Imagine a world where polluted water can be easily and affordably cleaned. In Spain, a team of international researchers has made a significant stride towards this reality. They've developed a novel catalytic material capable of effectively removing emerging contaminants and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from water.
The research, published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, was coordinated by scientists from the Universidad Pablo de Olavide, the University of Havana, and Ulster University (UK). The new material, named NZ-Fe-Cu, is based on clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite enriched with iron and copper.
This unique structure gives it photocatalytic properties under visible light, ideal for advanced oxidation processes. Researchers validated the material's effectiveness and stability, confirming it maintains performance after multiple uses. The catalyst generates hydroxyl radicals, which are key to degrading pollutants and disinfecting bacteria.
The material was used to treat water from the Guadaíra River in a photo-Fenton process. The results were striking: 29 emerging contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, were eliminated. Bacterial load was reduced to levels safe for reuse – less than 1 ufc/100 mL.
"We are bringing science closer to the territory, laying the foundations for future applications in treatment plants or rural environments in cooperation with local companies," says Menta Ballesteros, a researcher at UPO. This approach offers a low-cost, high-impact solution based on abundant natural materials, crucial given the increasing presence of persistent pollutants and resistant pathogens in water sources. The discovery paves the way for sustainable water treatment solutions for agriculture and urban reuse.