Florida scientists turn rice husks into reusable water filters

The Story in Brief

Times of India reports that researchers at Florida International University have converted rice husks into a reusable water filter that removes industrial dyes. The husks are heated without oxygen to produce biochar, which is then modified with magnesium and aluminium. The composite pulled out brilliant green and malachite green dyes from water and retained its effectiveness after at least five uses. The study, published in Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, also assessed the environmental cost of producing the material itself.

The researchers now plan to test the composite against a broader range of contaminants, including heavy metals, and with real water samples. Industrial dyes are a persistent pollutant, with the textile industry accounting for 17-20% of industrial water pollution globally. While the early results are promising, the filters are not yet ready for industrial or community-scale use.