Produced water, a byproduct of oil and gas extraction, poses significant environmental challenges due to its high salinity and the presence of various contaminants, including heavy metals and hydrocarbons. The disposal and treatment of produced water are critical issues, as improper management can lead to soil and water contamination, adversely affecting ecosystems and human health.
The Center has come up with the first-ever resilient and cost-effective material to convert visible light, from sunlight or from diode output, to UVC with high efficiency. The implications for water treatment and general disinfection schemes are vast.
Excessive commercialization potential. There are already existing prototypes that could replace the existing Hg technology and provide new resilient solutions to clean water in outdoor pools relying only on the sun.
This reduces the potential for contamination of soil and water resources. Additionally, effective treatment and reuse of produced water can promote sustainable water management practices in arid regions, supporting both industrial and agricultural needs.
Sustainable Development Goals: