A team of researchers of the National Institute of Rourkela (NIT) has got the patent right for a novel bacterial biofilm technology to contain industrial pollution, said officials of the premiere technical institute on Friday.
The team has secured a patent for novel bacterial biofilm technology that can degrade phenanthrene, a toxic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) commonly found in industrial chemical waste. Contrary to conventional methods, the developed technology offers an environmentally friendly, effective, and cost-efficient solution for wastewater treatment.
PAHs are hazardous organic compounds capable of contaminating soil and water through fossil fuel combustion, industrial discharge, and oil spills. While the traditional methods used to address this challenge, such as chemical oxidation or soil excavation, are expensive and often generate secondary pollution.
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.
“The developed 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. Our patented technology also opens opportunities for potential collaboration with the petrochemical industry to promote more sustainable pollution control practices”, Professor Surajit Das, Department of Life Science, NIT Rourkela said
The biofilm developed by NIT Rourkela researchers has shown 95% degradation of phenanthrene over a period of five days.
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 developed 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”, Dr. Kumari Uma Mahto, Research Graduate, NIT Rourkela said.