Yogyakarta, April 21, 2026 – An environmentally friendly innovation has been successfully developed by Yogyakarta State University (UNY). Through a community service program led by Dr. Laila Katriani, S.Si., M.Si., together with a team from the Physics Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), UNY, a bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi)-based bioadsorbent was developed with the potential to reduce ammonia gas emissions from poultry farm waste. The program was carried out in Ngentakrejo Village, Lendah District, Kulon Progo Regency, where the majority of residents work as poultry farmers. Ammonia gas is one of the most common air pollutants found in poultry farming environments. High ammonia concentrations can cause unpleasant odors, reduce air quality, and negatively affect both livestock health and the surrounding environment. In response to this issue, the community service team utilized bilimbi fruit as a natural material containing active compounds that can be developed into a bioadsorbent. In this project, bilimbi extract was processed into granular bioadsorbents. Characterization was conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The characterization results showed that the bioadsorbent contains active functional groups capable of interacting with ammonia gas, thereby enhancing the adsorption process. Testing was carried out in two stages: laboratory-scale experiments and direct field testing in poultry houses owned by partner farmers. Laboratory results demonstrated that the bioadsorbent gradually reduced ammonia concentrations compared to treatments without bioadsorbents. Meanwhile, during a seven-day field test, the bioadsorbent reduced ammonia concentrations by up to 91.3% at one observation point and achieved 0 ppm at another.

Figure 1. Implementation of the Community Service Program

According to the research team, the bioadsorbent’s ability to reduce ammonia levels originates from the interaction between the active functional groups present in bilimbi and ammonia molecules. Furthermore, the granular form of the bioadsorbent promotes more effective contact between the adsorbent and ammonia gas, thereby enhancing the adsorption process. "We hope that this bilimbi-based bioadsorbent can serve as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to help farmers reduce ammonia emissions while improving the environmental quality of poultry houses," said Dr. Laila Katriani, S.Si., M.Si., the head of the community service team.

Figure 2. Presentation of Educational Materials to Community Partners

The results of this program demonstrate that bilimbi has value not only as a food crop but also as a potential eco-friendly material for supporting more sustainable livestock waste management. The developed technology is relatively simple, making it suitable for widespread implementation in small- and medium-scale poultry farms. This activity is part of the 2025–2026 Domestic EQUITY Community Service Program funded by Yogyakarta State University (UNY) and the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). The program aims to promote the downstream implementation of research outcomes and the application of technologies that provide direct benefits to society. Through this innovation, Yogyakarta State University continues to encourage research and community service initiatives that offer practical solutions to environmental challenges while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).