GITAM University researcher provided grant of Rs 48 lakh for upcycling brackish water

NEW DELHI: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India has sanctioned an amount of Rs 48.61 lakh to a researcher from GITAM University, a statement from the university said. The researcher from the university, Subhash Chandra has been provided the grant to conduct a research on upcycling of brackish water. The official statement further read that the grant has been provided to Bose under the Water Technology Initiative plan introduced in March 2023.

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The press release issued by the university stated that the project is aimed at developing sustainable carbon electrodes from biomass waste for use in membrane capacitive deionisation (MCDI) technology, which has become an up-and-coming water treatment technology for seawater desalination and consumes low energy. Additionally, this technology is highly efficient and causes no secondary pollution, as claimed by the research.

Subhash Chandra, who is leading the research, said: "This project will help us develop a sustainable and cost effective solution to the water scarcity problem in India's arid regions. We will utilise functionalised biochar to grow carbon electrodes and design and develop the MCDI cell for desalination. This project also highlights the importance of sustainable practices and innovations in solving critical issues such as water scarcity and climate change. Creating sustainable carbon electrodes from biomass waste for brackish water desalination is a significant step towards achieving a sustainable carbon-neutral future".