Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have unveiled a groundbreaking water treatment system designed to remove fluoride and iron from contaminated groundwater. This community-scale initiative can process up to 20,000 liters of water daily, providing a crucial solution for areas facing limited access to safe drinking water. The system is not only cost-effective, priced at just Rs 20 per 1,000 liters of treated water, but also energy-efficient.
Over a 12-week test period in real-world conditions, the system has demonstrated impressive efficiency, successfully eliminating up to 94% of iron and 89% of fluoride, thereby bringing both contaminants within the safe limits set by Indian standards. Project lead Prof. Mihir Kumar Purkait highlighted the potential for future advancements in this technology, stating, “We are exploring renewable energy options like solar and wind to power the unit and are working on utilizing the hydrogen gas produced during the electrocoagulation process. With the integration of smart sensors and automated controls, we aim to reduce the need for manual intervention, making this solution more suitable for remote and underserved communities.”
Fluoride, which is commonly found in dental care products, fertilizers, and various industrial processes, can infiltrate groundwater through natural means or human activities, such as agriculture and manufacturing. Consuming water with high fluoride levels can lead to skeletal fluorosis, a serious health condition that stiffens bones and joints, causing painful physical movement.
The IIT Guwahati team has developed a four-step process to ensure an effective and economical method of treating contaminated water. The process begins with aeration, where a specialized aerator introduces oxygen to the water, aiding in the removal of dissolved iron. Next, the water flows into an electrocoagulation unit, where a mild electric current passes through aluminum electrodes, releasing charged metal particles that bind with contaminants. Following this, a flocculation stage forms larger clumps from the charged ions and contaminants, which are then allowed to settle. Finally, the water goes through a multi-layer filter composed of coal, sand, and gravel to eliminate any remaining impurities.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to integrate this innovative system with other water purification technologies, aiming to establish a fully decentralized and adaptable model for broader applications in water treatment.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/guwahati/iit-guwahati-develops-low-cost-water-treatment-system-to-remove-fluoride-iron-from-groundwater-1581681
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Publish Date: 2025-06-19 15:44:00
