Water pollution poses a serious obstacle to building a sustainable environment. It affects the overall quality of water resources, disrupts ecosystems, and harms natural habitats and living organisms that rely heavily on clean water for growth and survival. Water becomes unsuitable for use when it contains high concentrations of heavy metals and toxic organic chemicals, such as industrial dyes, phosphates, and phosphorus from sewage discharge.
In response, experts are seeking eco-friendly alternatives for water purification and treatment. One promising solution is the use of eggshells—an inexpensive, natural, and environmentally friendly form of kitchen waste. These discarded shells can be recycled to purify water and reduce pollution simultaneously.
In the following lines, Green in Arabic explores the potential of eggshells as an effective tool for water treatment—removing pollutants and mitigating environmental damage caused by heavy metals and greenhouse gases that threaten water resources and aquatic life.
The chemical composition of eggshells
Eggshells are composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which is known for its high capacity to absorb heavy metals and organic compounds. This makes eggshells effective in removing dyes, ions, and toxic heavy metals from wastewater, functioning as a low-cost adsorbent.
The role of eggshells in pollutant removal
Each year, an enormous quantity of eggshell waste—estimated at over 250,000 tons—is discarded, creating an environmental burden. Utilizing eggshells for water purification presents an effective method for reducing pollution while recycling kitchen waste into a resource for environmental remediation. Eggshells contribute to water treatment in several key ways:
The membrane lining the eggshell contains pores that help absorb industrial dyes from water.
Eggshells can be used to remove pollutants such as phosphates and phosphorus, which often seep into water sources from sewage and agricultural runoff.
They are particularly effective in adsorbing Reactive Red 120, a commonly used dye in the textile industry, due to their affordability and porous structure.
The presence of calcium carbonate in eggshell membranes accelerates the absorption of heavy metal ions, making them effective in removing contaminants.
According to a study published in ScienceDirect, eggshells can be used as a sorbent material to extract copper from industrial wastewater, offering a sustainable solution to water pollution.
Environmental Challenges of Using Eggshells in Water Treatment Systems
Scaling up the use of eggshells is difficult due to the challenges of collecting large quantities and ensuring consistent quality.
Processing eggshells for water treatment requires significant energy input, making it essential to rely on renewable energy sources to minimize emissions and support sustainable development.
The efficiency of pollutant absorption by eggshells is influenced by pH levels and temperature, which means maintaining a stable environmental system is crucial for successful treatment outcomes.
Environmental benefits of eggshells in achieving sustainable development
Eggshells play a vital role in supporting the principles of the circular economy by repurposing food waste. As a natural byproduct, eggshells can be reused to remove contaminants from water and treat wastewater, offering a low-cost and eco-friendly solution. Their application represents an innovative approach to future water treatment, contributing to pollution reduction. This opens the door to sustainable industrial and economic applications that align with long-term environmental goals.
