National Environmental Engineering Research Institute

The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) in Nagpur was originally established in 1958 as the Central Public Health Engineering Research Institute (CPHERI). During its early years, the institute primarily focused on human health issues related to water supply, sewage disposal, communicable diseases, and, to some extent, industrial pollution and occupational diseases. The solutions devised to address these problems were initially simple yet challenging, involving chemical and biological approaches.

However, in the 1970s, there was a growing global awareness of environmental contamination on a regional and global scale. Recognising this shift, Shrimati Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India at the time, renamed the institute NEERI in 1974. Since then, NEERI has been dedicated to conducting research and fostering innovation in environmental science and engineering. It has been instrumental in resolving a wide range of challenges presented by industries, governments, and the public.

NEERI operates as a pioneering laboratory in the field of environmental science and engineering and is one of the constituent laboratories of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The institute has five zonal laboratories located in Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai . NEERI operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Indian government.^[3] Furthermore, NEERI plays a significant role as a partner organisation in India's POPs National Implementation Plan (NIP), contributing to the country's efforts to address persistent organic pollutants.^[4]

Mandate

NEERI's mandate includes the following objectives:

1. Conducting research and developmental studies in the field of environmental science and engineering.
2. Providing assistance to industries in the region, as well as local bodies, in addressing environmental pollution issues
3. Collaborating and interacting with academic and research institutions in the field of environmental science and engineering for mutual benefits
4. Participating in CSIR's thrust area and mission projects related to the environment

These objectives guide NEERI's activities and initiatives, emphasising research, problem-solving, collaboration, and contribution to larger environmental initiatives.

The beginning

In 1958, the Central Public Health Engineering Research Institute (CPHERI) was established in response to water pollution issues in Delhi. It was created by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to address problems related to water and air pollution in urban areas, assist industries, anticipate and provide solutions, and focus on regional development. The institute initially concentrated on human health concerns, including water supply, sewage disposal, and communicable diseases. In 1974, after participating in the "United Nations Inter-Governmental Conference on Human Environment" and with the renaming by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, CPHERI became the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to expand its research and development scope in environmental science and engineering. NEERI has headquarters in Nagpur and five zonal laboratories in Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad.^{[5][citation needed]} It carries out various activities, including environmental monitoring, biotechnology, waste management, environmental impact assessment, and policy analysis. NEERI has also been involved in collaborations and provided expertise in environmental management, including contributions to environmental statutes and regulations. The institute continues to address a wide range of environmental issues, employing technologies such as environmental biotechnology and genomics for sustainable development. NEERI's research and services cover aspects of pollution, remediation, waste management, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, it has played a role in providing solutions to pollution problems and offering support during environmental crises, demonstrating its commitment to societal well-being.^{[citation needed]}

R&D thrust areas

Environmental monitoring 

One of the key areas of research and development at CSIR-NEERI is environmental monitoring. Since 1978, the Institute has operated a nationwide air quality monitoring network. Sponsored by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) since 1990, this programme has gathered time series data on air quality in ten major Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kochi, Mumbai, and Nagpur. CSIR-NEERI has compiled an extensive database on pollutants such as inhalable dust, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, lead, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The institute conducts air pollution monitoring in various aspects, including urban ambient air quality, industrial air quality, fugitive emissions, vehicle emissions, and stack monitoring. They also engage in air quality modelling to study source dispersion, industrial and vehicular emissions, area source emissions, and the prediction of ambient air quality under different scenarios. Receptor modelling techniques are used to analyse particulate matter and identify its sources, while statistical and neural network tools are employed for air quality trend analysis. CSIR-NEERI is involved in the design and development of air pollution control systems, focusing on emissions generation, treatment studies, and designing systems for small to medium-scale industries. The institute's research and development activities in environmental monitoring include the development of efficient analytical techniques and low-cost instruments, designing national monitoring networks, creating national databases, and providing manpower training. Current emphasis is placed on the use of PCR and gene probes for water quality monitoring, biological indicators for pollution monitoring, and the application of remote sensing and GIS. Notably, CSIR-NEERI has developed a portable field kit for arsenic estimation capable of measuring concentrations below the maximum permissible limit of 10 ppb.^{[citation needed]}

Environmental biotechnology and genomics

The Institute is engaged in research and development studies concerning environmental biotechnology and the application of biotechnology-based solutions for environmental problems and sustainable development. This involves multidisciplinary R&D in fundamental and applied areas of environmental biotechnology, drawing from various disciplines such as microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, and chemical and environmental engineering. The objective is to develop environmentally friendly biotechnological processes that address societal and industrial needs, focusing on environmental quality restoration, bioremediation and waste treatment, waste-to-wealth approaches, and climate change mitigation. R&D activities in environmental biotechnology include the development and demonstration of technologies that substitute non-renewable resources with renewable ones, recycling and reusing industrial and domestic wastewater, and utilising industrial wastes and biomass for the commercial production of chemicals. Notably, the Institute has made advancements in the development of a microbial consortium capable of degrading persistent synthetic chlorinated cyclodiene and endosulfan.^{[citation needed]}

The Institute also conducts R&D studies on the existence, interaction, and survival of different gene pools within complex ecosystems. Through the use of monitoring tools, computer modelling, and simulation techniques, the Institute gains a holistic understanding of the interconnected aspects of environmental systems. At the molecular level, the Institute investigates the structure, function, and interaction of gene pools that contribute to the biogeochemical cycles of various ecosystem components. This research encompasses the study of environmental factors that can impact any form of life, including humans, plants, animals, and microorganisms.^{[citation needed]}

Environmental impact and risk assessment

CSIR-NEERI plays a role in integrating environmental and socio-economic considerations into developmental planning. This involves identifying the environmental, biological, and socio-economic impacts associated with proposed development projects and implementing remedial or mitigation measures, including risk assessment. Through its studies, the Institute enables developers and the government to address and minimise the economic, social, environmental (including human health), and other impacts while developing appropriate mitigation measures. To date, the Institute has conducted environmental impact and risk assessment studies for over 500 developmental projects across various industries, including petrochemicals, oil and natural gas, refineries, mining, power plants (thermal, hydro, and nuclear), chemicals and fertilisers, ports and harbours, irrigation, and infrastructure, among others. The Institute's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies focus on analysing concepts, approaches, methodologies, and evaluation processes. It also utilises new technology development tools to enhance and strengthen procedures and evaluation processes for impact assessment. The studies provide recommendations and formulate suitable environmental management plans to support sustainable development.^{[citation needed]}

Environmental systems design & modelling  

The Institute is engaged in the development and utilisation of numerical models to predict environmental quality. It also focuses on the development and application of geographical information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS)-based models and analytical tools for effective management of natural resources. Furthermore, the Institute is involved in the development and application of environmental systems design, detailed engineering, costing, and drawings for the design of water supply and sewerage systems. Similarly, it is also dedicated to the development and application of environmental systems design, detailed engineering, costing, and drawings for water and wastewater treatment systems. Additionally, the Institute applies advanced numerical and graphic tools such as SPSS, MATLAB, and ANN for the analysis and management of environmental systems.^{[citation needed]}

Water technology and management

The Institute is actively engaged in several research and development activities, including:

1. Conducting environmental impact assessments and formulating environmental management plans for water resource development projects.
2. Implementing measures for water conservation and environmental protection of water bodies
3. Undertaking eco-restoration efforts for impounded surface water bodies and downstream systems.
4. Conducting limnological studies to understand the characteristics of surface water bodies.
5. Assessing groundwater contamination resulting from human activities
6. Developing techniques and methodologies for groundwater exploration, assessment, and management in areas with hard rock formations
7. Using geophysical and non-invasive methods to delineate contaminated regions and characterise water and land environments
8. Monitoring the quality of drinking water and evaluating the performance of water treatment facilities
9. Developing technologies to improve water quality and implementing analytical techniques for water quality assessment
10. Monitoring and managing priority organic pollutants (POPs) and other pollutants
11. Evaluating water resources based on health-related water quality parameters
12. Managing water quality issues related to pesticide contamination
13. Restoring and remediating degraded land
14. Treating urban and industrial wastewater.
15. Developing catchment area treatment plans
16. Assessing the feasibility of using bio-engineering techniques for steep slope stabilisation
17. Undertaking green belt development and land use planning.
18. Assessing crop loss caused by human activities
19. Protecting natural water sources.
20. Assessing salinity ingress in coastal areas

Furthermore, CSIR-NEERI has contributed to the implementation of solar electrolytic defluoridation plants in fluoride-affected regions, ensuring safe drinking water for local communities. The Institute has also developed a water purification system called 'NEERI ZAR,' designed for emergency situations such as floods, heavy rainfall, or cyclones. It operates without the need for electricity, providing a potable water supply.^{[citation needed]} 

Solid & hazardous waste management

The Institute is actively engaged in various research and development activities related to solid and hazardous waste management, including:

1. Developing rapid composting technologies
2. Conducting research on waste-to-energy conversion.
3. Exploring recycled organics utilisation
4. Monitoring greenhouse gas emissions from landfills
5. Quantifying and characterising solid waste
6. Designing secure landfills.
7. Conducting eco-toxicological studies on landfill leachates.
8. Assessing occupational health risks for municipal solid waste (MSW) workers
9. Designing transportation systems for MSW
10. Managing electronic waste (e-waste)
11. Promoting cleaner technologies and waste minimization.
12. encouraging the recycling and reuse of MSW.
13. Managing biomedical waste
14. Identifying hazardous waste streams
15. Quantifying and characterising hazardous waste.
16. Developing treatment systems for hazardous waste
17. Promoting source reduction and recycling.

In an effort to generate bio-energy from municipal solid waste, scientists at the Institute are working on a cost-effective two-phase bio-methanation process. They aim to utilise this process to produce bioenergy from municipal solid waste.^{[citation needed]}

CSIR-NEERI has provided Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) with a suitable technology for the remediation of their mercury-contaminated site in Kodaikanal. Additionally, the Institute has offered an effective technological solution for the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes generated by Nicomet Industries Ltd.^{[citation needed]}

Wastewater treatment technologies

CSIR-NEERI has played a significant role in the design and establishment of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) for both homogeneous and heterogeneous industrial clusters across the country. The implementation of CETPs, designed and commissioned by CSIR-NEERI, has effectively contributed to the prevention of water and soil pollution. In particular, CETPs have had a positive impact on various industrial clusters, such as Pali (767 small-scale industrial units), Balotra (249 units), and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi (over 2000 units). The intervention of CETPs has not only revived these industrial units but also protected the employment of thousands of workers. These units were facing imminent closure due to non-compliance with pollution prevention norms. Furthermore, the adoption of CETPs has led to the attainment of "economics of scale" in waste treatment, resulting in reduced costs for pollution abatement.

CSIR-NEERI has conducted feasibility assessment studies for CETPs, encompassing the identification of waste types and volumes generated, estimation of future waste loads, identification of treatment options, and evaluation of cleaner technologies. The Institute has also provided treatment solutions for achieving zero liquid discharge in textile industries located in Tirupur and Ludhiana. Recently, CSIR-NEERI has developed a two-stage bio-oxidation (TSB) process, based on separated heterotrophic-autotrophic reactions, for treating high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia-laden wastewater. This innovative process eliminates the need for chemical treatment and denitrification steps. The large-scale implementation of the TSB process has been successfully carried out at Nagarjuna Agrochemical Limited in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh.

Additionally, CSIR-NEERI has designed a treatment and zero-discharge system for the treated effluent of the automobile industry using the High Rate Transpiration System (HRTS). This technology has been implemented at Mahindra Vehicle Manufacture Limited in Pune. Moreover, the Institute has developed a phytoremediation-based sewage treatment technology known as "phytorid sewage treatment technology.' This approach involves the use of constructed wetlands exclusively designed for the treatment of municipal, urban, agricultural, and industrial wastewater. Several industries and urban local bodies in the country have successfully adopted this technology.^{[citation needed]}

Environmental policy analysis

CSIR-NEERI has actively contributed to the formulation of environmental policies through comprehensive analyses of existing policies in relation to international commitments and prevailing socio-economic conditions. The Institute has provided valuable recommendations to establish effective mechanisms for policy development, planning, legal frameworks, and informational measures, all aimed at promoting sustainable development. Furthermore, CSIR-NEERI has played a significant role in the development of information packages focused on cleaner technologies for industrial production. In certain instances, the Institute has been entrusted by the courts to provide inspection reports on diverse projects and assess the current environmental and legal framework.^{[citation needed]}

Skill development

The Institute has set up a Centre for Skill Development dedicated to offering certificate courses in the areas of environmental impact assessment, carrying capacity analysis, and water quality monitoring and assessment.^{[citation needed]}

References

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