BALIKPAPAN – Two students from Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK), Diana Islamiati from the Ocean Engineering Study Program, class of 2024, and Angelika Putri Fadilla from the Physics Study Program, class of 2024, have proposed a futuristic idea in marine technology through the concept of S.M.A.R.T. BARRIER (Sistem Mandiri Adaptif Reduksi Sampah Terpadu / Adaptive Independent Integrated Waste Reduction System).

Under the supervision of Nurmawati, S.Kel., M.Si., the two students developed a conceptual floating waste-cleaning system that integrates marine technology, renewable energy, the Internet of Things (IoT), and aquatic biota protection. The idea was presented in a scientific paper entitled S.M.A.R.T. BARRIER: An Adaptive Independent Integrated Waste Reduction System Based on IoT and Renewable Energy for Borneo Waters.

S.M.A.R.T. BARRIER is designed as a floating platform capable of directing and collecting waste before it spreads further into the sea. The system integrates a trash boom, a low-velocity inlet, preliminary waste sorting, hybrid renewable energy, IoT-based monitoring, and a Multi-Layer Biota Protection system.

The idea was developed in response to the accumulation of floating waste in coastal and estuarine areas, which not only reduces environmental quality but also poses risks to aquatic organisms. S.M.A.R.T. BARRIER is intended for relatively sheltered waters such as river estuaries, docks, port canals, and mangrove areas across Borneo, allowing floating waste to be intercepted before reaching the open sea or breaking down into microplastics.

One of the key features of the concept is that it does not focus solely on waste removal. Diana and Angelika have also incorporated ecosystem protection into the system’s design. The biota protection system consists of four layers: a physical barrier, a flow-reduction zone, a passive escape route, and cut-off and bypass sensors. When aquatic organisms are detected, the system is conceptually designed to stop the pump and open a bypass route to reduce the risk of organisms being drawn into the waste collection mechanism.

IoT technology also plays an important role in the design. Through sensors and a monitoring system, the platform is intended to enable more adaptive monitoring of its operating conditions. Its energy requirements are planned to be supplied by renewable sources. The primary configuration combines solar and current energy, while a solar-wave energy combination is considered as an alternative depending on the characteristics of the deployment site.

Based on preliminary engineering analysis, the S.M.A.R.T. BARRIER inlet is designed with dimensions of 0.60 × 0.25 metres, with a nominal flow rate of approximately 108 cubic metres per hour. In theory, this capacity is intended to intercept approximately 10–40 kilograms of floating waste per day within the target area. The design also incorporates a 24 V 300 Ah battery and four pontoons as part of its buoyancy system.

The innovation of S.M.A.R.T. BARRIER lies in the integration of multiple functions within a single platform. Waste collection, preliminary sorting, renewable energy, IoT-based monitoring, and biota protection are designed to operate as an interconnected system rather than as separate components.

Despite its futuristic technological approach, the concept is still at the preliminary design stage. The work is based on a conceptual literature study and preliminary engineering analysis and has not yet been developed into an operational device. Its waste collection effectiveness, platform stability, energy autonomy, and safety for aquatic organisms will therefore require further validation through simulation, prototype development, and field testing.

Through S.M.A.R.T. BARRIER, Diana and Angelika demonstrate how interdisciplinary student collaboration can address coastal environmental challenges from both technological and ecological perspectives. In the future, the concept has the potential to serve as a foundation for developing a more adaptive and self-sustaining water-cleaning technology while maintaining the sustainability of coastal ecosystems.