Scientists at South Ural State University in Russia, working alongside TV BRICS, have created and trialled an electrochemical water treatment system built to eliminate stubborn textile dyes from wastewater.
The research was conducted with international scientists and centres on enhancing the purification of industrial effluents, according to the university’s website.
Textile dyes once released into wastewater, they stay stable in the environment, cut light penetration in water bodies, and threaten aquatic ecosystems due to their resistance to natural breakdown.
The scientists put forward an electrochemical method in which polluted water passes through a treatment unit while an electric current produces reactive particles on the surface of a purpose-built electrode.
These particles dismantle dye molecules, allowing effective purification without requiring extra chemical reagents.
“The key characteristic of this innovation is its flow-through structure. The water isn’t merely held in a laboratory container; it moves through the reactor. This brings the system nearer to the actual conditions of industrial effluent treatment,” said Vladislav Fadeev, a young researcher at South Ural State University.
The team further used a multilayer electrode featuring a holmium-modified active layer, boosting both purification effectiveness and resilience across repeated use.
Laboratory trials revealed that the dye solution turned entirely colourless within 90 minutes. The system kept nearly consistent performance after 15 successive treatment cycles, showing its durability and promise for extended operation.
The scientists believe the technology could enable the creation of compact water treatment units for eliminating persistent organic pollutants. Upcoming work will centre on trialling the method with actual industrial wastewater and refining the design further.
