A research team at NIT Rourkela has pioneered a breakthrough wastewater treatment system combining nanocomposite-based ceramic membranes and microbubble technology, achieving over 95% dye removal and securing a patent for its innovation.
Rourkela, India – Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed an innovative technology for effectively treating industrial wastewater contaminated with persistent dyes like Bismarck Brown R. This breakthrough, led by Prof. Sujit Sen from the Department of Chemical Engineering, integrates nanocomposite-based ceramic membranes with microbubble technology, significantly enhancing dye removal efficiency.
Revolutionary Approach to Wastewater Treatment
Industrial wastewater, particularly from textile and dye industries, often contains harmful dyes that pose severe environmental and health risks. Traditional filtration systems struggle to remove these pollutants effectively, as dyes like Bismarck Brown R are small enough to bypass conventional microfiltration membranes. Moreover, existing UV-based treatments face challenges in large-scale applications due to their high energy costs and complex separation processes.
To overcome these limitations, the NIT Rourkela research team developed a hybrid wastewater treatment system featuring:
Ceramic Membranes with Zeolite-Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite: The photocatalytic nanocomposite, derived from industrial waste, effectively breaks down dye molecules under visible light.
Microbubble Technology: A simple air diffuser generates microbubbles, enhancing mass transfer and accelerating the breakdown of dye pollutants.
This advanced system, tested using both simulated and real wastewater from a local dyeing factory, demonstrated remarkable efficiency in dye removal.
Breakthrough Results and Patent Recognition
According to Prof. Sujit Sen, “Our hybrid system successfully achieved 95.4% decolorization of Bismarck Brown R and 94% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) within just 90 minutes. The nanocomposite’s efficiency under visible light makes it a practical solution for wastewater treatment.”
This groundbreaking research, supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), DST, India (now part of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, India), has been published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. The research team has also been granted a patent (Patent No. 542891, Application No. 202331030218, Date of Grant: 25/06/2024) for their pioneering wastewater treatment technology.
A Game-Changer for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment
The newly developed hybrid system offers several advantages over conventional oxidation methods:
Cost-Effective & Scalable: Eliminates the need for expensive chemicals and complex equipment.
Sustainable: Uses industrial waste-derived materials, reducing environmental impact.
Reduced Membrane Fouling: Can be easily regenerated through backflushing, minimizing maintenance costs.
Wide Industrial Applications: Suitable for textile, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and steel industries, where robust wastewater treatment is required.
Future Prospects & Industrial Applications
The research team is now focusing on scaling up this technology for broader industrial adoption. The system’s efficiency and eco-friendly design make it a potential game-changer for wastewater treatment plants globally. Additionally, its ability to remove persistent contaminants could prove beneficial for treating hospital and pharmaceutical wastewater, further enhancing its environmental impact.
This breakthrough from NIT Rourkela marks a significant step forward in addressing industrial water pollution, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment industry.