- 02.02.2026 12:10
Clean, even cleaner
Scientists from Tula State University have discovered a way to use bacteria to make biofuel production and water purification safer and more cost-effective.
Bogdan Yanovich Karlinskiy, Head of the Laboratory of Chemical Conversion of Renewable Biomass and Organic Synthesis at Tula State University, continues his work on an international grant from the joint UNESCO, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), and PhosAgro Group program in green chemistry ("Green Chemistry for Life").
Each year, a jury, led by young scientists from around the world, selects applications aimed at solving important applied problems in green chemistry, ecology, and sustainable development.
The latest milestone and significant achievement were the publication of the results of a study on a method for removing hazardous substances from industrial waste in the highly rated scientific journal "Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances." The work was conducted jointly by the laboratories of Chemical Conversion of Renewable Biomass and Organic Synthesis, Biologically Active Compounds, and Biocomposites at Tula State University, with the participation of Academician Valentin Pavlovich Ananikov (N.D. Zelinskiy Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences).
Researchers assembled a "team" of three bacterial species and tested their ability to digest harmful furfurols under conditions similar to those found in a real bioreactor—a specialized apparatus for microbiological processes. The bacterial consortium completely destroyed the toxins in 48 hours when exposed to air. Depending on the amount of oxygen, the bacteria used different chemical pathways - reduction or oxidation - to convert the toxins into harmless compounds. The bacteria worked together: some carried out reduction reactions, others oxidative ones. The result was a purified liquid that passed plant safety testing and can be released into the environment.
"The bacterial association developed by the Tula State University team, coupled with intensive aeration, enables the effective utilization of furfural and hydroxymethyl, even when present together in an aqueous solution," explained Bogdan Karlinskiy. "This biological method offers an effective and environmentally friendly solution for treating industrial wastewater from biorefineries, increasing their sustainability and profitability."
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