Researchers from Nagaland University have developed an innovative, nature-inspired technology that enables the recovery of valuable resources such as nutrients, biofuels, biogas, and clean water from wastewater.
This breakthrough advances the concept of bio-based soft technologies—energy-efficient systems that utilize natural agents like plants, algae, and microbes to treat wastewater while extracting useful by-products.
Led by head of the department of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Prof. Prabhakar Sharma, the research synthesizes techniques including algae-based systems, microbial fuel cells, and constructed wetlands, providing a sustainable approach to wastewater management.
These hybrid systems operate through natural processes such as microbial action, plant uptake, and ecological interactions, offering a low-cost, decentralized solution particularly suitable for rural and peri-urban areas.
Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, emphasized the importance of the research, noting that traditional wastewater treatment often overlooks the potential for resource recovery. “Conventional systems focus solely on pollutant removal. This work shows that we can turn a challenge into an opportunity for sustainability,” he said.
Prof. Sharma added, “This research marks a paradigm shift in how we view wastewater. These soft technologies offer practical, scalable solutions that support environmental health, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience.”
The next phase involves pilot-scale deployment in collaboration with communities and industry partners, along with long-term studies to evaluate system stability and cost-effectiveness. Key future directions include the capture and degradation of emerging contaminants such as microplastics, standardization, and process optimization.
By merging ecological innovation with engineering, Nagaland University’s work addresses both environmental challenges and economic opportunities—paving the way for transformative solutions in sustainable wastewater management.
Nagaland University is the only Central University in Nagaland, established under the Nagaland University Act of 1989. With three campuses and 43 departments across various disciplines, the university is committed to academic excellence and innovation. It currently has 76 affiliated colleges across the state.