New Technology for Treating Dye-Contaminated Wastewater
Ministry of Science & Technology · Science & Tech · Posted 13 OCT 2026 3:09PM
What happened
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali developed a machine learning-enabled PLA-ZnO nanofiber filter that uses combined photocatalysis and piezocatalysis to treat dye-contaminated and microbial wastewater.
Why it matters for UPSC
This development illustrates the application of nanotechnology and green chemistry in solving critical environmental challenges like industrial wastewater pollution, highly relevant for science, technology, and environmental pollution control under the UPSC syllabus.
Key objectives
- Developed a machine learning-enabled, sustainable filter using green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers for wastewater treatment.
- Achieved 98.6% MB and 96.7% CR decolorization within 120 minutes using combined light and ultrasonic excitation.
- Demonstrated antibacterial activity with approximately 75% inactivation of E. coli and 71% of S. aureus after 6 hours.