Researchers from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) have developed a new technology to reduce the electrical conductivity of coir pith (coconut husk powder).
Coir pith is a product with high export potential, but its high electrical conductivity (EC) has been a major challenge in international markets. Due to the salty nature of coir pith, demand from foreign countries had decreased and exports were affected.
In the coir pith industry, products are classified into High EC and Low EC grades.
EC (Electrical Conductivity) indicates the amount of soluble salts present.
Low EC coir pith is preferred in international markets, especially for agriculture and horticulture uses.
The new technology developed by the researchers can convert High EC coir pith into Low EC coir pith, making it more suitable for export. Importantly, this method does not rely on chemical treatments, making it safer and more environmentally friendly.
The technology was developed by researcher Uma Lakshmi and a faculty member from CUSAT.
Did You Know? – Physics in Real Life
In the Class 10 Electricity chapter, students learn about electrical conductivity, which is the ability of a material to allow electric current to pass through it.
Interestingly, the same concept is used in agriculture and export industries.Coir pith (coconut husk powder) contains dissolved salts, which increase its Electrical Conductivity (EC).
If the EC is too high, it can harm plant growth. That is why researchers developed a method to reduce the electrical conductivity of coir pith, making it suitable for plants and international markets.
This shows how the physics concepts you study in school are applied in real-world scientific research and environmental technology.