Balikpapan — Catfish farming wastewater, which has the potential to pollute the environment, is now being transformed into Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) through an appropriate technology innovation developed under the Community Service Program of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) in Karang Joang, North Balikpapan.

Conducted during 2025–2026, the program was initiated to address the issue of wastewater from catfish farming, which is often discharged directly into the environment. The waste, originating from leftover feed, fish feces, and metabolic processes, still contains nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) that can potentially be utilized as raw materials for POC.

The program was carried out by a team of ITK lecturers and students using a simple fermentation technology that can be easily implemented with materials available in the surrounding community. The activity began with field observations to assess catfish farming conditions, existing waste management practices, and the potential for waste utilization.

The observations showed that most wastewater was still discharged without treatment, while the community was not yet fully aware of its nutritional potential. The team then provided education on the environmental impacts of catfish farming waste, the benefits and nutrient content of POC, and the application of the circular economy concept by transforming waste into a useful product.

Hands-On Training to Produce Liquid Organic Fertilizer

Following the educational session, community members participated in demonstrations and hands-on training to produce POC. The materials included catfish farming wastewater, EM4 as a microbial activator, molasses or brown sugar as an energy source, and a sealed fermentation container.

The materials were mixed according to the specified composition and fermented for approximately 10–14 days. Participants also received guidance on identifying successful fermentation, storing the fertilizer, and applying it to various types of plants.

The community showed enthusiasm through discussions and question-and-answer sessions. Participants not only learned how to produce POC but also explored opportunities to develop it as an alternative fertilizer and a potential future business product.

Turning Waste into Benefits

The program demonstrated an improvement in the community’s knowledge and skills in managing catfish farming waste. Waste that was previously viewed simply as a disposal problem is now being recognized as a resource with potential value.

Transforming the waste into POC is expected to reduce environmental pollution, decrease dependence on chemical fertilizers, and improve agricultural cost efficiency. At the same time, the program introduces the circular economy concept by transforming waste into useful products with potential economic value.

Through collaboration between lecturers and students, the program is expected to serve as an initial step toward establishing a more environmentally friendly, self-reliant, and sustainable catfish farming waste management system in Karang Joang.