The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), a nearly 100-year-old institution, has taken up fresh scientific research projects on how to solve the water crisis using nanotechnology and recycling of waste water using eco-friendly and low-cost methods.
The university has taken up a project on desalinating sea water or brackish water using nanotechnology that would bring a “sea change in Indian coastal cities” and provide low-cost drinking water. The project will ensure that India has sufficient quality and quantity of potable water.
AMU scientists have achieved “significant success” in recycling waste water by using the novel concept of plant technology, also called “anaerobic digestion” — a process of using micro-organisms to break down biodegradable material substances. The Safeguarding Water resources in India with Green and Sustainable technologies — Swings — project is financed under the joint EU-India research funding to find low-cost and sustainable solutions for waste water treatment. The university has successfully piloted the project on its campus and has built a plant that treats the wastewater generated on the campus.
They are also doing research on solar powered automobiles. Once the project is completed, one will be able to charge a car (a hybrid or electric) battery in 20 minutes which otherwise presently takes six hours.