Wednesday 21 / May / 2025
Al Suwaiq: The innovative project "Water Filter Using Squid Ink" by Omani inventor Yusra Yousef Al Ghadani offers an effective and sustainable solution to one of the most pressing challenges in the oil and gas sector: produced water. This byproduct of oil extraction is generated daily in massive quantities and is difficult to treat due to its high concentration of toxic chemicals.
Yusra explained to Oman News Agency that she developed a novel filtering material based on squid ink as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to activated carbon, which is commonly used in industrial wastewater treatment. The innovative material absorbs heavy metals and dissolved hydrocarbons while also reducing water salinity, providing comprehensive treatment for contaminated industrial water at minimal cost.
She noted that the project began in 2023 during her participation in 'Manafi,’ a marathon organized by Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre “Mawarid,” where one of the challenges focused on utilising local Omani resources to design beneficial products. This sparked her journey to develop the innovation.
The filter primarily relies on a specially processed powdered form of squid ink, engineered to possess the necessary adsorption properties. This powder can be directly integrated into existing filtration systems, particularly compact filters, without requiring major structural modifications—making it practical and adaptable for industrial applications.
As for the environmental benefits, Yusra emphasised that the innovation is more sustainable than traditional filters, particularly activated carbon. The production process for squid ink-based material does not involve complex manufacturing or high energy consumption, reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, it is eco-friendly in both sourcing and production, as it can be locally manufactured in Oman using readily available natural resources, unlike activated carbon, which is often imported and requires advanced industrial processing. This dual advantage supports both environmental protection and the local economy, she added.
She explained that initial tests on simulated produced water samples showed high efficiency in absorbing heavy metals and reducing salinity. Comparative studies with activated carbon demonstrated near-equivalent performance, confirming the filter’s capability to deliver similar results. Yusra is now conducting tests on real produced water samples in industrial-like environments, with preliminary results being promising. Further refinements are underway to ensure scalability and long-term effectiveness.
On challenges faced during development, Yusra highlighted difficulties in conducting scientific experiments and proving the material’s efficacy after her graduation, as she no longer had direct access to university labs. She overcame this by assembling a multidisciplinary research team. Another hurdle was securing institutional support—after initially failing to qualify for incubation under ‘Manafi,’ she eventually joined OQX, an accelerator under OQ, which provided the necessary backing.
Looking ahead, Yusra aims to implement a pilot project in an oil and gas field to validate the product’s real-world performance. She also plans to establish a startup, InkClear, to professionally develop and market the innovation globally, aspiring to position the Omani-made solution as a sustainable standard for industrial water treatment, particularly in the energy sector.
Her project has been selected to represent Oman at the International Invention, Innovation, and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2025 in Malaysia. Yusra expressed pride and responsibility in this achievement, stating that the event offers a global platform to showcase Omani innovation, attract investors, and build partnerships. “My presence there represents not just me, but every Omani youth who believes in their ideas and works to turn them into reality," she said.
