IIT Guwahati team finds blue-green algae can remove lead from water

A team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) has developed a biological material capable of removing lead from contaminated water.

• The researchers identified cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, as an effective natural material for absorbing lead from polluted water.
• A major advantage of this technology is the abundant availability of cyanobacteria in village ponds, lakes, reservoirs, paddy fields, and other slow-moving freshwater bodies.
• The study found that exopolysaccharides (EPS)—a sticky, sugar-rich substance secreted by cyanobacteria—showed the highest capacity to absorb lead from contaminated water.
• The innovation offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable approach for the treatment of lead-contaminated water.

About Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)

• Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, are photosynthetic bacteria, not true algae.
• They are among the oldest known life forms on Earth and are found naturally in freshwater bodies, coastal waters & marine ecosystems like plants, cyanobacteria require sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrients for growth through photosynthesis.
• Under favourable conditions, cyanobacteria can multiply rapidly, forming harmful algal blooms (HABs).
• Some cyanobacterial blooms produce cyanotoxins, which can be harmful to humans, livestock, pets, wildlife, and aquatic organisms.
• Exposure to these toxins may cause skin rashes and irritation after contact with contaminated water.

Source: IIT Guwahati

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