Researchers at Nagaland University have developed an innovative, nature -inspired technology that turns wastewater into a source of valuable resources, including clean water, biofuels, biogas and nutrients. The breakthrough positions biological soft technologies as a practical solution for sustainable water management in India.
Under the direction of Prof. Prabharar Sharma from the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, research presents an integrated approach that uses natural systems such as plants, algae and microbes to treat wastewater at the same time and extract usable by -products. The study was published in current opinion in environmental science and health.
This approach not only deals with pollution, but also represents wastewater as a resource center, whereby we offer economic and ecological advantages. The technology emphasizes the restoration of high -quality connections through ecological processes such as microbial activity and system intake, whereby an inexpensive alternative with low energy to conventional wastewater treatment systems is presented.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik emphasized the urgency of such innovations and quoted the global sewage burden of domestic, agricultural and industrial sources. “Traditional treatment methods concentrate exclusively on the removal of pollutants. We miss the possibilities of restoring critical resources. This research rules out this gap,” he said.
The most important innovations from the study include hybrid systems that combine microbial fuel cells with algae base, constructed wetlands and mechanisms to record newly emerging contaminants such as microplastics. These systems are designed in such a way that they are modular, scalable and suitable for rural and peri-city environments in which decentralized and inexpensive treatment options are most required.
Research emphasizes not only environmental cleaning, but also integration with national initiatives for hygiene, the reuse of water and climate tendency. Due to the wastewater treatment within the framework of a circular economy, it corresponds to India's wider goals for sustainability and resource efficiency.
While the technology is promising under laboratory conditions, Prof. Sharma found that the next phase pilot projects in the real world. “We have to work with local communities and interest groups in the industry in order to implement decentralized treatment units and carry out long -term studies on their performance and economic viability,” he said.