Researchers develop filter using sunlight, AI to purify waste water

This smart integration allows fine-tuning of the purification process for maximum pollutant degradation. Read further on Dynamite News:

New Delhi: A team of researchers at the Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST) in Mohali has developed an innovative water purification system that uses sunlight, gentle vibrations, and artificial intelligence (AI) to effectively remove harmful pollutants from industrial wastewater.

The system combines a 3D-printed biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold coated with Bismuth Ferrite (BiFeO₃), a catalyst known for breaking down toxic dyes such as Congo Red and Methylene Blue when activated by light and mechanical energy, said a statement here from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) which has funded the research.

This process, called piezo-photocatalysis, leverages both sunlight and vibrations to keep the catalyst active even on cloudy days, overcoming the limitations of traditional solar-powered purification techniques.

To further enhance the system’s efficiency, the researchers employed machine learning models, including Artificial Neural Networks, to predict performance under various conditions with up to 99% accuracy.

This smart integration allows fine-tuning of the purification process for maximum pollutant degradation.

The hybrid system demonstrated impressive results, removing 98.9% of Congo Red and 74.3% of Methylene Blue from wastewater samples—surpassing many existing treatment methods, said the statement.

The biodegradable, low-cost, and reusable design offers an eco-friendly solution that reduces chemical use and waste, making it scalable for industrial and remote community applications, it said.