Latest news with #NationalInstituteofTechnology-Rourkela
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Science
- New Indian Express
NIT-R bags patent for bacterial biofilm tech to treat toxic industrial wastewater
ROURKELA: A research team of the National Institute of Technology-Rourkela (NIT-R) has secured patent for its novel bacterial biofilm technology that degrades phenanthrene, a toxic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) found in industrial chemical waste. Contrary to the conventional methods for wastewater treatment, this technology offers environment friendly, effective and cost-efficient solution. Informing about the grant of patent on Thursday, the NIT-R said PAHs are hazardous organic compounds capable of contaminating soil and water through fossil fuel combustion, industrial discharge and oil spills. The traditional methods used to address this challenge with chemical oxidation or soil excavation are expensive and often generate secondary pollution. But the new technology provides a cheaper alternate to the global challenge of wastewater treatment. The developed biofilm comprises cells attached to the substratum within an extracellular polymeric matrix. The research team grew the biofilm using Luria Bertani broth, a nutrient-rich medium. Lead researcher Prof Surajit Das of the department of Life Science said, 'The biofilm is well-compatible for integration in existing reactors used at municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, especially those dealing with hydrocarbon-based pollutants. Our patented technology also opens opportunities for potential collaboration with the petrochemical industry to promote more sustainable pollution control practices.'
New Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
NIT-R convocation: 2,065 students receive degrees
ROURKELA: At least 2,065 students were awarded degrees at the 22nd convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Technology-Rourkela (NIT-R) held here on Friday. Addressing the graduating students, chief guest and CMD of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) Uday A Kaole said, 'This day marks the beginning of a new, challenging chapter where your knowledge must translate into performance, with accountability, integrity and purpose. Education is the foundation of national progress, and institutes like NIT-Rourkela are critical pillars in this journey. Be adaptable, stay rooted in your values, and always strive to give back.' Virtually addressing the students, chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG), NIT-R SN Subrahmanyan said, 'We are in an era defined by youth, innovation, and boundless potential. As engineers graduating into a rapidly transforming world, you are architects of change.' NIT-R director Prof K Umamaheshwar Rao said by introducing new-age programmes such as BTech in Artificial Intelligence, and a growing international student community, the institute is preparing graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. On the occasion, 1061 BTech degrees, 21 BArch, 39 BTech and MTech dual degree, 68 Integrated MSc, 180 MSc, six MA, 43 MBA, 469 MTech, one Master of Technology (Research) and 177 PhD degrees were awarded. The degree recipients included 93 international students from USA, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Non-Resident Indians. Gold medals were awarded to Swayansha Routray for best graduate in BTech and BArch, Barsa Barnali Das for best postgraduate in MTech, Satyajit Sahu for best postgraduate in MBA, Pranay Sahu for best postgraduate in Integrated MSc, Akash Devgan for best postgraduate in MSc and MA, Estari Uday Kiran for best postgraduate in BTech and MTech dual degree, Vaghasiya Rominkumar Ashvinbhai for best postgraduate project in MTech and dual degree besides Shishir Khanal for best undergraduate project in BTech and BArch. Four distinguished alumnus awards were also given to Prof Sukumar Mishra, Ashok Kumar Basa, RS Raghavan, Dr Bhartendu Deo.
