IISc researchers develop sustainable method to remove heavy metal contaminants from groundwater
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IISc researchers develop sustainable method to remove heavy metal contaminants from groundwater
Sub: Environment
Sec: Pollution
Context:
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers have created an innovative method for removing heavy metals like arsenic from groundwater.
Collaborations and Field Testing:
- NGO Partnerships:
- IISc collaborates with the INREM Foundation and Earthwatch.
- Systems are being tested in rural areas such as Bhagalpur (Bihar) and Chickballapur (Karnataka).
Features of the New Method:
Three-Step Process:
- Designed to effectively extract heavy metals from groundwater.
- Ensures that the extracted heavy metals are disposed of sustainably.
- Prevents untreated heavy metal sludge from contaminating landfills and re-entering groundwater.
Environmental Focus:
- Emphasizes the safe disposal of contaminants, addressing a common oversight in existing methods.
- This method prevents the re-entry of arsenic into the environment after its removal.
System Characteristics:
- Ease of Use:
- Simple assembly and operation.
- Manufacturing the adsorbent material involves an uncomplicated process.
- Pilot Testing:
- A pilot-scale adsorption column system in the lab produced WHO-standard safe drinking water for two people for three days.
- Toxicity Reduction:
- Organic species used are approximately 50 times less toxic than the inorganic forms typically found in groundwater.
Arsenic and Fluoride Contamination:
- 113 districts in 21 states in India have arsenic levels exceeding 0.01 mg/l.
- 223 districts in 23 states have fluoride levels above 1.5 mg/l.
- These levels surpass the limits set by the Bureau of Indian Standards and WHO, posing significant health risks.
Source: TH