Environment and biofuel research laboratory (EBRL) is actively working in the area of bioprocess engineering with the vision “Efficient bioremediation and bioenergy generation through bioengineering applications for societal development”. Major research focus is towards environmental bioprocessing for water bodies management and bioenergy generation. Algae mediated wastewater treatment coupled energy recovery, (compressed) biogas generation, phyco-disinfection, constructed wetland mediated bioremediation.
The research group is focused on concept of “waste to wealth” through biochemical engineering applications. Utilization of algae, algal-residue, manure, agro-industrial waste and agricultural residues are being investigated for bioenergy, renewable chemicals, and biochar production through physicochemical/biochemical routes. Anaerobic digestion for methane production, compressed biogas generation, anaerobic digestion coupled pyrolysis, bioconversion of methane to methanol and bioprocessing of fruit/vegetable waste etc. is being explored widely.
To combat climate change research group is also actively focusing on assessment of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions and carbon footprint of river/river basins and hydropower reservoirs. From the health aspects of aquatic bodies, water quality assessment and biomonitoring of rivers and streams is yet another research dimension of EBRL.