Ain Shams Researchers Turn Eggshell Waste Into Nile Water Purifier
A team from Ain Shams University has developed a low-cost water purification method using discarded eggshells.
Researchers at Ain Shams University have developed a novel method for purifying Nile River water using powdered eggshells—a common food industry byproduct. According to a peer-reviewed study published in BMC Research Notes, this waste material can effectively remove harmful heavy metals and bacterial contaminants from raw river water.
Conducted by a team at the Faculty of Agriculture, the study explored the potential of treated eggshell powder to act as a natural, low-cost filtration medium. Eggshells were collected from bakeries and powdered before being applied to water samples collected near Helwan, an industrial zone south of Cairo. In a controlled lab environment, the material demonstrated the ability to remove toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, and iron, as well as dangerous microbes including E. coli.
The research points to a sustainable and accessible water treatment solution, particularly in regions affected by high pollution levels and limited access to advanced purification infrastructure.
The findings come at a time when Egypt’s water resources are under significant strain. With the Nile providing over 95% of the country's freshwater supply, concerns about rising pollution, climate change, and population growth have sharpened focus on the need for innovative, low-cost water treatment solutions. The study also aligns with Egypt’s broader push for sustainable environmental practices and circular economy initiatives.
