Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have created a groundbreaking method for effectively treating industrial wastewater that contains persistent dyes, such as Bismarck Brown R. This innovative project is led by Prof. Sujit Sen from the Chemical Engineering Department, along with Dr. Madhumita Manna and Prof. Binay Kanti Dutta, is leading the research.
The research, supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (now known as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation), has been published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering and has received a patent (Patent No. 542891).
Industrial wastewater, particularly from the textile and dye sectors, often includes harmful dyes that traditional filtration methods struggle to remove. The new system combines a ceramic membrane coated with a nanocomposite made from industrial waste-derived Zeolite and Zinc Oxide. This photocatalyst effectively breaks down dye molecules when exposed to light. Additionally, microbubbles generated through an air diffuser improve mass transfer, speeding up the breakdown process.
Prof. Sujit Sen explained, “Our hybrid system achieved 95.4% decolorization of Bismarck Brown R and 94% removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) in just 90 minutes, making it a practical solution for wastewater treatment.”
This hybrid approach provides an efficient and cost-effective alternative to conventional oxidation methods, reducing the need for expensive chemicals and complex equipment. The ceramic membrane is also resistant to fouling and can be easily regenerated, ensuring long-term use.
With potential applications in various industries such as textiles, steel, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, the research team is now focused on scaling up this technology for wider industrial use to support sustainable wastewater treatment solutions.
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