A new initiative is underway in Tirupur, where a joint pilot project involving German collaboration has been initiated at the Kunnankalpalayam Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP). This three-year project, supported by the Indo German Science and Technology Centre, is part of the broader Indo-German partnership.

The project focuses on treating textile effluents and has introduced a pilot-scale electrochemical ozone oxidation process (ECOOP) reactor and CDI (Capacitive Deionization) after thorough laboratory evaluations. These installations allow the treatment of 350 liters of textile effluent per hour.

The project, led by Indumathi M Nambi from IIT Madras, utilizes advanced technology to efficiently remove color and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) from textile effluents. This approach avoids the production of sludge and eliminates the need for two traditional effluent treatment methods. Not only does it bring about cost savings, but it also reduces manpower requirements and minimizes space utilization.

Commencing in 2020, the project is entering approximately six months of field-level trials. According to a press release, the technology shows promise in reducing land usage, aeration needs, and the expertise and time required for biological wastewater treatment. Collaborating partners in this endeavor include IIT Madras, RWTH Aachen University, Goeth Universitat, Tamil Nadu Water Investment Company, Ibacon, and Eurofins. The inauguration of the pilot plant was overseen by T Christuraj, the District Collector of Tirupur.