.
This Mobile Laboratory is well suited for outdoor use. Power supply to generate electricity to power the cabin can be obtained using a generator set as an alternative to regular electricity.
The construction of this laboratory also has been approved by the relevant authorities such as the Department of Road Transport (JPJ).
Also at the launching ceremony were Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ir. Dr. Wahid Omar and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd. Azraai Kassim