Latest news with #Ciprofloxacin
The Print
25-05-2025
- Science
- The Print
IIT-Guwahati develops sustainable solution using mushroom waste for wastewater treatment
The findings of this research have been published in the prestigious Journal of Environmental Management. The technology — BHEEMA (Biochar-based Hydrological Enzyme regulated Efficient Mechanism for Antibiotics removal) employs laccase-mediated degradation to remove antibiotics from wastewater, preventing the formation of toxic byproducts commonly associated with conventional treatment methods. New Delhi, May 25 (PTI) Researchers at IIT-Guwahati have developed an eco-friendly alternative to conventional wastewater treatment methods by combining biochar derived from Spent Mushroom Waste and laccase, a natural enzyme, according to officials. The developed system has been recognised as the top seventh finalist under the Water Sanitation theme of the Vishwakarma Awards 2024, organised by the Maker Bhavan Foundation. According to Sudip Mitra, the Head of the School of Agro and Rural Technology at IIT Guwahati, the research team targeted the removal of harmful fluoroquinolone group of antibiotics, including Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, and Norfloxacin, generally found in hospital discharge, industrial effluents and surface water. 'Contrary to traditional wastewater treatment methods such as advanced oxidation and membrane reactors, which are both costly and generate secondary pollutants, our approach uses laccase, a naturally occurring enzyme, to degrade the contaminants. 'To make the enzyme stable for reusability, our research group immobilised it on biochar derived from spent mushroom waste, an easily available agro-waste product in this region,' Mitra told PTI. The developed biochar is a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable alternative to activated charcoal. On a lab scale, within three hours of application, the developed system achieved 90–95 per cent degradation efficiency of the fluoroquinolone antibiotics. 'Another key feature of the developed system is that the byproducts recorded in the degradation process are non-toxic, making the technology sustainable and safe for the environment,' said Anamika Ghose, a PhD scholar. The prototype has been developed in collaboration with Latha Rangan, a professor at the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT-Guwahati, along with her research scholars. At a laboratory scale, the developed prototype costs between Rs 4,000–5,000, covering materials, enzyme immobilization, and reactor setup, making it a feasible option for scaling up and adoption in both urban and rural settings. In the next step, the research team is working towards scaling up the developed prototype by engaging with stakeholders for field testing and market validation. The research team recently organized a hands-on training session for farmers on Biochar preparation and its multiple benefits for agriculture. Conducted in collaboration with the District Agricultural Office of Morigaon at their office premise, a total of 30 local farmers attended the training session. PTI GJS GJS NSD NSD This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
IIT-Guwahati develops sustainable solution using mushroom waste for wastewater treatment
NEW DELHI: Researchers at IIT-Guwahati have developed an eco-friendly alternative to conventional wastewater treatment methods by combining biochar derived from Spent Mushroom Waste and laccase, a natural enzyme, according to officials. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The technology, BHEEMA (Biochar-based Hydrological Enzyme regulated Efficient Mechanism for Antibiotics removal) employs laccase-mediated degradation to remove antibiotics from wastewater, preventing the formation of toxic byproducts commonly associated with conventional treatment methods. The findings of this research have been published in the prestigious journal of environmental management. The developed system has been recognised as the top seventh finalist under the Water Sanitation theme of the Vishwakarma Awards 2024, organised by the Maker Bhavan Foundation. According to Sudip Mitra, the head of the School of Agro and Rural Technology at IIT Guwahati, the research team targeted the removal of harmful fluoroquinolone group of antibiotics, including Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, and Norfloxacin, generally found in hospital discharge, industrial effluents and surface water. "Contrary to traditional wastewater treatment methods such as advanced oxidation and membrane reactors, which are both costly and generate secondary pollutants, our approach uses laccase, a naturally occurring enzyme, to degrade the contaminants. "To make the enzyme stable for reusability, our research group immobilised it on biochar derived from spent mushroom waste, an easily available agro-waste product in this region," Mitra told PTI. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The developed biochar is a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable alternative to activated charcoal. On a lab scale, within three hours of application, the developed system achieved 90-95 per cent degradation efficiency of the fluoroquinolone antibiotics. "Another key feature of the developed system is that the byproducts recorded in the degradation process are non-toxic, making the technology sustainable and safe for the environment," said Anamika Ghose, a PhD scholar. The prototype has been developed in collaboration with Latha Rangan, a professor at the department of biosciences and bioengineering, IIT-Guwahati, along with her research scholars. At a laboratory scale, the developed prototype costs between Rs 4,000-5,000, covering materials, enzyme immobilization, and reactor setup, making it a feasible option for scaling up and adoption in both urban and rural settings. In the next step, the research team is working towards scaling up the developed prototype by engaging with stakeholders for field testing and market validation. The research team recently organized a hands-on training session for farmers on biochar preparation and its multiple benefits for agriculture. Conducted in collaboration with the district agricultural office of Morigaon at their office premise, a total of 30 local farmers attended the training session.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ohio State student tests positive for meningitis
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Health officials said nearly 1,300 Ohio State University students may have been exposed to meningitis. According to Columbus Public Health, those students have been notified of their potential exposure and offered an antibiotic to battle the infection. Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation in the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord and can potentially lead to death if not treated. A university spokesperson said one student tested positive last week for meningitis. Students can contact Ohio State Student Health to receive the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin at the Wilce Student Health Center during the clinic's regular hours. The spokesperson added that many students have already received their dose. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
