Synopsis
On January 30, researchers at NIT Rourkela introduced an innovative method for treating industrial wastewater contaminated with carcinogenic dyes, enhancing removal efficiency using nanocomposite ceramic membranes and microbubble technology.Key Takeaways
- Innovative wastewater treatment method.
- Utilizes nanocomposite ceramic membranes.
- Microbubble technology enhances efficiency.
- Achieved over 95% dye decolorization.
- Applicable across various industries.
New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) Researchers at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela on Thursday unveiled a groundbreaking method for effectively treating industrial wastewater tainted with persistent dyes known to be carcinogenic.The study, backed by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, demonstrated that integrating nanocomposite-based ceramic membranes with microbubble technology can significantly improve dye removal efficiency.
Wastewater generated by industries such as textiles and dye production is often laden with harmful dyes that are resistant to traditional filtration techniques. Dyes like Bismarck Brown R are small enough to circumvent microfiltration membranes, rendering them particularly difficult to eliminate. These dyes pose serious environmental and health risks due to their vivid color and potential carcinogenic characteristics.
Standard treatment methods, including those utilizing Ultraviolet (UV) light, frequently encounter difficulties in large-scale applications, particularly in isolating dye particles from water. In response to these challenges, the research team has developed an innovative treatment system that merges two advanced technologies.
The first component is a ceramic membrane infused with an industrial-waste-derived Zeolite and Zinc Oxide nanocomposite. This photocatalyst is capable of decomposing dye molecules when subjected to light exposure.
The second component employs microbubbles, produced through a straightforward air diffuser, to facilitate mass transfer and enhance the degradation process.
A continuous tangential flow membrane photoreactor was engineered and evaluated using both simulated and actual wastewater sourced from a local dyeing facility.
“Our hybrid system achieved an impressive 95.4 percent decolorization of Bismarck Brown R and 94 percent reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) within just 90 minutes,” stated Prof. Sujit Sen from the Department of Chemical Engineering at NIT.
“The nanocomposite exhibited excellent performance under visible light, making this method viable for practical wastewater treatment applications,” he further noted.
The potential uses for this hybrid system are extensive. It provides a more effective and economical alternative to traditional oxidation techniques, which often depend on costly chemicals and complicated equipment.
This technology is applicable across various sectors, including textile manufacturing and chemical industries such as steel, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, where efficient wastewater treatment solutions are essential.
The findings of this research have been published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.
