VIAT - Research Projects
Worlds' First Phycoremediation plant at SNAP Alginates and natural products Ranipet: VIAT has set up the First Phycoremediation plant at SNAP Industry. Algal remediation technology helps in pH correction of the acidic effluent and complete reduction of sludge formation. SNAP is now a zero disposal company. The phycoremediation plant has been in operation from September 2006. The effluent generated by the industry is highly acidic and of very high TDS ( 25000 mg/L). The entire effluent is evaporated using slope tank. The algal biomass produced is used in Biofertilizer preparation and sold by the Company. The amount of CO2 removed during phycoremediation process is being calculated to claim carbon credits.......(more )
Chemfab Alkalis Ltd. Pondicherry: The factory uses ground water during processing at various stages to extract useful chemicals from crude sea salt. The effluent water that is discharged has a very high salinity and TDS. Unit of Algal Physiology and Biotechnology(VIAT) carried out research work on treatment of waste water employing various species of microalgae including a few freshwater as well as marine forms to remove nutrients and bring down TDS. Successful results were obtained with immobilized cells of micro- algae. Work is underway to extend this technique to field conditions.
Orchid Pharmaceuticals and chemicals Alathur: VIAT visited the effluent treatment facility of the industry and started working on the possibility of employing algae for remediation. Another important breakthrough the group has made is in control of biofouling in the cooling towers of Orchid Pharmaceuticals using herbal extracts. The field trial was successful and regular supply of herbal product has been commenced. The group is in the process of patenting this herbal technique for control of bio-fouling.
Ultramarine and Pigments Ltd Ranipet: This industry produces detergents and pigments. An MOU to treat the effluent has been signed.
Project details:- Reduction of TDS in Blue and Scrub effluents.
- Reduction of Sodium sulphite in detergent.
- Control of bio-fouling in cooling towers.
- Removal of heavy metals in the process. After successful lab studies field studies are on using selected micro algae
Stahl India Chemicals: Stahl is one of the world’s leading suppliers of leather processing products and also has strong positions in other selected market niche areas with proprietary products such as Permuthane®. Unit of Algal Physiology & Biotechnology has signed an MOU with STAHL INDIA chemicals to treat the effluent using micro algal technology. Laboratory level and pilot scale studies are complete.( MORE)
M/S Nichi-In Biosciences (P) Ltd: VIAT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chennai based Indo-Japan joint venture company M/S Nichi-In Biosciences (P) Ltd., for a multifaceted research project with emphasis on microbial biotechnology and environment safety to (i) develop technology for environment friendly plastic materials, (ii) find ways to safely dispose the plastic materials using microbes and to (iii) develop and validate polymers useful for water conservation in agriculture and horticulture. (more)
Perfetti van melle India: Algal technology for pH correction and sludge reduction of effluent has been developed and based on successful pilot studies scaling up is being done..(more)
SVIS LABS Pvt LTD: Pharmaceutical company situated in Ranipet, TamilNadu. Micro algal technology has been developed for effective pH correction of the highly acidic effluent generated by this industry. Scaling up is in progress.
WHEELS INDIA: Wheels India is promoted by the TVS Group and was started in the early 60's to manufacture automobile wheels. Today, Wheels India has grown as a leading manufacturer of steel wheels for passenger cars, utility vehicles, trucks, buses, agricultural tractors and construction equipment in India. The company supplies 2/3rd of the domestic market requirement and exports 18% of the turnover to North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and South Africa. Pilot scale studies on the remediation of effluent generated by this electroplating industry using micro algae are complete.
SUNTEX PROCESSING MILLS, Chennai: After successful laboratory investigations pilot scale studies are on to effectively treat dyeing industry effluent using micro algal technology. Dye removal and pH correction along with complete reduction of sludge formation are the highlights of this research project.
