NIT Rourkela researchers patent jackfruit peel technology for fluoride removal

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) have secured a patent for a low-cost water purification material derived from jackfruit peel. The technology utilizes activated carbon made from agricultural waste and modified with zirconium to enhance its ability to capture fluoride from contaminated groundwater.

In laboratory tests, the material achieved fluoride removal efficiencies exceeding 90-97 per cent within 10 to 20 minutes. The research team, led by Professor Susmita Mishra and graduate researcher Pratima Minz, aims to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional methods like reverse osmosis or ion exchange, which can be resource-intensive or rely on harsh chemicals.

Excessive fluoride in drinking water is a significant public health concern linked to dental and skeletal fluorosis. This innovation could eventually support decentralized water treatment solutions for communities in fluoride-affected regions.