Nanophosphate particles designed by IIT scientists
Jagran correspondent, Roorkee. Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) have developed a nano-enabled breakthrough to rapidly remove toxic plastic pollutants from water. This innovation enables the removal of toxic plastic effluents from water without causing pollution.
Research revealed that nanophosphates can completely replace traditional nutrient media. They provide sustainable nutrition without burdening the environment. According to the research team, the designed nutrient-rich nanophosphates can stimulate pollutant-degrading bacteria.
Phthalates can be removed within a few hours. Phthalates are a class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals widely used in plastics. These are commonly found in rivers, groundwater and wastewater and are known to interfere with hormone function, reproduction and development. Although bacteria can naturally decompose these compounds. Designed multi-nutrient nanophosphate particles
Multi-nutrient nanophosphate particles act as micronutrient stores. It also slowly releases essential elements like phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and trace metals at exactly the place and time when the bacteria need them.
When combined with the pollutant-degrading bacterium Rhodococcus jostii RHA-1, the nanophosphates enabled almost complete removal of phthalates within three hours, even in ordinary water, without any additional growth medium.
Bacterial growth began immediately without any lag phase, indicating that the microorganisms had immediate access to nutrients from the nanoparticles. Bacteria actively colonize nanophosphate particles
Advanced microscopic and spectroscopy techniques revealed that bacteria actively colonize the nanophosphate particles and slowly dissolve them while extracting nutrients. This controlled solubility prevents sudden increase of nutrients. It also provides continuous energy to microbial metabolism. Key elements such as magnesium were consumed during biodegradation. This confirms that these particles were directly supporting bacterial activity.
This research reflects IIT Roorkee's commitment to developing science-based solutions to global sustainability challenges.
Pro. KK Pant Director, IIT Roorkee