Microbial activity and presence of objectionable turbidity constitute major sources of contamination of surface water bodies. A variety of pathogenic organisms find their way into drinking water sources causing frequent outbreak of water borne diseases. The susceptibility to disinfection varies from organism to organism and presence of turbidity often hinders their effective disinfection. This proposal attempts to take a systematic investigation of various available technologies such as chlorination, ozonation, solar disinfection (SODIS), disinfection cum sedimentation, use of copper pot, Ultraviolet irradiation, silver or iodine impregnated resin filters and ultrafiltration candles for their effectiveness in disinfection of potable waters contaminated with different microorganisms and turbidity loads. Sponsored by- Water Technology Initiatives, Department of Science and Technology (Ongoing)

This project aims to synthesize bipolar ion exchange membrane sheets in laboratory scale, synthesize them and design a 6 compartment bipolar electrodialysis set up to study the salt splitting characteristics of the membrane synthesized.

The study aims at the isolation, identification and assessment of potential of AM fungi from the rhizosphere of Mangrove trees of different ecological sites. The identified species would help in the restoration of degraded mangrove forests as well as in enhancing the productivity of commercial crops under salt stress conditions.

Study of ANAMMOX bacteria and their application in wastewater treatment. Sponsored by- Department of Science and Technology (Ongoing)

The project deals with isolation and identification of ANAMMOX bacteria which are obligate anaerobic autotrophs capable of oxidation of ammonium to nitrogen gas. These bacteria can be exploited for highly efficient, ecofriendly and economic treatment of high nitrogen containing wastewaters.

The purpose of this research project was to design, biosynthesis, and in vitro testing of camptothecin analogue(s). The rational behind structural modification is to improve the lactone ring stability of camptothecin at blood pH, while concurrently overcoming the drug resistance due to efflux of the drug caused by cell membrane bound proteins. Biosynthesis of camptothecin was conducted from suspension cultures of Nothapodytes foetida, commonly found in the forests of Western Ghats in India.

The R & D project aimed at the transformation of the local biomass residues to derive value-added products - cellulase, carotenoids and bioplastics. Optimization and production of cellulose from biomass substrate Eichornia crasipes was carried out and process of cellulose development from biomass was done.

Development of recombinant insulin like polypeptide –p from Memordica Charatia. Sponsored by- Indian Council of Medical Research (2003-2006)

Diabetes mellitus is associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood due either to lack of insulin production (type I diabetes) or the resistance of target tissues to insulin (type II diabetes). The conventional treatment modalities, including chemically synthesized drugs and insulin obtained from non-human sources have inherent limitations and undesirable side effects. This has instigated research in alternate forms of medicine. The fruit of Momordica charantia, also known as bitter gourd or karela, has been used extensively in traditional systems for treating diabetes. The blood sugar-lowering action of the fresh juice or unripe fruit has been established in animal experimental models as well as human clinical trials. Two independent reports have attributed hypoglycaemic activity to peptide components polypeptide-p and MC6, in the Momordica Charantia fruit. The study aimed at molecular characterization of the peptide with antidiabetic properties from M. charantia for understanding the mechanism of action. The peptide gene will be cloned and expressed in a yeast system.

Sewage Treatment/ recycling plant at Seawoods Estate. Sponsored by- Seawoods Estate Pvt. Ltd. Navi Mumbai (2004)

The sewage recycle plant based on Phototrophic Bioreactor System was developed for a residential colony. This system is less expensive to implement, operate, thereby minimizing the level of skills required for operation & maintenance. The raw sewage from the existing sewage sump was pumped to the Phototrophic Bioreactor for biological treatment. This reactor was seeded with indigenous anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria which mineralize organic compounds to hydrogen gas using sunlight as the energy source

The rapid depletion of the non-renewable energy sources has prompted worldwide investments on renewable energy alternatives. Hydrogen has long been accepted as an ideal and pollution free fuel of the twenty first century that yields only water vapour on burning unlike other fuels. Notwithstanding other means of producing hydrogen, biotechnological production of hydrogen utilizes organic wastes and reduced–sulphur-compounds containing waste as substrates and / or electron donors for hydrogen production with simultaneous treatment of wastes. The principal advantage that accrues from biotechnological production of hydrogen is low cost substrate (wastes), and low energy penalty compared to electrolysis route.

Development of hybrid neural network based modeling tool for the simulation of Loktak wetlands with a view to a priori evaluating the consequences of urgently warranted engineering and ecological interventions on the wetland ecosystem. This analysis requires cost: benefit framework to facilitate pragmatic decision making. The model developed in this exercise, comprises hybridization of fourteen neural networks at their rational hierarchical levels. The evaluation of consequences is based on changes in the catchment area, water quality and ecological indices.

Identification and delineation of cost effective and pragmatic opportunities for minimization of environmental impacts across the life cycle of thermal power in the state of Gujarat was carried out through this project. Strategies were also developed for pragmatic and cost effective supply and demand side alternatives for power sector.

Market based instruments were evaluated for their effectiveness and relevance for resource use tax, emission tax, user fees and emission trading with the criteria of minimum cost of the economy, stakeholders preferences, polluter pays and precautionary principles and positive effect on competitiveness.

The industrial ecology mode of operation enables management of flows from the ecosystems to the industrial systems within the supportive and assimilative capacities of the region. In view of this study was conducted at two of the Gujarat Industrial Development Cooperation (GIDC) Industrial Estates, viz. Ankaleshwar and Nandesari that led to the delineation of implementation plans.

Green Corporate Accounting (GCA) provides firms with true cost of their products and processes, thus leading to better business decisions and sustained profitability, over the entire life- cycle of the product/ services. In GCA, the natural resources are redefined as assets in company ledgers, and the environmental costs are built into a product’s cost. Through this project a green corporate account framework was prepared for pharmaceutical and chemical industries of Mumbai.