Current Happenings ENVS News

In a remarkable display of commitment towards environmental sustainability, the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering successfully organised the ESE 2024 event. The primary objective of this event was to create awareness and encourage innovative solutions for addressing environmental challenges.

More than 150 enthusiastic undergraduate students from Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Odisha and Tamil Nadu participated in the event. Their active involvement exemplified the youth’s growing interest and concern for environmental issues.

After a highly competitive and captivating competition, the winners were finally announced. The first prize was awarded to Andhra Loyola College, the second prize went to Natubhai V. Patel College of Pure Applied Sciences, and the third prize was claimed by Government Autonomous College, Rourkela.

The winners were not only recognised for their outstanding performances but also received substantial cash prizes. The first-place winner was awarded a cash prize of INR 30,000/-, the second-place winner received INR 20,000/-, and the third-place winner was granted INR 10,000/-.

Additionally, consolation prizes of INR 5,000/- each were distributed to students securing positions from 4th to 10th. Recipients included students from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Doon Business School, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Central University of Tamil Nadu, Sri Durga Malleswara Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala, Nehru Arts and Science College, and SRR & CVR Govt. Degree College.

The ESE 2024 event served as a platform for young minds to showcase their talents and exchange ideas, engage in meaningful discussions, and collaborate on initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. The exhibition featured a diverse range of projects spanning areas such as renewable energy, waste management, conservation efforts, and sustainable agriculture, among others.

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Dr Debajyoti Kundu and Dr Deblina Dutta, Assistant Professors, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, have conducted seminal research on Ionic Liquids (ILs) in their paper “Advances in ionic liquids: Synthesis, environmental remediation and reusability” published in the Q1 journal, Journal of Molecular Liquids with an impact factor of 6. In the research article, the faculty duo have delved into the unique properties of ionic liquids, focusing on their role in environmental cleanup and showcasing their ability to combat pollutants. Various methods to recycle and reuse ILs, develop eco-friendly ILs, and scale up their application for effective environmental remediation have also been extensively explored.

Abstract

Ionic liquids (ILs) are next-generation solvents synthesised by organic salts, possessing negligible vapour pressure and low flammability. They possess high thermal and electrochemical stability, can be reused for multiple cycles, and their properties can be tuned according to the components used in their synthesis. Hence, ILs are considered to be potential alternatives for conventional organic solvents for numerous applications such as environmental remediation, nanoparticle synthesis, catalysts in various chemical reactions, solvents for the extraction of biomolecules from recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomass, etc. In this review article, the holistic approach of ILs, starting from various techniques adopted for their synthesis along with its critical review, is discussed, followed by a detailed discussion of the mechanism involved in the remediation of environmental pollutants using ILs. Further, in-depth documentation of various environmental pollutants remediated using ILs has been done to date. One of the major drawbacks of solvent application is the reusability factor, and hence, in this review article, techniques adopted to recycle/reuse ILs have been discussed. Further, the adverse effects of using ILs for environmental remediation have been comprehensively discussed to present a holistic view. Future studies should focus on synthesising environment-friendly ILs and their field-scale applications for environmental remediation.

Practical implementation/social implications of the research

Their research on Ionic Liquids (ILs) presents a transformative approach to environmental challenges. By applying ILs on a larger scale for cleaning polluted air and water, promoting recycling and reusability, and developing eco-friendly ILs, the work has direct implications for industries and communities. The adoption of IL-based technologies contributes to efficient environmental cleanup and aligns with the growing societal demand for sustainable practices. Successful field-scale applications and public awareness initiatives can lead to a cleaner and healthier environment, demonstrating the tangible benefits of incorporating ILs into real-world solutions and fostering a more responsible and eco-conscious society.

Collaborations:-

• National Institute of Technology Rourkela
• ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi
• National Institute of Technology Durgapur
• CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
• Nguyen Tat Thanh University

Dr Kundu and Dr Dutta remarks that their future research in the realm of Ionic Liquids (ILs) will prioritise the development of environmentally sustainable synthesis methods, rigorous assessments of biodegradability and toxicity, and integrating ILs into industrial processes. Scaling up studies to evaluate their effectiveness in large-scale environmental remediation, investigating public perceptions, and fostering multidisciplinary collaborations with experts from diverse fields will be crucial for the responsible adoption of IL-based technologies. Additionally, focusing on life cycle assessments, exploration of novel applications, policy recommendations, and educational outreach can collectively contribute to advancing the understanding and practical implementation of ILs, ensuring a holistic and impactful approach to their environmental applications.

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