Research Projects

The proposed five-year program aims to establish a nationally relevant research hub on Next-Generation Water Technology Solutions at COEP Technological University, focusing on the three most pressing but under-addressed pollutant categories—toxic metals, microplastics, and eutrophication agents. Unlike fragmented approaches, this plan integrates nanobubble technology, biosorption, catalytic nanocomposites, and microbial consortia into scalable, hybrid treatment systems. The novelty lies in addressing mixed pollutants simultaneously and moving beyond laboratory studies to pilot and field-scale demonstrations in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and dams. Year 1: Laboratory development of biosorption and nanocomposite systems for metal removal, adsorption modeling, and microbial screening for nutrient and plastic degradation. Preparatory work on nanobubble generators and analytical protocols begins. Year 2: Pilot-scale column reactors for metal adsorption are deployed in industrial effluent sites. Enzyme-assisted PET degradation (PETase/MHETase) and nanobubble-mediated plastic pre-treatments are validated. Initial struvite crystallization for phosphorus recovery is established. Year 3: Hybrid microbial consortia for polyolefin degradation and nutrient uptake are developed. Pilot demonstrations begin in the Mula-Mutha and Indrayani rivers and in eutrophic lakes, with ANN-based adsorption optimization. First patents are filed. Year 4: Integrated nanobubble–microbial–catalytic systems are field-tested at Pashan and Katraj lakes and scaled at Khadakwasla Reservoir. Pilot reactors and modular units fabricated at COEP are validated for real-world conditions. Year 5: Large-scale demonstration at Ujjani Dam, full validation of hybrid modular systems, techno-economic and life-cycle assessments, and technology transfer to municipal corporations and industries. Start-up incubation at COEP Innovation Hub ensures commercialization. Novel Contributions & Gaps Addressed: First integrated treatment trains in India targeting metals + microplastics + nutrients together, a gap unaddressed globally. Application of nanobubble-enabled plastic degradation and nutrient oxygenation to Indian field sites. Introduction of ANN-based predictive models for adsorption in complex waters. Transition from pioneering biosorption work to field-regenerable, community-friendly systems. Direct translation to policy through linkage with DST’s Water Technology Initiative, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Namami Gange. Impact: By the end of five years, COEP will host a vibrant, interdisciplinary ecosystem generating 10–15 high-impact publications, 5–7 patents, 5–6 PhDs, multiple start-ups, and validated prototypes ready for adoption. The program will position COEP as a leader in sustainable water technologies, raise its innovation profile nationally and internationally, and deliver tangible benefits through cleaner rivers, restored lakes, and replicable models for developing countries.