NIT Rourkela System Recycles Laundry Water, Cuts Demand 90%
Why this is here: The system’s relatively low installation cost of Rs 30,000 for the treatment unit itself makes it a potentially scalable solution for communities where water scarcity is a daily challenge.
Researchers at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela developed a system that recycles wastewater from a campus laundry, reducing freshwater demand by 85 to 90 percent. The project, spurred by increased washing during the COVID-19 pandemic, treats detergent-rich water using constructed wetland–microbial fuel cells.
The system utilizes layers of gravel, sand, soil, and Canna plants to filter solids and absorb pollutants. Electrogenic microbes generate a small electric current, aiding the purification process. The treated greywater meets Bureau of Indian Standards safety limits for reuse in applications like laundry and gardening.
Currently handling 500-1,000 liters daily, the pilot system cost approximately Rs 2 lakh to install. Researchers are now monitoring seasonal performance and testing shorter treatment durations. The team hopes to expand the project to campus hostels and eventually, communities facing water scarcity.