Wastewater treatment could become more affordable and sustainable in Pakistan after a young innovator developed a portable system that converts contaminated industrial water into reusable water, offering industries an environmentally friendly alternative amid the country’s growing water crisis.

The project, Industrial Wastewater Treatment from Electrocoagulation System, was developed by student Noor Ahmed Ismail under the supervision of Dr Sameera Noreen. The innovation combines electrocoagulation and electrolysis technologies to remove pollutants, chemicals and other harmful substances from industrial wastewater.

The system uses aluminium and stainless-steel electrodes powered by an electric current to separate contaminants from wastewater. Industries can then reuse the treated water in production processes, reducing freshwater consumption and lowering wastewater treatment costs.

One of the system’s key advantages is its portability. It operates on a DC power supply and can be installed in both small and large industrial facilities, making it suitable for a wide range of industries across Pakistan.

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Experts said industries around the world already use electrocoagulation technology to manufacture caustic soda and other industrial products. However, Pakistan has yet to adopt the technology on a large scale.

Dr Syeda Yasmeen Muzammal, Head of the Chemical Engineering Department, said wider adoption of the system could reduce industrial pollution, ease Pakistan’s worsening water shortage and support economic growth.

She added that industries could also cut the high costs associated with wastewater treatment by adopting the technology.

Environmental experts believe the student-developed innovation could provide Pakistan’s industrial sector with a practical, low-cost and sustainable solution to tackle industrial pollution while conserving scarce water resources.