Punjab Scientists Create AI Solar Filter to Purify Wastewater

15 Jul 2025 CW Team

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.

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.

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Jul 2026

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..