Researchers at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela have unveiled an innovative hybrid wastewater treatment system aimed at addressing the pressing issue of industrial wastewater contaminated with persistent dyes. This eco-friendly solution combines advanced nanocomposite and microbubble technologies, effectively targeting dyes such as Bismarck Brown R, which are notoriously difficult to eliminate through conventional methods.
Led by Prof. Sujit Sen from the Department of Chemical Engineering, the research team, including Dr. Madhumita Manna and Prof. Binay Kanti Dutta, has developed this cutting-edge system with significant support from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. Recent findings reveal the system's capability to achieve remarkable results, including 95.4% decolorization of Bismarck Brown R and 94% removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) within just 90 minutes.
The hybrid system is particularly applicable to industries such as textiles and chemicals, where the recycling and reuse of wastewater are increasingly becoming imperative. Traditional filtration methods have often struggled with the removal of harmful dyes due to their size, which easily bypasses microfiltration membranes. These dyes can pose substantial environmental and health risks, leading to carcinogenic concerns and making effective treatment solutions highly sought after.
Prof. Sen elaborates on the challenges conventional methods face, stating, "Wastewater from industries like textiles and dye manufacturing often contains harmful dyes... These dyes can cause significant environmental and health issues due to their intense colour and potential carcinogenic properties." This research plays a pivotal role not only from technological advancement but also from a sustainability perspective, catering to the urgent need for efficient wastewater solutions.
The key innovative element lies within the hybrid treatment system, which merges two advanced technologies to maximize the breakdown of dye molecules. The first technology features ceramic membranes coated with nanocomposites derived from industrial waste, such as zeolite and zinc oxide. This photocatalyst is triggered by light exposure to decompose dye compounds. On the other hand, the second technology employs microbubbles generated from simple air diffusion to improve mass transfer efficiency throughout the treatment process.
This groundbreaking research builds on the shortcomings of traditional ultraviolet-based methods, which often face limitations when applied on larger scales, particularly concerning the efficient separation of dye particles from water. The hybrid system's ability to utilize real wastewater from local dyeing factories reinforces its practicality and feasibility. Prof. Sen proudly noted, “Our hybrid system successfully achieved 95.4% decolorisation of Bismarck Brown R and 94% removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) in just 90 minutes.”
The research group has been granted patent protection for this advanced technology (Patent No. 542891), and their findings have been published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, garnering interest from various sectors. Prof. Sen emphasized the viability of implementing this hybrid system across differing industrial landscapes, including textile manufacturing, steel, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, all of which require effective wastewater management.
Looking forward, the team aims to scale up this innovative solution, making the technology accessible for wider industrial use and integration with existing wastewater treatment infrastructures. This approach not only serves to improve treatment efficiency but also highlights the commitment to environmental sustainability by leveraging waste-derived materials.
Considering the severe ramifications of untreated industrial wastewater on public health and the environment, initiatives like these from NIT Rourkela present valuable avenues for progress and responsibility within the industry. This hybrid wastewater treatment system stands as the next step toward enhancing industrial wastewater management and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, illustrating the power of technological innovation for the greater good.