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Key Points

NIT Rourkela has developed a groundbreaking bacterial biofilm that rapidly degrades toxic industrial pollutants like phenanthrene. The eco-friendly solution offers a cost-efficient alternative to traditional waste treatment methods. Researchers highlight its potential for oil spill mitigation and integration into existing wastewater systems. The patented technology could revolutionize pollution control in high-industrial zones.

Key Points: NIT Rourkela Develops Biofilm to Degrade Toxic Industrial Waste

  • Biofilm degrades 95% of toxic phenanthrene in 5 days
  • Cost-efficient alternative to chemical oxidation and soil excavation
  • Compatible with existing wastewater treatment reactors
  • Protective EPS layer shields microbes from toxicity
2 min read

NIT Rourkela develops eco-friendly biofilm to mitigate impact of industrial oil spills, chemical waste

NIT Rourkela researchers create eco-friendly biofilm that degrades 95% of toxic phenanthrene in 5 days, offering a cost-efficient solution for oil spills and industrial waste.

"The technology can help in mitigating the impact of industrial oil spills, where phenanthrene and other PAHs pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems. – Dr. Kumari Uma Mahto"

New Delhi, July 24

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed a novel bacterial biofilm technology that can degrade phenanthrene -- a toxic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) commonly found in industrial chemical waste -- and help mitigate industrial oil spills.

PAHs are hazardous organic compounds capable of contaminating soil and water through fossil fuel combustion, industrial discharge, and oil spills.

Traditionally, these are managed by chemical oxidation or soil excavation, which are expensive and often generate secondary pollution.

However, the patented new biofilm, comprising cells attached to the substratum within an extracellular polymeric matrix, enabled 95 per cent degradation of phenanthrene in just five days.

It provides an environmentally friendly, effective, and cost-efficient solution for wastewater treatment.

“The technology can help in mitigating the impact of industrial oil spills, where phenanthrene and other PAHs pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems. It will also be highly beneficial for regions with high industrial activity and inadequate pollution control infrastructure,” said Dr. Kumari Uma Mahto, Research Graduate, NIT Rourkela.

The biofilm was developed using Luria Bertani broth -- a nutrient-rich medium.

It has also demonstrated rapid PAH degradation attributed to enhanced metabolic capacity and structural stability of the biofilm matrix, which supports increased microbial cell density, prolonged viability, and effective substrate utilisation.

“The new biofilm is well-compatible for integration in existing biofilm reactors used at municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, especially those dealing with hydrocarbon-based pollutants,” said Prof. Surajit Das, Department of Life Science, NIT Rourkela.

"Our patented technology also opens opportunities for potential collaboration with the petrochemical industry to promote more sustainable pollution control practices," Das added.

In addition, the biofilm contains a protective layer of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) that helps in dissolving and absorbing the harmful molecules while protecting the microbes from toxic effects.

The findings also highlight the potential of biofilm-based systems for enhanced biodegradation of persistent organic pollutants in wastewater treatment systems and contaminated aquatic environments, the team said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Rourkela, I'm so proud of NIT! But I wonder - will this technology remain stuck in labs or actually reach industries? We've seen many great inventions that never get commercialized. Hope this one breaks the trend 🤞
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Aman W
95% degradation in 5 days sounds impressive! But what about cost? Small industries won't adopt unless it's affordable. Also, will it work on other pollutants besides phenanthrene? The article doesn't clarify this.
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Sarah B
This is exactly the kind of sustainable innovation we need! I work in environmental consulting and have seen the damage PAHs cause. If this can be scaled up, it could help clean many polluted water bodies across India. Kudos to the research team!
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Karthik V
Make in India success story! But government should make it mandatory for polluting industries to use such technologies. Voluntary adoption never works - we've seen that with emission norms. Strict enforcement is needed.
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Nisha Z
As a biology student, I'm fascinated by the EPS protective layer concept. Nature always has the best solutions! Hope this inspires more young researchers to work on bio-remediation projects. Our country needs more such innovations.

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