IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Wins Patent for Copper Recovery from Wastewater
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has received an Indian patent for an electrochemical reactor that recovers copper from wastewater, with applications in mining and allied industries.
The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, has been granted an Indian patent for an electrochemical reactor designed to recover copper from wastewater. The patent was awarded by the Patent Office, Government of India, to Prof Vipin Kumar of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, along with his PhD scholars Nishant Pandey and Ankur Singh.
The invention is titled "An Electrochemical Reactor for Cathodic Recovery of Copper from Wastewater." According to the institute, the technology uses a cathodic electrochemical process in which copper particles deposit on an electrode as the wastewater is treated, allowing the metal to be retrieved rather than lost in effluents.
The institute said the innovation promotes resource recovery, circular economy principles, and environmentally responsible wastewater management. It added that reducing metal discharge lowers toxicity risks to water bodies and ecosystems.
The technology is expected to be particularly relevant for mining and metallurgical industries, where copper-heavy wastewater poses a significant environmental challenge. The institute described it as a sustainable solution for wastewater management in mining-affected regions.
Prof Kumar's research focuses on environmental microbiology, microbial electrochemical systems, and waste management. He has more than 100 published research papers and has received recognitions including the Inder Mohan Thapar Foundation Research Award.
The institute said the achievement reflects its continued commitment to impactful research, technological innovation, and the development of sustainable solutions addressing global environmental challenges.