New Delhi, May 22: Scientists at a central university have developed an intriguing and eco-friendly technique to purify industrial wastewater. This innovative system integrates earthworms, aquatic plants, microorganisms, and hydroponics.
Researchers from NIT Rourkela created this method specifically to treat wastewater from the dairy industry. The effluent from factories producing cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products is highly polluted, containing excessive amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. When this wastewater is discharged directly into rivers or ponds, it depletes oxygen levels, posing a threat to aquatic life.
Traditional methods often face challenges, such as filters becoming clogged quickly. To address this issue, Professor Kakoli Karar Paul and researcher Dr. Pragyan Das from NIT Rourkela have designed a multi-layered biological system that has also received a patent.
In this system, the dirty water first enters a reactor housing earthworms and aquatic plants. The earthworms break down large organic waste into smaller pieces, making it easier for microorganisms to eliminate them. Meanwhile, the roots of the plants help prevent filter clogging. The water then passes through a layer of sand, which filters out solid impurities.
In the third phase, pellets made from fly ash absorb phosphorus and other pollutants present in the water. The water then flows through a layer of gravel, where beneficial microorganisms clean up any remaining waste.
The final stage of this process is particularly noteworthy. Here, the water reaches a hydroponic chamber, where plant roots are submerged directly in the water. These roots release oxygen, promoting the rapid growth of beneficial bacteria that further reduce pollution. According to researchers, this entire system can be established at a laboratory level for approximately 10,000 rupees.
This system can purify around 30 liters of dairy wastewater daily and can be scaled up as needed. Importantly, the treated water can be used in agriculture, as it retains valuable nutrients like phosphates.
Additionally, the aquatic plants used in this process can be repurposed for animal feed, biogas, and biodiesel production. This technique not only cleans wastewater but also represents a significant step towards converting waste into resources.
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