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King Khalid University has added a new scientific achievement to its research record after a scientific team from the university successfully led a breakthrough and obtained a patent from the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property. The patent is for an advanced method of using barbary fig peels (Opuntia ficus-indica) to purify water contaminated with industrial waste, representing a significant leap in environmental technology and sustainability solutions.
The head of the research team, Prof. Fatima Ali Al-Zahrani, said that this achievement is the result of joint research with Dr. Badria Mohammed Al-Shehri from the College of Applied Sciences in Mahayel Asir at King Khalid University and Prof. Reda Mohammed Al-Shishtawi from the Faculty of Science at King Abdulaziz University. She explained that the idea was born from the investment of abundant agricultural waste, such as barbary fig peels, and transforming them into an effective material for treating industrial and chemical pollutants. Al-Zahrani added, "Our study proved that this technology can achieve high pollutant removal rates of over 98%, with the possibility of reusing the treated peels multiple times without a significant loss in efficiency, making it an economical, practical, and environmentally friendly solution."
Al-Zahrani clarified that what distinguishes this invention is the innovative treatment mechanism, which involved exposing the peels to ultrasonic waves and alcoholic solutions. This step proved effective in increasing the surface porosity of the peels and enhancing their adsorption capacity in acidic, basic, or neutral environments. She pointed out that this technology not only contributes to treating contaminated water but also offers a pioneering model for recycling agricultural waste and turning it into high-value environmental solutions.
She also confirmed that this work opens new horizons for developing natural materials that can compete with expensive industrial materials in the field of environmental treatment, especially with the increasing global challenges related to water scarcity and industrial pollution. She also noted that the proposed technology is energy-efficient compared to traditional methods, in addition to being economically feasible and easy to implement in industrial and community settings.
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