Nikolay Gromov, Head of the Department of Environmental Engineering Problems of Novosibirsk State Technical University , NETI , together with a team of scientists from the Institute of Catalysis named after G. K. Boreskov SB RAS proposed an eco-friendly solution for wastewater treatment using photocatalysis. In addition to environmental friendliness and efficiency, this method is quite economical compared to analogs, as the developers emphasize. Among the potential users are, first of all, enterprises in the transport and chemical industries, the technological process of which involves the formation of wastewater with organic impurities.
"There are numerous wastewater treatment technologies that reduce the concentration of pollutants.However, it is difficult to find a cleaning method with the specified parameters of concentration reduction that falls within the limits of the required hygienic standards that determine the suitability of water for further use. Our project works at the junction of several directions. On the one hand, the synthesis of catalysts and the study of their properties, on the other, the study of the effectiveness of their work,"– said Nikolai Gromov, the head of the Department of Environmental Engineering of NSTU NETI, Candidate of Chemical Sciences.
The eco-friendly method used by Novosibirsk scientists is based on a photocatalytic approach: toxic impurities are oxidized using a created catalyst. This approach makes it possible to obtain wastewater at the outlet with an acceptable level of organic pollutants.
"There are analogues – for example, biotechnological post-treatment. However, the effectiveness of traditional methods decreases with a significant decrease in the concentrations of pollutants, which leads to an increase in operating costs. We offer an option that can reduce the cost of post-treatment because of the reusable catalysts," added Nikolai Gromov.
Young scientists at NSTU NETI received a grant from the government of the Novosibirsk region to implement their project and are now engaged in the study of the physicochemical process. The development of the catalyst continues at the Institute of Catalysis named after G. K. Boreskov SB RAS. The team members are confident that the positive results of the project will allow us to proceed with testing the proposed method in the Novosibirsk region in the future.