CSIR-NEERI, Chennai Zonal Laboratory, is one of the five Zonal Laboratories of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur. The centre serves to be a trail-blazer to the industries in the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Pondicherry, ever since its inception in 1969. The Zonal Laboratory follows the footsteps of the parent organisation in its commitment towards the national and societal missions and CSIR thrust area activities. In its 34 years of existence this Unit has made significant contributions in such thrust areas of R&D as environmental monitoring, environmental biotechnology, toxic waste management, environmental systems design, environmental impact & risk assessment and environmental audit.
The broad objectives of the laboratory are:
- To conduct research and developmental studies in the area of environmental science and engineering.
- To render assistance to the industries of the region, local bodies, etc. in solving the problems of environmental pollution.
- To interact and collaborate with academic and research institutions on environmental science and engineering for mutual benefit.
- To provide guidance for research scholars for their doctoral studies.
NEERI Chennai Zonal Laboratory has played an important role in solving some of the most critical problems due to pollution in the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Pondicherry. Projects of International status funded by such agencies as WHO, World Bank and the US Government have been undertaken by the Zonal Laboratory. The Zonal Laboratory has designed wastewater treatment and disposal facilities for a variety of industries like tanneries, pulp and paper, textiles, chemicals and fertilizers, food, sugar and distillery, etc. The Laboratory has carried out Environmental Impact Assessment studies for a number of proposed industrial projects and expansion schemes. The laboratory has been monitoring the ambient air quality of Chennai City since 1978 by installing air samplers at three zones of activity viz. Industrial, Commercial and Residential.
Core Competence: Environmental engineering, Environmental chemistry, Environmental biotechnology and Environmental genomics
Link to the website: http://neeri.res.in/division/csir-neeri-chennai-zonal-center
Contact Details:
Dr. M. Thirunavoukkarasu, Scientist and Head – mt_arasu(at)neeri.res.in
Dr. T. Rajesh, Scientist – t_rajesh@neeri.res.in