Waste Management Program
Increase in human population, rapid urbanization, and economic growth, are all linked to increased utilization of natural resources, and consequential generation of various types of wastes – improper management whereof can lead to widespread environmental pollution. The center aims to develop advanced technologies for the sustainable treatment of various waste streams, and also exploring ways in which such waste stream can be valorized for the production of value-added products. Different focus areas are:
-Bioremediation of wastewaters: CSD is exploring the use of biological systems (microalgae and bacteria) to treat municipal wastewater and produced water, and utilizing the produced biomass as bio-fertilizers, soil-enhancer, or feedstock for chemicals and fuels.
-Valorization of Industrial Waste Streams; At CSD, we are also focusing on the recovery of resources from industrial waste, such as flue-gas streams rich in carbon dioxide, nitrogen-containing organics, agricultural wastes (e.g., waste date fruits, date seeds), and sewage sludge, to develop value-added products (e.g., high-value pigments, animal feed, bio-lubricant, energy-carriers).