NEW DELHI: In a first, Delhi University-affiliated Dayal Singh College has set up an effluent treatment plant model at its chemistry laboratory.
Chemical waste produced in the lab will be treated at this unit set up in an area of 60 square metre, thus minimising the impact of hazardous and poisonous pollutants on the environment. The plant will recycle the toxic water, which will then be released into drain.
“Earlier, these chemical wastes were directly discharged into the drains, due to which many plants have died,” said a member involved in this initiative.
Before setting up the model, a group of teachers had conducted a research with the help of students to examine the impact of chemical waste—phenol, heavy metals, salts, acids and bases—generated in the DU chemistry laboratories on environment. The study reveals that more than 2,000 litre acids and 572 kg chemicals are directly discharged into the water bodies and drains every year, and these effluents are harmful for humans, animals and birds.
“There are four laboratories in the college and five practical classes are held every week. So, plant will be operated depending upon amount of waste collected,” said A K Bhagi, professor in department of chemistry.
The effluents will pass through the submersible pumps, oil/ grease chambers, settling tank, equalisation tank and poly chambers, before being released into drains.
“This model can be adopted by other institutes and colleges also,” said Bhagi.
The teachers have also submitted a proposal to the varsity to promote such experiments in under graduate science courses, so that students can come forward with ideas to keep the environment clean and green.