468
S. Das et al.
mode. More upgradations in the systems and technology could be made by integrating ideas from experts in process chemistry, environmental biology, mechanical and
civil engineering (Chong et al. 2010).
In perspective of the Indian subcontinent, putting on such large treatment plants
will be a very hectic task as far as the legislative and economy are concerned. The
above description might seem very lucrative in addressing one of the key problems of
India, namely, the problem of wastewater treatment. However, there are many operational challenges that still need to be met, while setting up any treatment plants.
Moreover, the geographical variations of India are a challenge in itself. From the vast
Himalayas that cover the Northern Regions of India to the South Indian Peninsula,
each region is a challenge in itself. To overcome this topographical challenge and to
provide a smooth channel of technology transfer from the bench to the field, a point
of care disinfection device can be proposed. The synthesized biocompatible, inert,
nontoxic, and widely accepted modified clay-based NCs would be used in developing a potable point of use water purification device particularly for remote areas,
where setting up of water treatment plants is itself a technical confront. The device
will not require external energy other than readily available sunlight sources and
will totally be based on the synthesized photocatalyst immobilized on the surface of
an adsorbent matrixlike commercially available sponges. This may be suggested as
a modification of SODIS mechanism which has saved thousands of life in African
nations (Sciacca et al. 2010). Adsorbent system, when put inside containers along
with water containing bacteria, minor organic, and heavy metal contaminants and
exposed to the sunlight, may lead to remediation of the contaminants based on photocatalysis and adsorption mechanism. Thus, allowing the residents to directly drink
the water after the 3–4 h treatment. A lot of research is currently into action to find
better advancements to this technology in the form of natural agents and membranes.
It might need engineering, polymer engineering, chemist, clinicians, and statistical
minds for better development. This indigenously proposed technology can indeed
help to curtail the menace spread by drinking polluted water. The technique if implemented could indeed provide a low-cost solution to a rising problem in a developing
country like India, where capital is always a limiting factor. The economics of production are good enough and the time required for technology transfer is also less,
making the goal of this process well achievable.
6 Conclusion
In terms of creating a sustainable environment and public health, proper research and
development are needed for designing biocompatible and less expensive photocatalyst for large-scale implications. Although photocatalyst like TiO 2 and ZnO have
been employed in Spain and Portugal for real-time applications, the “cost factor”
emerges as the biggest challenge. Thus, we are in uttermost need for tracking or
mining of naturally occurring substances that could be explored for PCD applications. With this regards clay-based photocatalyst, naturally available minerals, and
S. Das et al.
mode. More upgradations in the systems and technology could be made by integrating ideas from experts in process chemistry, environmental biology, mechanical and
civil engineering (Chong et al. 2010).
In perspective of the Indian subcontinent, putting on such large treatment plants
will be a very hectic task as far as the legislative and economy are concerned. The
above description might seem very lucrative in addressing one of the key problems of
India, namely, the problem of wastewater treatment. However, there are many operational challenges that still need to be met, while setting up any treatment plants.
Moreover, the geographical variations of India are a challenge in itself. From the vast
Himalayas that cover the Northern Regions of India to the South Indian Peninsula,
each region is a challenge in itself. To overcome this topographical challenge and to
provide a smooth channel of technology transfer from the bench to the field, a point
of care disinfection device can be proposed. The synthesized biocompatible, inert,
nontoxic, and widely accepted modified clay-based NCs would be used in developing a potable point of use water purification device particularly for remote areas,
where setting up of water treatment plants is itself a technical confront. The device
will not require external energy other than readily available sunlight sources and
will totally be based on the synthesized photocatalyst immobilized on the surface of
an adsorbent matrixlike commercially available sponges. This may be suggested as
a modification of SODIS mechanism which has saved thousands of life in African
nations (Sciacca et al. 2010). Adsorbent system, when put inside containers along
with water containing bacteria, minor organic, and heavy metal contaminants and
exposed to the sunlight, may lead to remediation of the contaminants based on photocatalysis and adsorption mechanism. Thus, allowing the residents to directly drink
the water after the 3–4 h treatment. A lot of research is currently into action to find
better advancements to this technology in the form of natural agents and membranes.
It might need engineering, polymer engineering, chemist, clinicians, and statistical
minds for better development. This indigenously proposed technology can indeed
help to curtail the menace spread by drinking polluted water. The technique if implemented could indeed provide a low-cost solution to a rising problem in a developing
country like India, where capital is always a limiting factor. The economics of production are good enough and the time required for technology transfer is also less,
making the goal of this process well achievable.
6 Conclusion
In terms of creating a sustainable environment and public health, proper research and
development are needed for designing biocompatible and less expensive photocatalyst for large-scale implications. Although photocatalyst like TiO 2 and ZnO have
been employed in Spain and Portugal for real-time applications, the “cost factor”
emerges as the biggest challenge. Thus, we are in uttermost need for tracking or
mining of naturally occurring substances that could be explored for PCD applications. With this regards clay-based photocatalyst, naturally available minerals, and