SUK Researchers Patent Affordable Device for Wastewater Purification

In August 2026, researchers at Shivaji University, Kolhapur (SUK), developed an innovative device for treating industrial wastewater and secured an Indian design patent for the technology. The patented solution aims to provide industries with a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable approach to reducing water pollution, particularly from textile and chemical manufacturing operations.

This Smart Composite Material Testing Device was developed by Dr Aviraj Ramchandra Kuldeep of the Department of Chemistry, Shivaji University. The research team also includes Dr Rahul Maruti Mane, Dr Kishore Kumar Khot, Dr Kalyanrao Garadkar, and Dr Sharadchandra Patil. The technology focuses on treating industrial effluents containing hazardous and color-bearing pollutants. It could also offer a practical solution for industries seeking to strengthen wastewater treatment and reduce their environmental footprint.

The device makes use of semiconductor photocatalysis, which is a chemical process that is able to break down hazardous pollutants in wastewater. At its core, the technology incorporates an advanced composite material made from graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂). This combination enables the photocatalytic degradation of toxic, colour-bearing compounds commonly present in industrial effluents. By targeting these pollutants, the technology will help improve the quality of treated wastewater before its discharge or further reuse.

The researchers also believe the technology could contribute to cleaner water bodies and safer water resources for communities. In addition, the low-cost approach could make advanced wastewater treatment more accessible to industries that need economical solutions for managing complex effluents. This could be particularly relevant for sectors that generate significant quantities of dye-containing or chemically contaminated wastewater.

Impact on the Chemical Market

Industrial wastewater from textile units and chemical manufacturing facilities can contain dyes and other hazardous compounds that pose significant environmental risks when inadequately treated. Dr Aviraj Ramchandra Kuldeep stated that the device can destroy hazardous and toxic colour components in wastewater at a much lower cost, offering industries a more environmentally friendly treatment option. The technology could help industries strengthen their effluent treatment practices while reducing the potential impact of untreated wastewater on rivers, drains, and other water bodies.

This particular patented wastewater purification device also demonstrates how advanced composite materials, semiconductor photocatalysis, and low-cost engineering can work together to tackle industrial pollution. As industries increasingly focus on water conservation, wastewater reuse, and stricter environmental performance, technologies like these could play an important role in developing affordable, efficient, and sustainable industrial effluent treatment solutions.

Impact on the Water and Wastewater Pumps Market

The global water and wastewater pumps market size is calculated at USD 19.53 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 20.95 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 36.67 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 7.25% from 2025 to 2035.

According to Precedence Research, market growth is primarily driven by rising demand for clean water, coupled with an increasing emphasis by municipalities on efficient wastewater treatment and infrastructure modernization. The market is driven by increasing urbanization, industrialization, and global demand for advanced water management solutions. Moreover, the increasing demand for energy-efficient pumps to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs contributes to market growth. Integration of cutting-edge technologies like sensors, data analytics, and connectivity is further helping in enabling remote monitoring, optimized performance, and predictive maintenance. Manufacturing companies are focusing on the adoption of smart and IoT-enabled phones.

Sustainability trends are also helping in driving investments in energy-efficient and eco-friendly pump technologies, further aligning with global goals to reduce carbon footprints and optimize water resource management. Additionally, stricter environmental regulations and increased adoption of circular water systems are pushing municipalities and industries to upgrade to advanced wastewater pumps that are able to support sustainable operations. Manufacturers all over the world are also focusing on developing pumps with a higher energy efficiency rating and a reduction of carbon emissions and operational costs.

Impact on the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Market

The global industrial wastewater treatment market size is calculated at USD 19.41 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 20.63 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 34.11 billion by 2035, poised to grow at a CAGR of 6.44% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035.

According to Precedence Research, market growth is attributed to the increasing need for sustainable wastewater management solutions driven by industrial expansion and stringent environmental regulations. Driven by environmental regulations and corporate sustainability initiatives, the market employs various technologies to remove pollutants and contaminants from industrial effluents. Key components include physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods. The market addresses diverse industrial sectors such as manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and energy.

Ongoing advancements in treatment technologies, coupled with a rising awareness of water scarcity, further boost the market's importance in promoting responsible industrial practices and minimizing the environmental impact of industrial wastewater discharge. As the industrial wastewater treatment market evolves, there's a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, the reuse of treated water, and the integration of innovative technologies, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship and resource conservation.