DRDO BIO-DIGESTER: A CLEAN WAY TO DISPOSE OF HUMAN WASTE, RECYCLE WATER
The bio-digester technology developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)...
View DetailsIntroduction:
In the era of fast fashion, the textile industry faces a growing challenge in managing textile waste responsibly. The environmental impact of textile waste, from production to disposal, has prompted the exploration of sustainable treatment methods. One promising avenue is biological treatment, using the power of microorganisms to break down textile pollutants.
The Need for Sustainable Textile Waste Management:
The textile industry is notorious for its significant environmental footprint, marked by water pollution, chemical usage, and enormous amounts of non-biodegradable waste. Conventional disposal methods, such as landfills or incineration, contribute to environmental degradation. To address this issue, a shift towards sustainable solutions is imperative.
Biological Treatment Methods:
Composting:
Composting involves the decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms. In textile waste management, composting can be applied to natural fibres like cotton or linen. These fibres can serve as valuable organic matter, enriching the soil and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Reference: M. A. Sánchez-Monedero et al., "Composting of Different Organic Wastes and Residues: A Brief Review of Potential Beneficial Processes and Influence Factors," Bioresource Technology, 2010.
Enzymatic Treatments:
Enzymes are biological catalysts that can break down complex molecules in textiles. Enzymatic treatments offer a more targeted and controlled degradation process, minimizing environmental impact. Lipases, amylases, and cellulases are examples of enzymes that can effectively treat different textile components.
Reference: N. Gupta et al., "Enzymatic Treatment for Improved Color and Strength Properties of Cotton Textiles," Journal of Cleaner Production, 2016.
Microbial Degradation:
Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi play a crucial role in breaking down synthetic fibres. Through a process of microbial degradation, these organisms can metabolize the polymers present in materials like polyester and nylon, facilitating their decomposition.
Some species of microbes from the fungi phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, which are well known for producing cellulase and acid/alkaline phosphatase enzymes result in the breakdown of fabrics and produce nutrient-rich compost.
Microorganisms such as Ideonella sakaienis have shown the ability to break down polyester, a common synthetic fibre. Enzymes secreted by these bacteria catalyze the hydrolysis of the polymer, leading to the degradation of polyester into its constituent monomers.
Fungi like Aspergillus niger initiates enzymatic activity capable of degrading nylon. Specific enzymes such as nylonases facilitate the breakdown of nylon polymers into simpler compounds.
Reference: Y. N. Geng et al., "Microbial Degradation of Polyesters," Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2019.
Evolution of Microbial Composition and Enzymatic Activities during the Composting of Textile Waste( https://doi.org/10.3390/app10113758), 2020
Benefits of Biological Treatment:
Environmental Friendly :
Biological treatment methods are inherently eco-friendly, reducing the reliance on chemical processes that can harm ecosystems.
Resource Efficiency:
Composting and enzymatic treatments can turn textile waste into valuable resources, such as compost or recycled fibres, contributing to a circular economy.
Reduced Carbon Footprint:
Compared to traditional disposal methods, biological treatments often result in a lower carbon footprint, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Challenges and Future Outlook:
While biological treatment shows promise, challenges such as scalability, technology optimization, and addressing diverse textile compositions remain. Continued research and collaboration between the textile industry and scientific communities are crucial to advancing these sustainable solutions.
Diversity of Textile Blends:
Addressing the complexity of textile blends remains a challenge. Many fabrics are composed of multiple materials, requiring innovative approaches to ensure effective biological treatment.
Scale-up and Industrial Application:
Scaling up biological treatment processes for industrial levels poses technical and economic challenges. Research is ongoing to optimize these methods for large-scale implementation.
Exploring New Microbial Strains:
Continued exploration of microbial diversity may yield novel strains with enhanced capabilities for breaking down a wider range of textile materials.
Conclusion:
The biological treatment of textile waste offers a beacon of hope in the quest for sustainable practices within the industry. By harnessing the power of microorganisms, we can mitigate the environmental impact of textile waste, moving towards a more circular and responsible approach to production and disposal.
By Pragati Karn,
Product Executive
EWS Greentech Pvt. Ltd.
Conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. By creating solutions that make environmental sense, We defend the natural world.
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