DTU scientists develop eco-friendly nanoparticles for water pollution treatment

New Delhi: Scientists at Delhi Technological University (DTU) have made significant progress in creating nanoparticles from natural plant extracts with antibacterial properties. These particles show potential for various applications, particularly in treating water pollution caused by untreated sewage, dyeing industry effluents, and other contaminants.
Dr Mohan Singh Mehata, associate professor in engineering physics at DTU, has led groundbreaking research in developing nanomaterials using eco-friendly sources, including tulsi, neem, and paddy straw. Laboratory assessments have demonstrated positive results, with the liquid nanomaterials showing effective purification capabilities.
The scientific team suggests this innovation could help solve pollution issues in rivers, especially waterways like the Yamuna affected by industrial contamination.
The research group has published numerous papers documenting nanoparticles of varying colours derived from different materials, each possessing unique properties.
The initial nanoparticles, measuring 10-20 nanometers, were spherical silver particles created using tulsi leaf extract. These demonstrated strong antibacterial effects against E coli bacteria.
“The key agents, such as quercetin in tulsi, played a crucial role in reducing metal ions to nanoparticles, enhancing their antibacterial efficacy,” stated his research published in Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group), earning widespread recognition with over 824 citations. Building on this, Mehata further synthesised silver nanoparticles from neem leaf extract, which exhibited notable antibacterial properties.
Their continued research produced silver nanoparticles from ginger extract, achieving 99% degradation of textile dye, offering an effective environmental solution.
“These nanoparticles demonstrated a high degradation rate constant, making them a valuable tool for mitigating pollution in the textile industry,” he pointed out.
The work further extended to gold nanoparticles, synthesised from Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi leaf extract, which demonstrated catalytic ability in degrading methylene blue dye, achieving a 94% degradation rate. Among the latest findings, the research team has also utilised blue-emitting graphene quantum dots (GQDs) derived from paddy straw, which showed promising potential for non-invasive medical diagnostics.
“These nanoparticles, which are in soluble forms and extracted from different natural elements, have successfully also detected the presence of chromium ions as contamination in aquatic environments such as ponds or rivers. The research underscores the versatility of plant-derived nanomaterials, highlighting their significant applications in healthcare and environmental sustainability,” said Mehata.
The research initially focused on understanding nanoparticle characteristics, their interactions with proteins and radiation, while seeking solutions for aquatic pollution.
“Among many aims of the study was to address environmental pollution. Initially, we used chemicals to develop the nanoparticles, but we found that those were very toxic. Hence, we turned towards nature for answers,” said the scientist.

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