Al Suwaiq: The innovative Water Filter Using Squid Ink idea, developed by Omani inventor Yusra Yousef Al Ghadani, provides an effective and long-term solution to one of the oil and gas industry's most pressing issues: produced water. This byproduct of oil production is produced in enormous volumes on a daily basis and is difficult to handle due to its high concentration of dangerous compounds.
Yusra told Oman News Agency that she created a new filtering substance made of squid ink as a cost-effective and effective replacement for activated carbon, which is widely used in industrial wastewater treatment. The novel material absorbs heavy metals and dissolved hydrocarbons while decreasing water salinity, providing complete treatment for polluted industrial wastewater at a low cost.
She noted that the idea originated in 2023, during her participation in 'Manafi,' a marathon hosted by the Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre "Mawarid," which challenged participants to use local Omani resources to design beneficial products. This prompted her to embark on a quest to create the invention.
The filter is primarily based on a unique processed powdered squid ink, which is designed to have the proper adsorption characteristics. This powder may be easily incorporated into current filtration systems, notably compact filters, without requiring substantial structural changes, making it both practical and adaptable for commercial use.
Yusra highlighted the environmental benefits of the invention, claiming that it is more sustainable than traditional filters such as activated carbon. Squid ink-based material has a low carbon footprint since its production process does not need sophisticated production or excessive energy use. Furthermore, it is ecologically sustainable in both sourcing and production because it can be produced locally in Oman from easily accessible natural resources, unlike activated carbon, which is frequently imported and necessitates complex industrial processing. This twofold advantage promotes both environmental conservation and the local economy, she said.
She said that first tests on simulated produced water samples revealed excellent heavy metal absorption and salinity reduction efficiency. Comparative trials with activated carbon showed near-equivalent performance, confirming the filter's ability to provide comparable outcomes. Yusra is presently doing research with genuine generated water samples in industrial-like settings, with early findings encouraging. Further changes are being made to ensure scalability and long-term efficacy.
Yusra described problems she encountered during development, including performing scientific experiments and demonstrating the substance's efficacy after graduation, since she no longer had immediate access to university laboratories. She overcame this by creating a multidisciplinary research group. Another issue was gaining institutional support—after first failing to qualify for incubation under 'Manafi,' she subsequently joined OQX, an accelerator under OQ, which gave the required funding.
Yusra plans to conduct a pilot study in an oil and gas field to assess the product's actual performance. She also intends to launch a company, InkClear, to professionally develop and market the innovation worldwide, with the goal of establishing the Oman-made solution as a sustainable standard for industrial water treatment, particularly in the energy industry.
Her initiative has been chosen to represent Oman at the International Invention, Innovation, and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2025 in Malaysia. Yusra expressed delight and responsibility in this accomplishment, noting that the event provides a global forum to showcase Omani innovation, attract investors, and form connections. "My presence there represents not just me, but every Omani youth who believes in their ideas and works to turn them into reality," she stated.
