Punjab Scientists Create AI Solar Filter to Purify Wastewater
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Punjab Scientists Create AI Solar Filter to Purify Wastewater

In a major step toward tackling Punjab’s water pollution, scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed an AI-enabled, solar-powered filtration system that can eliminate up to 99 per cent of hazardous chemicals from industrial wastewater.
This innovation arrives as Punjab battles the discharge of over 764 million litres of untreated sewage into the Sutlej daily, mainly through the heavily polluted Buddha Nullah in Ludhiana. The filtration targets harmful industrial dyes like Congo Red and Methylene Blue, often used in textiles and pharmaceuticals. These dyes not only discolour water but are also linked to severe health issues, including skin and respiratory conditions.
The new system features a biodegradable 3D-printed scaffold made from polylactic acid and coated with bismuth ferrite—a solar-activated catalyst. Unlike conventional electrochemical or ozone-based treatments, this method is energy-efficient, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and reusable. It relies on Piezo-Photocatalysis, combining solar power and gentle vibrations to activate the catalyst, ensuring functionality even in inconsistent weather.
In lab tests, the system removed 98.9 per cent of Congo Red and 74.3 per cent of Methylene Blue, outperforming many advanced treatment methods. Field trials in Jaipur, where over 100 factories release effluents, also showed promising results.
To enhance precision and predict system performance in varying conditions, researchers integrated Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), achieving 99 per cent prediction accuracy. INST is working with Chandigarh University to improve the system’s sustainability under real-world conditions.
Funded by the Department of Science and Technology and published in Nano Energy, this scalable solution could revolutionise wastewater treatment in rural and peri-urban areas. “If adopted by the Punjab government, this system could significantly clean Buddha Nullah and reduce toxic discharge into the Sutlej,” said Dr Aviru Basu, the lead researcher.

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

In a major step toward tackling Punjab’s water pollution, scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed an AI-enabled, solar-powered filtration system that can eliminate up to 99 per cent of hazardous chemicals from industrial wastewater.This innovation arrives as Punjab battles the discharge of over 764 million litres of untreated sewage into the Sutlej daily, mainly through the heavily polluted Buddha Nullah in Ludhiana. The filtration targets harmful industrial dyes like Congo Red and Methylene Blue, often used in textiles and pharmaceuticals. These dyes not only discolour water but are also linked to severe health issues, including skin and respiratory conditions.The new system features a biodegradable 3D-printed scaffold made from polylactic acid and coated with bismuth ferrite—a solar-activated catalyst. Unlike conventional electrochemical or ozone-based treatments, this method is energy-efficient, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and reusable. It relies on Piezo-Photocatalysis, combining solar power and gentle vibrations to activate the catalyst, ensuring functionality even in inconsistent weather.In lab tests, the system removed 98.9 per cent of Congo Red and 74.3 per cent of Methylene Blue, outperforming many advanced treatment methods. Field trials in Jaipur, where over 100 factories release effluents, also showed promising results.To enhance precision and predict system performance in varying conditions, researchers integrated Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), achieving 99 per cent prediction accuracy. INST is working with Chandigarh University to improve the system’s sustainability under real-world conditions.Funded by the Department of Science and Technology and published in Nano Energy, this scalable solution could revolutionise wastewater treatment in rural and peri-urban areas. “If adopted by the Punjab government, this system could significantly clean Buddha Nullah and reduce toxic discharge into the Sutlej,” said Dr Aviru Basu, the lead researcher. 

Next Story
Real Estate

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?