The two-stage process combines adsorption and biodegradation to tackle a wide range of pharmaceutical compounds, including antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSIDs), and synthetic dyes.

Their study was published in the prestigious Journal of Water Process Engineering.

PhACs

Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) have become contaminants of emerging concern due to their bioaccumulation and biomagnification through the food chain, say NIT Rourkela researchers.

They are posing significant risks to humans and aquatic organisms even at trace concentrations.

These endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with hormonal systems, causing acute health issues, say NIT Rourkela researchers.

These pollutants enter water systems through domestic sewage, hospital waste, pharmaceutical industries, and livestock farming, say sources from NIT Rourkela.

Musi river

For instance, a study found that the Musi River, Telangana contained over 5 milligram per liter (mg/L) of ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, due to nearby drug manufacturing industry.

Adverse effects have been observed in lower trophic levels, such as fish, mussels, and birds, with incidents like fish mortality and declining eagle and vulture populations in the Indian subcontinent.

Antibiotics in wastewater are particularly concerning, as a large amount is excreted unchanged, contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Conventional wastewater treatment methods struggle to remove these contaminants, allowing them to persist in rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Integrated treatment

To address these challenges, the NIT Rourkela research team developed an integrated treatment process that effectively removes pharmaceutical pollutants through a two-stage approach.

In the first stage, the antibiotics are captured using biochar adsorbents derived from roasted coco peat and rice straw, say NIT Rourkela researchers.

This step significantly reduces antibiotic contamination before the biological treatment phase.

The second stage employs a specialized bacterial group, including Klebsiella and Pseudomonas strains, to break down residual pharmaceutical compounds such as diclofenac, paracetamol, and synthetic dyes.

Test

When tested on synthetic wastewater containing a mix of NSAIDs, antibiotics, and pharmaceutical dyes, the system demonstrated excellent removal efficiencies.

Biodegradation efficiency of pharmaceutical dyes and painkillers was more than 95%.

The biochar adsorption process also proved highly effective, removing over 99.5% of antibiotics from the water, say researchers from NIT Rourkela.

Significance

Prof. Angana Sarkar, Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology & Medical Engineering, NIT Rourkela, spoke about the significance of the research.

Their innovative integrated system efficiently removed various pharmaceutical pollutants, including antibiotics, NSIDs and dyes, she said.

The process is completely safe using biologically derived methods with no toxic intermediates, she said.

The process protects biodegrading bacteria, minimises toxic byproducts, and enhances the eco-friendly management of pharmaceutical contaminants, she said.

The treatment costs about Rs. 2.6 per liter and it can be further reduced by process optimization and integrating this system as a tertiary step in existing treatments, said Prof Angana of NIT Rourkela.

Non toxic

The researchers of NIT Rourkela suggest that this process is nontoxic, sustainable, and cost effective that can be scaled up in near future in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industries.

The system, demonstrated with model pharmaceutical compounds, can be applied to other molecules with similar structures.

Further treatment through standard wastewater treatment eliminates the need for additional stages for bacteria and solid residue removal, say sources from NIT Rourkela.

Future studies

Future studies will focus on recovering and purifying adsorbed antibiotics from biochar, offering a valuable resource that could generate profit and reduce pharmaceutical manufacturing costs.

This recovery could make medicines more affordable for underserved communities. Additionally, antibiotic-free biochar can be repurposed as fertilizer, ensuring a zero-waste process

Also Read – NIT Rourkela develops great AI powered model

Admission into BArch or Bachelor’s in Architecture course is sought by students in large numbers across India, lot of colleges offer admission in BArch based on the score of NATA which is also known as National Aptitude Test in Architecture.

While this NATA 2025 study plan aims at helping students pass NATA exam this year, even those who are waiting to write the exam in near future too can refer this to help them commence their study well in advance. More about NATA 2025 study plan is mentioned below for the sake of the students:

1. Part A: 120 minutes, 60 questions (Multiple Choice Questions)
2. Part B: 90 minutes, 2 questions (Drawing Test)

Creating a NATA 2025 Preparation Plan

To develop an effective NATA 2025 preparation plan, follow these steps:

1. Set realistic goals: Break down your study material into manageable chunks, and set achievable goals for each study session.

2. Identify your weaknesses: Focus on improving your weak areas, and allocate more time to those subjects.

3. Allocate time wisely: Divide your study time into two sections: Part A (Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning) and Part B (Drawing Test).

Study Materials for NATA 2025 Preparation Plan

To aid your NATA 2025 preparation plan, utilize the following study materials:

1. NCERT textbooks: Focus on NCERT textbooks for Mathematics and General Aptitude, as they provide a solid foundation.

2. Reference books: Supplement your NCERT textbooks with reference books like RS Aggarwal, SL Loney, and OP Tandon.

3. Online resources: Utilize online resources like Khan Academy, Unacademy, and BYJU’S for additional study materials.

Practice and Revision for NATA 2025 Preparation Plan

Practice and revision are crucial components of NATA 2025 preparation plan. Follow these tips:

1. Take mock tests: Regularly take mock tests to assess your knowledge, identify weak areas, and improve your time management skills.

2. Practice previous year’s papers: Practice previous year’s papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and question types.

3. Create revision notes: Create concise revision notes for each subject, highlighting key concepts and formulas.

1. Create a schedule: Plan out your study schedule in advance, allocating specific times for each subject.

2. Use time-blocking: Divide your study time into focused blocks, eliminating distractions during each block.

3. Take breaks: Take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Staying Motivated for NATA 2025 Preparation Plan

Staying motivated is crucial for NATA 2025 preparation plan. Follow these tips:

1. Remind yourself of your goals: Keep your goals in mind, and remind yourself why you’re working towards NATA 2025.

2. Celebrate small victories: Reward yourself for small milestones achieved during your NATA 2025 preparation plan journey.

3. Seek support: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, and consider joining a study group for motivation.

Final Tips for NATA 2025 Preparation Plan

1. Stay consistent: Consistency is key to success in NATA 2025 preparation plan.

2. Practice under timed conditions: Practice solving questions under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy.

3. Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude throughout your NATA 2025 preparation plan journey.

By incorporating these final tips into your NATA 2025 preparation plan, you’ll be well on your way to achieving success.

Also Read – NIRF 2024 Top 20 Architecture Colleges, Great For Studies