Synthesis of catalysts to accelerate purification of industrial wastewater

Iranian researchers from the Islamic Azad University succeeded in the presentation of a new type of catalyst with appropriate capabilities to be used in the purification of wastewater produced by industries that deal with nitroaniline compounds. The scientists carried out the research by studying the possibility of eliminating organic pollutants from water or industrial wastewater by using the synthesized catalysts. Nitroaniline compounds may release to the environment during their industrial production reactions or during the production of azo dyes. These compounds are toxic through respiration, digestion, and adsorption. Enzyme-free reduction of nitro-aromatic compounds and the sequence of reactions in the reduction of nitro functional group result in the formation of very highly reactive intermediate aromatic amines. Nitroso and hydroxylamino functional groups are electrophilic, and they can react with biomolecules. They may become cancerous or toxic and when they enter industrial wastewater, they increase the density of the pollution in the environment. Therefore and due to their complex structure, industrial streams should be treated with determined processes before joining the ordinary wastewater streams. The aim of the research was to investigate the possibility of the elimination of organic pollutants from water or industrial wastewater by using the synthesized catalysts at laboratorial scale in the first place, and then to develop the results at larger scales. Results of the research can be applied in various consuming industries (organic compounds) and in educational and research institutes. The natural and high potential of the application of organic compounds in various industries and their resistance against degradation and conversion into harmless and environmental friendly materials result in the occurrence of irreparable damages to humans’ health. Results of the research have been published on 10 September 2013 in Ceramics International, vol. 39, issue 7. For more information about the details of the research, study the full article on pages 8311-8317 on the same journal.