Rourkela, June 17: Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed a cost-effective and sustainable wastewater treatment method capable of removing toxic dye pollutants from industrial effluents, offering a promising solution to a major environmental concern.
The innovation has been developed by the Ceramic Engineering Department under the guidance of faculty and research scholars Susant Mohapatra and Sourav Ranjan Satpathy.
Industries such as textiles, printing, and dyeing generate large volumes of coloured wastewater, which often contaminates rivers and water bodies, posing risks to ecosystems and public health. Existing treatment methods are often expensive, energy-intensive, and generate secondary waste.
To address this challenge, the research team has developed a ceramic-based adsorbent using industrial waste materials such as fly ash, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), and kaolin clay. These by-products, generated in large quantities by thermal power plants and steel industries, are typically difficult to dispose of safely.
By converting these waste materials into a functional adsorbent, the study presents a strong example of circular economy-based innovation.
Laboratory results showed that the material achieved more than 95% efficiency in removing methylene blue dye, a widely used industrial dye.
A key advantage of the process is the use of raw kaolin clay instead of heat-treated material, eliminating an energy-intensive step and making the method more sustainable and economically viable. The estimated production cost is just ₹25–₹50 per kg, making it an affordable alternative to conventional wastewater treatment technologies.
The research has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Chemistry Select and aligns with global sustainability goals, including clean water access and responsible industrial production.
Looking ahead, the team plans to develop advanced porous adsorbents and expand their application for removing a broader range of industrial pollutants.
This innovation highlights a practical and scalable approach to environmental protection by transforming industrial waste into a valuable resource for cleaner and safer water systems.