Innovating Clean Solutions: New Patent for Waste-Water-Treatment and Oil-spill-cleanup

Chandigarh, July 24, 2024: Dr. Vishal Sharma, Associate Professor at Institute of Forensic Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh; DST INSPIRE FELLOW Sonal Choudhary; in collaboration with Dr. Vijay Kumar of NIT Srinagar and Dr. Kashma Sharma of DAV collegehave achieved a significant milestone with the granting of an Indian patent for Sodiumdodecylsulfate hydrogel-based sorbent for waste-water-treatment, and derived soot for immediate oil-spill-remediation and its preparation process’that promises to revolutionize the industry and address environmental challenges.

Dr. Vishal Sharma’s material research group has been actively involved in the synthesis of functional materials for a variety of applications in recent years (drug delivery, waste water treatment, Sensors, Oil spill cleanup, and environmental forensics).This patent pertains to the innovative synthesis of a surfactant-based sorbent capable of adsorbing various water contaminants. Remarkably, after its use in water purification, this sorbent can be repurposed for oil spill cleanup. This dual-purpose material effectively addresses both water and oil contaminants, offering a versatile solution for industries grappling with expensive, labor-intensive, and highly toxic chemical treatments to remove toxicants from wastewater and oily waste water. Water contamination is a growing global concern. The pollution of water bodies due to industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and domestic waste has escalated, making it increasingly difficult to find effective and sustainable treatment solutions. Traditional methods of treating water contaminants are often costly, labor-intensive, and involve the use of hazardous chemicals, further exacerbating environmental problems. There is a pressing need for innovative solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable and safe for the environment.
Their invention, titled "Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Hydrogel-Based Sorbent for Waste-Water Treatment, and Derived Soot for Immediate Oil-Spill Remediation and Its Preparation Process," provides a groundbreaking solution to this issue. This material serves a dual purpose. It effectively adsorbs contaminants from wastewater, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for water purification. Post-use in water treatment, the sorbent can be employed to clean up oil spills, addressing another significant environmental issue. This is particularly useful in scenarios such as oil tanker leaks on roads and rivers, and can also be applied to household oily waste. Industries currently rely on expensive, labor-intensive, and toxic chemical treatments to remove toxicants from wastewater. The application of this material can significantly reduce costs and labor while minimizing the environmental impact of chemical treatments, as it is biodegradable in nature. 
This innovation offers a safer, more sustainable approach to managing industrial effluents and oily wastewater. The material's practical applications extend to real-world scenarios such as oil tanker leaks on roads and rivers, household oily waste management, and car and motor shops where vehicles are repaired and discarded oil flows freely in water .India has witnessed several oil spill incidents in recent years, including: The Ennore Port Spill (2017) near Chennai that resulted in extensive environmental damage and required extensive cleanup efforts. The Visakhapatnam Port Spill (2020) that led to significant pollution of the coastal waters and affected marine life. These incidents underscore the urgent need for effective oil spill remediation solutions. Dr. Sharma's invention holds immense potential in addressing such environmental crises promptly and efficiently, mitigating the adverse effects on ecosystems and human health