A team led by RMIT University has developed an experimental invention aimed at utilizing wastewater's high contaminant load to produce green hydrogen, potentially reducing the dependence on fresh water resources. With the majority of global wastewater being discharged untreated, this research offers a unique opportunity to convert this environmental challenge into a productivity boost. The approach involves harnessing contaminants present in wastewater, including platinum, chromium, and nickel, to accelerate hydrogen production. The team's innovation, in collaboration with other institutions like the University of Melbourne and Australian Synchrotron, focuses on creating electrodes with an absorbent carbon surface that attracts metals from wastewater to form stable catalysts for efficient water splitting. Lead researcher Associate Professor Nasir Mahmood highlighted the cost-effective aspect of using agricultural waste materials for the electrode's carbon surface, contributing to a circular economy. The electrodes, powered by renewable energy, facilitate the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen, with the produced oxygen potentially improving wastewater treatment plant efficiency. Continuous water splitting experiments conducted in the lab using pre-treated wastewater showed promising results, with the device maintaining performance over an 18-day period. Overall, this innovative approach showcases a positive step towards sustainable hydrogen production and effective wastewater management.