NIT-R team develops an efficient process to treat industrial wastewater
Researchers from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, have developed a process to efficiently treat industrial wastewater containing persistent dyes, such as Bismarck Brown R. This method, which has received a patent, offers a practical approach to improving wastewater treatment in industries like textiles and dye manufacturing.
The research was carried out by Sujit Sen, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at NIT Rourkela, in collaboration with research graduate Madhumita Manna and Binay Kanti Dutta, a former professor at IIT Kharagpur. The project was supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology and was published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.
Addressing the Challenge of Industrial Wastewater
Industries such as textiles, dye manufacturing, and chemicals generate wastewater containing dyes that are difficult to remove using conventional filtration techniques. Dyes like Bismarck Brown R are particularly challenging because they are small enough to pass through standard microfiltration membranes. These dyes not only contribute to water pollution but also raise environmental and health concerns due to their strong color and potential toxicity.
Existing treatment methods, including ultraviolet light-based techniques, often struggle with large-scale applications. They may not always be effective in completely removing dyes, making it necessary to explore alternative solutions.
A New Approach to Wastewater Treatment
To address these issues, the research team designed a hybrid treatment system that combines two techniques: a ceramic membrane coated with an industrial-waste-derived zeolite and zinc oxide nanocomposite, and a microbubble-assisted process to improve dye removal.
The ceramic membrane is coated with a special photocatalytic material that breaks down dye molecules when exposed to light. The addition of zeolite, a material derived from industrial waste, enhances this process while also promoting a more sustainable use of resources.
The second part of the system involves the use of microbubbles, which are generated through a simple air diffuser. These tiny bubbles help improve the breakdown process by increasing contact between the contaminants and the photocatalyst. This combination of techniques allows the system to effectively treat dye-laden wastewater in a way that is both efficient and practical for industrial applications.
Performance and Potential Applications
The research team tested the system using wastewater samples from different industries. The results showed that the process could achieve 95.4% decolourisation of Bismarck Brown R and a 94% reduction in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) within 90 minutes. These findings indicate that the method has the potential to significantly improve the treatment of wastewater containing persistent dyes.
The system has been designed to be easy to transport and assemble, making it suitable for industries looking to enhance their existing wastewater treatment processes. The researchers believe that this approach could be particularly useful for textile, chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as for treating hospital wastewater, where conventional methods may not always be effective.
Moving Towards Practical Implementation
The research team has already developed a prototype of the system, which was completed within a year and a half. The project received funding of Rs 90 lakh from the DST, helping the team refine and test the technology.
Looking ahead, the researchers are working on scaling up the system to make it available for larger industrial applications. They are also open to collaborating with companies involved in wastewater treatment to help integrate this technology into existing treatment plants.
Professor Sen emphasized that while the system is designed for industrial use, it is not intended for household wastewater treatment. However, for industries dealing with dye-based pollutants, this method could provide a reliable and efficient way to improve water treatment processes while supporting environmental sustainability.
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