Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed an innovative, eco-friendly, and low-cost solution to tackle industrial water pollution using biochar derived from fruit waste. This breakthrough, led by Dr. Gopal Das from the Department of Chemistry, uses pineapple crowns and mosambi (sweet lime) fibers to efficiently adsorb toxic chemicals from wastewater. The discovery presents a sustainable alternative to conventional pollution control methods. In their study, published in Chemical Engineering Science, the researchers detail how biochar effectively removes nitromatic compounds, which are common pollutants found in wastewater from industries such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Traditional treatment methods are often expensive and involve complex processes, making them less accessible for industries operating on limited budgets. To address this challenge, the team at IIT Guwahati employed pyrolysis, an organic waste breakdown process, to convert fruit waste into carbon-rich biochar.
 

The team tested two types of biochar: ACBC (Ananas Comosus Biochar) derived from pineapple crowns and MFBC (Citrus Limetta Biochar) derived from mosambi fibers. Both types showed impressive pollutant removal capabilities. ACBC eliminated 99% of pollutants, while MFBC achieved 97% removal. The process is incredibly fast, requiring just five minutes to effectively treat the wastewater. In addition to its high efficiency, the biochar is reusable, retaining its effectiveness even after multiple cycles. This makes it a cost-effective solution for industries seeking sustainable alternatives to conventional treatment methods. Dr. Das highlighted the importance of this breakthrough, stating, "This work demonstrates how waste materials can be transformed into valuable resources to combat pollution."
 

Beyond industrial wastewater treatment, this innovative process has promising applications for rural water purification and environmental remediation programs. Currently being tested on a pilot basis, the team aims to conduct further testing, field trials, and collaborations to enable large-scale commercial adoption of this technology. With its low cost, remarkable efficiency, and eco-friendly nature, IIT Guwahati’s biochar innovation presents a promising alternative to traditional wastewater treatment systems, offering a scalable and sustainable solution to address global water pollution concerns.