Researchers at Perm Polytechnic University created a novel technique for converting multi-ton waste—lignosulfonates and used particleboards—into highly effective sorbents for water purification, outperforming existing commercial equivalents by 3–12 times in efficacy. This was announced by the university’s press office.
The issue of clean drinking water is relevant for 2.1 billion individuals. Industrial facilities pollute water with byproducts such as lignosulfonates and particleboards. Conventional purification methods, including industrial carbons, have drawbacks: steep raw material expense, high energy consumption, and modest effectiveness.
Scientists at Perm Polytechnic proposed a thermochemical pyrolysis approach to generate carbon sorbents from the waste materials. In lab tests, they evaluated the performance of the novel sorbents against existing samples (birch, coconut, and coal) based on turbidity, color, and oxidizability metrics.
It was found that the new sorbents substantially surpass industrial equivalents: they remove 64.5% of organics, which is 6–12 times greater than commercial carbons; they reduce water color by 70%, proving 3.5 times more efficient than industrial carbon.
This technology enables the creation of inexpensive water filters for use in extreme settings, turning waste into a valued commodity and fulfilling a closed-loop model.
About the Author
