BITS Pilani Hyderabad Develops Biopharma Wastewater Recycling Technology

BITS Pilani Hyderabad Researchers have developed a low-energy technology to recycle biopharmaceutical wastewater into reusable water and methane-rich biogas. Keep scrolling this page for more details.

BITS Pilani Hyderabad Develops Technology to Recycle Biopharma Wastewater

Researchers at the Birla Institute if Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani Hyderabad have developed a new technology that can recycle wastewater generated by the biopharmaceutical industry into reusable water while also producing clean energy. The innovation aims to reduce the high cost and energy consumption involved in treating industrial wastewater. The research team has created an integrated three-stage treatment process that uses very little energy compared to conventional methods. Instead of relying heavily on chemicals and heat, the technology disinfects wastewater using electrical pulses and converts organic waste into methane-rich biogas. The treated water can then be reused for industrial purposes.

According to the researchers, conventional treatment of biopharmaceutical fermentation wastewater requires large amounts of chemicals and thermal energy. The newly developed process not only treats the wastewater safely but also recovers valuable resources such as reusable water and clean energy, making it a more sustainable alternative.

The researchers believe the technology can help industries reduce freshwater consumption while lowering wastewater treatment costs. As water scarcity becomes a growing concern in many parts of India, such solutions could support industries in adopting more sustainable manufacturing practices.

The innovation is expected to benefit pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that generate large volumes of wastewater during production. Besides reducing pollution, the methane-rich biogas produced during the treatment process can also be used as a renewable source of energy.

Researchers said the technology has the potential to be scaled for industrial use and could contribute to India’s efforts towards water conservation, resource recovery and sustainable industrial development.