Mushroom Wastewater Treatments

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have introduced a groundbreaking, eco-conscious solution to wastewater treatment. The newly developed technology, named BHEEMA (Biochar-based Hydrological Enzyme Regulated Efficient Mechanism for Antibiotics Removal), leverages a powerful combination of sustainability and science by integrating biochar derived from Spent Mushroom Waste with laccase, a naturally occurring enzyme.

Unlike conventional wastewater treatment methods that often rely on chemical-intensive processes and risk generating harmful byproducts, BHEEMA employs laccase-mediated enzymatic degradation. This biological mechanism effectively neutralizes antibiotics in contaminated water, offering a safer and more environmentally responsible alternative. The biochar acts as a supportive medium, enhancing the enzyme’s stability and efficiency, while also repurposing agricultural waste into a high-value material—creating a circular approach to waste and resource management.

By introducing a sustainable, non-toxic pathway to antibiotic removal, the IIT-Guwahati team is helping pave the way for cleaner water systems and a more resilient environmental future.

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