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Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
NIT Rourkela team secures patent for biofilm tech
Rourkela: A research team from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, has secured a patent from the central govt's patent office for developing a bacterial biofilm technology that offers a low-cost, eco-friendly solution to one of industrial pollution's most stubborn challenges—phenanthrene degradation. Phenanthrene, a toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), is a common contaminant in industrial wastewater, stemming from fossil fuel combustion, chemical manufacturing, and oil spills. Traditional methods to tackle PAHs, such as chemical oxidation and soil excavation, are both costly and risk causing secondary pollution. "Our biofilm is compatible with existing biofilm reactors used in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, particularly those targeting hydrocarbon-based pollutants. This patented technology also opens up opportunities for collaboration with the petrochemical industry to promote sustainable pollution control practices," aid professor Surajit Das of the department of life science at NIT Rourkela. Kumari Uma Mahto, a research graduate at NIT Rourkela, highlighted the broader impact of this technology, stating, "Our development can significantly mitigate the impact of industrial oil spills, where phenanthrene and other PAHs pose serious threats to marine ecosystems. It will also benefit regions with high industrial activity and inadequate pollution control infrastructure." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
New Indian Express
25-07-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
NIT-R bags patent for bacterial biofilm tech to treat toxic industrial wastewater
ROURKELA: A research team of the National Institute of Technology-Rourkela (NIT-R) has secured patent for its novel bacterial biofilm technology that degrades phenanthrene, a toxic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) found in industrial chemical waste. Contrary to the conventional methods for wastewater treatment, this technology offers environment friendly, effective and cost-efficient solution. Informing about the grant of patent on Thursday, the NIT-R said PAHs are hazardous organic compounds capable of contaminating soil and water through fossil fuel combustion, industrial discharge and oil spills. The traditional methods used to address this challenge with chemical oxidation or soil excavation are expensive and often generate secondary pollution. But the new technology provides a cheaper alternate to the global challenge of wastewater treatment. The developed biofilm comprises cells attached to the substratum within an extracellular polymeric matrix. The research team grew the biofilm using Luria Bertani broth, a nutrient-rich medium. Lead researcher Prof Surajit Das of the department of Life Science said, 'The biofilm is well-compatible for integration in existing reactors used at municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, especially those dealing with hydrocarbon-based pollutants. Our patented technology also opens opportunities for potential collaboration with the petrochemical industry to promote more sustainable pollution control practices.'
Hans India
24-07-2025
- Science
- Hans India
NIT Rourkela develops eco-friendly biofilm to mitigate impact of industrial oil spills, chemical waste
New Delhi: Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed a novel bacterial biofilm technology that can degrade phenanthrene -- a toxic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) commonly found in industrial chemical waste -- and help mitigate industrial oil spills. PAHs are hazardous organic compounds capable of contaminating soil and water through fossil fuel combustion, industrial discharge, and oil spills. Traditionally, these are managed by chemical oxidation or soil excavation, which are expensive and often generate secondary pollution. However, the patented new biofilm, comprising cells attached to the substratum within an extracellular polymeric matrix, enabled 95 per cent degradation of phenanthrene in just five days. It provides an environmentally friendly, effective, and cost-efficient solution for wastewater treatment. 'The technology can help in mitigating the impact of industrial oil spills, where phenanthrene and other PAHs pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems. It will also be highly beneficial for regions with high industrial activity and inadequate pollution control infrastructure,' said Dr. Kumari Uma Mahto, Research Graduate, NIT Rourkela. The biofilm was developed using Luria Bertani broth -- a nutrient-rich medium. It has also demonstrated rapid PAH degradation attributed to enhanced metabolic capacity and structural stability of the biofilm matrix, which supports increased microbial cell density, prolonged viability, and effective substrate utilisation. 'The new biofilm is well-compatible for integration in existing biofilm reactors used at municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, especially those dealing with hydrocarbon-based pollutants,' said Prof. Surajit Das, Department of Life Science, NIT Rourkela. "Our patented technology also opens opportunities for potential collaboration with the petrochemical industry to promote more sustainable pollution control practices," Das added. In addition, the biofilm contains a protective layer of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) that helps in dissolving and absorbing the harmful molecules while protecting the microbes from toxic effects. The findings also highlight the potential of biofilm-based systems for enhanced biodegradation of persistent organic pollutants in wastewater treatment systems and contaminated aquatic environments, the team said.
