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A group of scientists from Brazil have discovered that minced Banana peels rather quickly and efficiently removed toxic metals from wastewater. In fact the method was found to be more effective than conventional water treatment plans. Moreover the same bunch of peels can be used up to 11 times.
The research program was backed by the Sao Paolo Research Foundation, the group of scientists found that the peels could remove copper and lead from water better than materials like Na-bentonite, AMP-modified silica gel, expanded perlite, and modified peanut husk.
The results obtained showed that Banana peel was 20 times more effective than other substances.
Banana peels are cheap alternative to large purification plants because of their low cost and availability. While tons of it may be required to run a plant, it can be used in much small scale units where the finance for treatment plans is scarce.
Silica is one another material with great efficiency in water purifying but before it can be used Silica has to be treated with costly toxic materials. In contrast, banana peels are efficient metal collectors in their natural state.
The research and development of natural and non-toxic water treatment materials is the part of green chemistry movement.
Another aim of the green chemistry movement is the development of more sustainable water treatment equipment, like the new age nanoengineered ceramic water filters.
Other processes like ultraviolet light and ultrasound will also feature, provided the energy needed for this would have to be from a renewable source.
Source: http://www.greenpacks.org/
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