Turning the tide on industrial pollution

Pakistan's worsening water scarcity and industrial pollution have inspired a young innovator to develop a portable wastewater treatment system capable of transforming contaminated industrial water into reusable water, offering industries a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.

The project, titled Industrial Wastewater Treatment from Electrocoagulation System, was developed by student Noor Ahmed Ismail under the supervision of Dr Sameera Noreen. It employs advanced electrocoagulation and electrolysis technologies to remove pollutants, chemicals and other harmful substances from industrial wastewater.

The system uses aluminium and stainless-steel electrodes that, when powered by an electric current, separate contaminants from wastewater. The treated water can then be reused in industrial processes, reducing freshwater consumption while significantly lowering wastewater treatment costs.

One of the project's key features is its portability. Operated through a DC power supply, the system can be installed easily in both small and large industrial facilities across Pakistan, making it a practical solution for a wide range of industries.

Experts noted that electrocoagulation technology is already being used internationally in the production of caustic soda and other industrial products, but its application in Pakistan remains limited.

Head of the Chemical Engineering Department, Dr Syeda Yasmeen Muzammal, said wider adoption of the technology could help curb industrial pollution, ease the country's growing water crisis and strengthen the national economy.

She added that it could also substantially reduce the high costs industries incur on wastewater treatment.

Environmental experts believe that amid Pakistan's increasing water shortages and industrial pollution, the student-developed innovation has the potential to emerge as an effective, low-cost and sustainable wastewater treatment solution for the country's industrial sector.