Researchers at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela revealed a novel method for effectively treating industrial effluent that contains cancer-causing persistent dyes.
The study, which was funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, demonstrated how combining microbubble technology with ceramic membranes based on nanocomposite technology might improve the effectiveness of dye removal.
Hazardous colours that are challenging to eliminate using conventional filtration techniques are frequently present in wastewater from sectors including textile and dye industry. Bismarck Brown R and other dyes are particularly difficult to treat because they are tiny enough to flow through microfiltration membranes. Because of their strong colour and possible carcinogenic qualities, these dyes can have serious negative effects on the environment and human health.
Large-scale applications are frequently difficult for conventional treatment techniques, such as those that use ultraviolet (UV) light, particularly for removing dye particles from water. The team created a state-of-the-art treatment system that integrates two cutting-edge technologies in order to overcome these obstacles.
The first is a ceramic membrane covered in a nanocomposite of zinc oxide and zeolite made from industrial waste. When exposed to light, this photocatalyst can degrade dye molecules.
The second approach uses microbubbles to facilitate the breakdown process and increase mass transfer. These are created using a basic air diffuser.
Both simulated and actual wastewater from a nearby dyeing industry was used in the design and testing of a continuous tangential flow membrane photoreactor.
Prof. Sujit Sen of the NIT Department of Chemical Engineering stated, “Our hybrid system effectively accomplished 95.4 percent decolourization of Bismarck Brown R and 94 percent elimination of chemical oxygen demand (COD) in just 90 minutes.”
“This method is ideal for practical wastewater treatment applications because the nanocomposite worked effectively under visible light,” he continued.
This hybrid system has a wide range of possible uses. It provides a more economical and effective substitute for traditional oxidation techniques, which frequently call for pricey chemicals and sophisticated machinery.
Additionally, the method could be used in chemical sectors like steel, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, as well as textile manufacture, where strong wastewater treatment is necessary. The Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering has published the study.
-Raja Aditya
