Exploring Textile Effluent treatment Techniques to make Water drinkable

The Indian textile industry plays a vital role in the supply chain and marketing of garments and diverse handloom products, thereby strengthening India's commercial position in the global market. According to our survey reports, 1.4 million product transmissions represent the majority of deliveries to the local marketing system. The exceptional performance of textiles in the regions of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Punjab for woollen production facilities. According to the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), 23.6% of the textile sector in Gujarat exhibits high levels of production. 

Textile Industries generates large volume of complex effluents during the processing of clothes, and before discharging, which is high in organic and inorganic effluent load on the environment. Azo, Benzo, Cationic, Anionic, Xanthene, group of dyes are carcinogenic groups that are effective in our humanity and the abiotic life cycle. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) survey, it reported that 92 million tons of effluent were generated in FY23-24. This wastewater often shows high TDS, salinity, alkalinity, and electrical conductivity, primarily originating from salt-intensive dyeing processes. Additionally, textile wastewater contains heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn), formaldehyde-based resins, and chlorinated compounds, posing ecotoxicological and human health risks. Some of the most carcinogenic groups of dyes are the reactive dyes, which are harmful and highly soluble in water molecules, for example, RB21 (Reactive Turquoise Blue 21) dye. The general molecule's formula is C₄₀H₂₅CuN₉O₁₄S₅, represents a copper phthalocyanine reactive dye with multiple functional groups (nitrogen heterocycles, sulfonic groups) around a central Cu atom. Typically contains reactive vinyl sulfonyl (–SO₂–CH=CH₂) or sulfatoethylsulphonyl groups that can form covalent bonds with hydroxyl (–OH) groups of cellulose fibres during the dying process. One of the most advanced research studies was successfully published in a reputed journal, which one is the advance solutions to degrade this carcinogenic pollutant by using the AOPs (Advance Oxidation Processes) technique. 

Catalyst is the altering the rate of the reaction. One of the most susceptible, highly active, emerging, and advanced materials in the presence of visible light also enhances COD, BOD, and DO rates to make water drinkable. Recent breakthroughs to mineralise faster RB21 with the combination of materials with hybrid techniques like Photocatalyst+Ultrasonication, UV+Ozonation,  Corona Discharge Plasma with Fe2+ addition,n etc. 

   

Method	Approx. RB21 Removal	Notes
Corona plasma + Fe²⁺	~100 % color removed, ~83 % COD ↓	Advanced oxidation
Photo‑ozonation	~99 %	Very short reaction times
SmFeO₃‑rGO + ultrasound	High degradation (faster)	Effective on the actual effluent
Fly ash adsorption	Moderate capacity (~105 mg g⁻¹)	Very low cost
Photocatalysis with MgFe2O4	93 %  removal rate	AOP, low cost

An Innovative Plant-Based Hydrogel Module Employing a Bio-Authentic Strategy for Agricultural Waste Reduction

The title outlines a study focused on a sustainable system for creating high-performance hydrogel modules from agricultural waste like rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, and maize stover. In order to achieve better water retention and nutrient delivery, a design concept known as the "Bio-Authentic Strategy" imitates natural biological systems, such as the plant's own vascular system.

1. Core Concept: The "Bio-Authentic" Strategy

Petroleum-based polymers are frequently used in conventional synthetic hydrogels. Two things are given priority in a bio-authentic approach: replicating the three-dimensional structure of plant tissues (xylem/phloem) to enable effective capillary action, and water storage is known as structural mimicry.

Utilising naturally occurring polymers, primarily cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, derived from waste materials, ensures the complete biodegradability and chemical compatibility of the final product with the soil ecosystem.

2. Transforming Agricultural Waste

The module examines the "waste to wealth" cycle by processing standard field residues.

• Feedstock: Sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, and fruit peels, dry fruit peels, and other biomass based materials, which are cellulosic, hemicellulosic, lignin. 
• Extraction: Cellulose is isolated via alkali treatment or green solvents (ionic liquids).
• Synthesis: Biodegradable agents, such as citric acid, or physical methods, like freeze-thaw cycles, are employed to cross-link the cellulose, thereby yielding a porous and highly absorbent network.

3. Key Benefits in Agriculture

These plant-based modules act as "mini-reservoirs" buried near the root zone, providing several advantages.

4. Current State-of-the-Research (2024–2025)

Recent breakthroughs in this field focus on "smart" hydrogel on reports. These are designed to respond to specific environmental triggers:

• pH-Responsive: releasing stored water only when the soil reaches a certain acidity/alkalinity level.
• Temperature-triggered: expanding or contracting based on soil heat to manage moisture during heatwaves.
• Nano-Reinforcement: Adding nanocellulose (CNCs) to the module to increase its mechanical strength, allowing it to withstand the pressure of heavy soil without collapsing.
• Note on Sustainability: This strategy aligns with the Circular Bioeconomy, as it prevents the open burning of agricultural waste (reducing CO2 and particulate emissions) while simultaneously tackling water scarcity.