IIT Guwahati Develops Biochar Technology to Purify Industrial Wastewater Using Fruit Waste
Why in News?
- IIT Guwahati has developed an innovative biochar technology that purifies industrial wastewater using fruit waste. This breakthrough offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable method to remove toxic pollutants, especially nitroaromatic compounds found in wastewater from industries like dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and cosmetics.
Important Key Points:
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Innovative Approach:
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The team, led by Professor Gopal Das from the Department of Chemistry, utilized biochar produced from discarded pineapple crowns and mosambi (sweet lime) fibers to effectively absorb nitroaromatic compounds—hazardous chemicals commonly found in wastewater from industries such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and cosmetics.
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Efficiency and Reusability:
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The developed method can remove contaminants within five minutes and allows for multiple reuses, offering a practical and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment.
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Environmental Impact:
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This technique addresses water contamination issues and promotes a circular economy by transforming fruit waste into valuable resources for environmental protection.
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Research Publication:
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The findings have been published in the journal Chemical Engineering Science, co-authored by Professor Gopal Das, research scholar Neha Gautam, and Dr. Deepmoni Deka, Senior Technical Officer at the Centre for the Environment, IIT Guwahati.
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