IIT Guwahati Innovates Energy-Efficient Wastewater Treatment Using Microalgae and Bacteria

A team from IIT Guwahati, led by Prof. Kannan Pakshirajan, has developed a novel method to remove ammonium from wastewater. Using a photo-sequencing batch reactor (PSBR), the system combines microalgae and bacteria to treat wastewater sustainably, reducing energy consumption by over 91% compared to traditional methods.

The innovative approach eliminates the need for external oxygen aeration by leveraging oxygen generated by microalgae during photosynthesis. Published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, this breakthrough offers eco-friendly and cost-effective applications for treating industrial, agricultural, and domestic wastewater.