Bioremediation Technology for Perchlorate

Perchlorate (rocket fuel)

Perchlorate is a thyroid-disrupting toxic oxyanion (ClO4¯) known to cause hypothyroidism in humans and adverse effects on growth and metamorphosis in various animal models. Perchlorate salts are primarily used in strategic sectors, space R&D, and industries such as cracker and matchbox manufacturing units. The current WHO permissible limit for perchlorate in drinking water is 70 μg/L, with several US states limiting its permissible level to

  • Advantages :
    • Versatile Application:The technology can treat perchlorate-contaminated water, including groundwater and wash water from perchlorate bulk handling sites, as well as contaminated soil and other matrices.
    • Field-Tested Performance:The water treatment technology has been successfully scaled up and tested in the field, producing 2000 L of drinking water daily from a previously abandoned, perchlorate-contaminated community well.
    • Efficient Soil Remediation:A two-stage process for decontaminating perchlorate-contaminated soil has been developed, offering a more economical solution that can be completed in a few days compared to existing technologies.
    • Environmentally Safe and Cost-Effective:The indigenous bioprocess ensures environmental safety and public health while providing a cost-effective solution for perchlorate remediation, with water treatment costs
  • Commerical Status :
  • Technology Readiness Level : Technology Demonstration Industrial Application : Water Treatment
  • Research Area :
  • Description :Perchlorate (rocket fuel) is an emerging endocrine-disrupting contaminant. CSIR-NIIST has developed a microbial process for decontaminating perchlorate in discharges and soil (ex-situ remediation). The process is tested and validated up to the pilot scale.