Innovative Biofilm From NIT Rourkela Promises Eco-Friendly Solution To Toxic Chemical Waste

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have made a significant breakthrough in combating industrial pollution by developing an eco-friendly bacterial biofilm that degrades phenanthrene, a toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) frequently found in industrial chemical waste and oil spills.

PAHs are known for their persistence in the environment and pose serious risks to soil, water, and marine ecosystems.

Traditional methods for managing these pollutants, such as chemical oxidation and soil excavation, are costly and often produce secondary pollution.

The patented biofilm technology, comprising microbial cells embedded within an extracellular polymeric matrix, has shown an impressive 95 per cent degradation of phenanthrene within five days.

Developed using a nutrient-rich Luria Bertani broth, the biofilm enhances microbial density and stability, enabling efficient pollutant breakdown.

This makes it a highly effective and affordable option for wastewater treatment, especially in industrial regions lacking robust pollution control infrastructure.

Dr Kumari Uma Mahto, a research graduate at NIT Rourkela, explained, “This technology can mitigate the effects of industrial oil spills where phenanthrene and other PAHs severely threaten marine life. It will be invaluable for areas with high industrial activity but inadequate pollution control.”

Promising Applications and Future Prospects

The new biofilm system is compatible with existing biofilm reactors commonly used in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, especially those dealing with hydrocarbon pollutants.

Professor Surajit Das from the Department of Life Science highlighted its potential, stating, “Our patented technology not only offers sustainable pollution control but also opens avenues for collaboration with the petrochemical industry to foster greener practices.”

A key feature of the biofilm is its protective layer of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS), which dissolves and absorbs harmful molecules while shielding the microbial community from toxic effects.

This structural advantage supports prolonged microbial activity and efficient substrate utilisation, making it ideal for persistent organic pollutant degradation in both wastewater and contaminated aquatic environments.

The NIT Rourkela team’s research underscores the promise of biofilm-based approaches for addressing industrial pollution challenges sustainably.

Their work paves the way for improved environmental safety and economic benefits, contributing to the global effort to mitigate industrial waste impact on ecosystems.

This novel biofilm technology marks a pivotal advancement in eco-friendly pollution control, offering industries and governments a practical and efficient tool to tackle hazardous chemical waste and protect the environment for future generations.

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