Nanomaterial Created by IISc to Remove Chromium from Groundwater

With a specific emphasis on chromium pollution, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have achieved a significant breakthrough by creating a unique nanomaterial that may aid in reducing heavy metal contamination in groundwater. This is important because heavy metal contamination of water is becoming an increasing environmental problem, particularly in metropolitan areas where industrial waste is present.

Onsite Water Cleanup and Chromium Contamination

• Chromium Chromium (Cr) contamination in soil and groundwater is due to industrial waste from industries such as the leather tanning, electroplating and textile manufacturing.
• Traditional solutions include removing water and taking it to treatment plants.
• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has created a new process for cleaning water in situ with iron nanoparticles introduced into the groundwater.
• The team developed nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) which can convert dangerous chromium into its less harmful Cr3+ state.
• To stop the nanoparticles from gluing together, they coated the iron particles with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a compound that keeps them separated and stops rust.
• The S-CMC-nZVI nanomaterial removed 99% toxic Cr even in varying pH conditions and presence of competing particles.
• This approach is especially suitable for cleaning up chromium and heavy metal-polluted lakes like the Bellandur Lake in Bengaluru —
• The IISc's discovery is being considered as a breakthrough for on-site groundwater remediation.