IISc researchers develop sustainable method to remove heavy metal contaminants from groundwater

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