Ecotoxicology
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  Major Activities :
  • Assessment and abatement of ecological problems due to pollutants

 

Highlights of Research:

  • Environmental Dynamics of Pollutants 
    The study on environmental dynamics of pollutants vis-a-vis their effects on biodiversity and use of humic acid (a natural polymer) formed as a resulting leaf litter for environmental detoxification of pollutants especially heavy metals and pesticides was conducted.

  • Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) Methodology for the Surfactants used in Detergents 
    Life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology involving (Cradle to grave) concept for the surfactants used in detergents was developed. Central Pollution Control Board solicited the support of ecotoxicology Laboratory for a sponsored study to develop ecofriendliness criteria for detergents using the life cycle analysis approach.

  • Identification of Site for Safe Disposal of Hazardous Wastes 
    With safe and productive management of hazardous solid wastes gaining priority, analytical standards and safety evaluation guidelines for all the 18 categories of industrial wastes identified by Ministry of Environment and Forests, and criterion for hazardous waste disposal sites in three districts of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow, Moradabad and Bulandshahar ) has been developed and sites identified.

  • Safety evaluation of crops/chemicals/sludge and effluents 
    (i) The safe agricultural use of treated petrochemical effluent from IPCL, Vadodara and safety evaluation of crops from fly ash amended agriculture for a super thermal power station were achieved, leading to environmentally safe waste management. 

    (ii) For NTPC, safety aspects of thermal pollution by coolant water were evaluated and safety norms prescribed. 

    (iii) Several biotechnological products and processes were evaluated for industries on ecological safety considerations such as transgenic cotton and engineered microorganisms for effluent treatment. 

    (iv) Sludge from dyeing effluents, common effluent treatment plant and currency note printing press were evaluated for safety.
  • In situ remediation of contaminated soil by the use of immobilizing agents
    In situ immobilization of heavy metals using inexpensive soil amendments such as Humus soil, Hydroxyapatite and Phosphatic clay alone and in combination for remediating metal contaminated soil has been developed as a promising alternative to conventional excavation, treatment and disposal methods. The in situ remediation technique is less disruptive to the natural landscape, hydrology and ecosystem.

 

Major Facilities available:

  • The facility for complete battery of OECD/EPA approved multispecies ecotoxicity evaluation

  • Mandatory standard methods for biodegradability and capabilities for biomonitoring of pollutants and their effects
  • Ecofriendliness testing 

 

  Staff:
Dr. Virendra Misra, Scientist F & Head

Project Staff:
Mr. C.S. Seth, SRF

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