IIT-Bhilai researchers develops chemical to cleanse toxic water bodies

Raipur: Imagine a chemical capable of cleansing water bodies of toxic industrial discharge. A team of researchers from IIT-Bhilai in Chhattisgarh has developed a bio-derived hydrogel capable of removing toxic industrial dyes from water bodies. The material, created using amino acid-based copolymers, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic filters, which often contribute to long-term plastic pollution.The environment-friendly chemical, capable of removing harmful pollutants from contaminated water, could potentially support national programmes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and National Mission for Clean Ganga. The research team behind this piece of innovation comprised Koushik Mahata, Nishikanta Singh, Durgesh Kumar Sinha, Swarup Maity, and Dr Sanjib Banerjee. They said a key feature of this material is that it forms on its own at room temperature, without using harmful chemicals or catalysts, making the cleansing process safer, simpler and more sustainable.Their research has already been published in the world-renowned journal Advanced Functional Materials (Wiley-VCH), Banerjee, the lead researcher, told TOI, adding that the research outcome is positive and the team would formally apply for a patent if it does decide to go for mass production."We are now looking to scale up production through partnerships with industries and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Several industrial players have already expressed interest in the technology," Banerjee said.The hydrogel has a sponge-like structure allowing it to absorb toxic dyes and pollutants commonly found in industrial wastewater, the research team said, adding that it was tested not only in laboratory water samples but also in polluted water bodies, showing strong cleaning ability. The material can be reused several times, easily shaped for different applications and naturally breaks down after use, preventing further pollution."Many existing water-cleaning materials are made from toxic chemicals that can harm the environment," Banerjee said, adding, "Our work shows that materials made from natural sources can clean polluted water effectively without harming the environment and are also suitable for large-scale use."By combining eco-friendly design with strong water-cleaning performance, this new material offers a promising solution for future wastewater treatment, especially in areas affected by industrial pollution, while also advancing the country's larger vision for clean water, environmental protection and sustainable development.Banerjee said the research team tested the material using water samples from the Shivnath River at Sirsa Khurd. This stretch of the river receives significant industrial effluents and maintains a naturally alkaline pH of 8.5. To simulate severe pollution, the team spiked the river water with industrial dyes, including Eosin B, Malachite Green, and Rhodamine B.The study found that the performance of the hydrogel depends on the pH level of the water. Under the alkaline conditions of the Shivnath River, the hydrogel showed a 98% removal rate for Malachite Green within five hours, Banerjee said, adding that it also proved highly effective against Rhodamine B due to strong electrostatic interactions between the hydrogel and the dye molecules."The production process is designed to be environmentally safe. Unlike traditional methods, this hydrogel is produced at room temperature using water as a solvent. It does not require toxic chemical crosslinkers, UV irradiation, or energy-intensive equipment, which reduces manufacturing costs and the carbon footprint," he said.The material remains stable during the cleaning process and does not release harmful residues into the treated water. After its functional life, the hydrogel undergoes controlled degradation. Tests indicate that the material begins to break down after two days, with nearly 90% degradation observed within six days. This prevents the accumulation of secondary waste in water bodies.Following successful pilot-scale production and on-site testing, the technology could provide decentralised water-treatment solutions. The publication of the research in a globally renowned journal testifies to IIT Bhilai's growing contribution to advanced materials research for environmental sustainability.