Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a New Wood-Based Technology removes 80% Pollution from Wastewater that can use cellulose-based materials to quickly clean polluted water. This finding may be relevant to countries with poor water treatment technology and to address the widespread problem of toxic emissions from textile industries. Drinking water is essential to our health and our environment, but it is not a given for everyone.
According to the WHO, more than two billion people currently live without limited or no access to drinking water. This global challenge is the focus of a research group at Chalmers University of Technology, which has developed a method to remove water pollutants easily. The group, led by Gunnar Westman, assistant professor of organic chemistry, focuses on new uses for cellulose and wood-based products and is part of the Wallenberg Wood Science Center. Researchers have gained solid knowledge about cellulose nanocrystals*, and it is the main factor that makes water clean. These small nanoparticles have unique transmission capabilities, which researchers have found ways to exploit.
“We took a unique holistic approach to these cellulose nanocrystals, investigating their properties and possible applications. Now we have created a bio-based, cellulose powder with good cleaning properties that we can recycle and change depending on the type of pollution to be removed,” explains Gunnar Westman.
Drinks and breaks down toxins
In a recent study published in the journal Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, researchers show how dyes can be refined and unsanitary water using the methods and tools developed by the group. The research was done in collaboration with the Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur in India, where water pollution from textiles is a widespread problem.
The treatment does not require pressure or heat and uses sunlight to slow down the process. Gunnar Westman compares the process of pouring raspberry juice into a glass with grains of rice, which absorb the juice to make the water clear again. Imagine a simple washing system, like a portable box connected to a sewer pipe. As the contaminated water passes through the cellulose powder filter, the pollutants that are concentrated in the sunlight enter the treatment system and break them down quickly and efficiently. It’s a cheap and easy system to set up and use, and we see it as potentially useful in countries that currently have little or no water treatment,” he said. .
This system will be tested in India
India is one of the developing countries in Asia with textile production, where large quantities of dyes are released into lakes, rivers and streams every year. The consequences for people and the environment are dire. Harmful water contains dyes and heavy metals and can damage the skin through direct contact and increase the risk of cancer and organ damage when they enter the food chain. In addition, nature is affected in various ways, including poor photosynthesis and plant growth.
Conducting field studies in India is the next important step, and Chalmers researchers are supporting their Indian colleagues in their efforts to get some small local companies to test the system in practice. Meanwhile, laboratory research on industrial water has shown that more than 80% of pollutants are removed in new ways, and Gunnar Westman sees a good opportunity to increase the quality of cleanliness.
“Going from completely untreated water discharge to 80% removal of pollutants is a huge improvement, but also means the destruction of nature and human harm. Also, by increasing the pH and treatment time, we see the opportunity to improve the system so that we can produce both liquid and drinking water. It would be great if we could help these companies get a water treatment system that works, so that the residents can use the water without putting their health at risk,” he said. said.
Can be used against other types of pollution
Gunnar Westman also sees great potential in the use of cellulose nanocrystals for the treatment of non-color water pollution. In previous research, the research group showed that toxic hexavalent chromium pollutants, which are commonly found in wastewater from mining, tanneries and metallurgical industries, can be effectively removed. by using a form of chromium similar to cellulose. The group is also learning how the research department can help clean up pesticide residues. “There is a great potential to find a good opportunity to wash water in this material, and in addition to the background knowledge we have acquired at Chalmers, the key to success is the collection in the Wallenberg Wood Science. center,” he said.
Source: Chalmers University of Technology.
