IIT/ISM Dhanbad gets patent for technology to recover copper from wastewater

Dhanbad: Researchers at IIT-ISM, Dhanbad, have been granted an Indian patent for developing an electrochemical reactor capable of recovering copper from wastewater, the institute said on Friday. The technology is expected to promote sustainable industrial wastewater treatment and resource recovery, particularly in the mining and metallurgical sectors. The patent, titled 'An Electrochemical Reactor for Cathodic Recovery of Copper from Wastewater', has been awarded by the Patent Office, Government of India, to Prof Vipin Kumar of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering and his PhD scholars Nishant Pandey and Ankur Singh, the institute said in a statement.

According to the institute, the technology enables recovery of copper through a cathodic electrochemical process while treating wastewater, offering an environmentally sustainable solution for industries, especially the mining and metallurgical sectors. "The patent is the result of years of sustained research. Obtaining it involved a rigorous examination process where we had to demonstrate the novelty and scientific merit of the technology. We hope the innovation will support sustainable wastewater management and resource recovery, particularly in mining-affected regions," Prof Kumar said.

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IIT (ISM) Director Prof Sukumar Mishra said the patent highlighted the institute's focus on developing technologies with societal relevance. "This achievement demonstrates our commitment to research that addresses environmental challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions. Such technologies are vital for balancing industrial growth with environmental protection," Mishra said.

The institute said Prof Kumar's research focuses on environmental microbiology, microbial electrochemical systems, solid waste management and biological wastewater treatment. He has published over 100 research papers and has received several recognitions, including the Inder Mohan Thapar Foundation Research Award and membership of the National Academy of Sciences.