Methylene Blue and Congo Red

A team of researchers at the Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST) in Mohali have designed a 3D-printed scaffold made from biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) which is known for piezo-photocatalytic properties.

• Many industries — from textiles to pharmaceuticals — dump wastewater laced with harmful dyes like Methylene Blue and Congo Red into the environment.

• These pollutants do not just discolour water, they pose serious risks to ecosystems and human health, leading to skin problems, respiratory diseases, and more.

• Current solutions involve physical and chemical oxidation techniques, like electrochemical, ozone, and related methods are energy intensive and which require expensive chemicals making them hazardous for the environment.

• On the basis of new technology, a water filter can not only trap pollutants but also destroy them, using sunlight, gentle vibrations, and a slight help from artificial intelligence (AI).

(Source: PIB)