Researchers at Nagaland University have developed an innovative, nature-inspired technology aimed at recovering valuable resources such as nutrients, biofuels, biogas, and clean water from wastewater. This advancement represents a significant step towards sustainable environmental practices and resource conservation.

The research focuses on bio-based soft technologies energy-efficient systems that utilize plants, algae, microbes, and ecological interactions to treat wastewater while simultaneously recovering resources. This approach not only addresses pollutant removal but also emphasizes the extraction of valuable by-products, aligning with global sustainability goals.

“The global wastewater burden from domestic, agricultural, and industrial sources poses severe environmental threats due to pollutant discharge,” stated Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University. “Conventional treatment methods focus on pollutant removal but neglect the potential for extracting valuable resources, leading to sustainability challenges and resource depletion. It creates opportunities for resource recovery. Hence, there is a need for such research.”

Research key aspects: holistic integration of resource recovery and pollutant removal for sustainability and environmental health; emphasis on synergistic hybrid bio-based systems (e.g., microbial fuel cells and algae systems) for enhanced efficiency; consideration of emerging contaminants like microplastics, detailing capture and degradation mechanisms; and a focus on scalability, techno-economic evaluation, and future research to overcome deployment challenges.

This research lays the groundwork for future applied studies, pilot implementations, and integration with national sanitation and water reuse programs. By leveraging natural processes, the technology offers a sustainable solution to wastewater management challenges, contributing to environmental conservation and resource efficiency.

Nagaland University’s initiative reflects a commitment to innovative, eco-friendly solutions that address pressing environmental issues. The development of such technologies is crucial in the global effort to promote sustainable practices and ensure the responsible use of natural resources.