Current research envisages the investigation of inexpensive composite materials (Fe-TiO2 composite) incorporating in-situ dual effect by coupling photocatalysis and photo-Fenton for the treatment of wastewater using waste materials like foundry sand and fly-ash as a substitute for iron source. Scale-up studies (pilot-scale reactors) with these composite materials with nano-catalyst coating for anti-bacterial properties subsequently used for water disinfection studies. Similar composite has been transformed into ceramic tiles/mortar for treating air-borne infections. Presently, the research groups at Thapar University, Patiala [INDIA] are also actively involved in the designing of bioreactors using engineering modifications to enhance fermentative productivity for validating the concept of producing value-added products like bio-ethanol from community food waste.