In an innovative leap for wastewater treatment, researchers have turned to an unexpected source: waste oyster shells. A study led by Su Bin Kang from the Institute of Marine Industry at Gyeongsang National University reveals that oyster shell powder (OSP) can effectively remove fluoride from industrial wastewater, particularly that generated by the semiconductor industry, which has faced increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact.
The semiconductor sector has expanded rapidly, with global revenue reaching USD 604 billion in 2022. However, this growth comes at a cost, notably the generation of high-fluoride-concentration wastewater during manufacturing processes. “The environmental concerns associated with this wastewater cannot be overlooked,” Kang stated. The study highlights OSP’s potential to address these issues by achieving fluoride removal efficiencies exceeding 98%, transforming wastewater from a hazardous byproduct into a more manageable resource.
Through extensive laboratory testing, the research team determined that applying OSP at a dosage of 5 g/L not only drastically reduced fluoride levels from 344.1 mg/L to just 3.02 mg/L but also neutralized the highly acidic pH of the wastewater, raising it from pH 2 to nearly neutral levels. This dual action not only enhances the feasibility of safe discharge but also prepares the wastewater for subsequent biological treatment processes.
Kang emphasized the significance of this research for both environmental management and the circular economy. “By repurposing a natural waste product, we can tackle pressing environmental issues while promoting sustainable resource use,” he noted. The implications for the water, sanitation, and drainage sector are profound. As industries seek cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions to manage their wastewater, OSP could emerge as a go-to material, reducing reliance on traditional chemical treatments that often generate substantial sludge.
Moreover, the study’s findings could pave the way for further research into the scalability of OSP treatment across various industrial effluents, extending its application beyond semiconductors. The potential for a lifecycle assessment of OSP usage will also be crucial in understanding its broader environmental impacts and benefits.
As industries grapple with increasing regulatory pressure and public expectations for sustainable practices, this research published in ‘Recycling’ (translated to English) could serve as a catalyst for change. With the right investments and development, OSP might not only help clean up industrial wastewater but also contribute to restoring coastal ecosystems by reducing the environmental footprint of oyster shell disposal.
The future of wastewater treatment could very well hinge on such innovative solutions, blending sustainability with practicality in a sector that is in dire need of transformation. For more information on this research, you can visit the Institute of Marine Industry at Gyeongsang National University [here](http://www.gnu.ac.kr).
