Varsity upgrades microbiology laboratory

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, JUNE 17. The Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University (CES-AU), has upgraded its microbiology laboratory and pilot sewage treatment plants under the Indo-German Collaborative programme.

The facilities, along with a mobile incinerator, given as part of the programme, were on Saturday dedicated to the University by the German Consul in Chennai, Mr. Karsten Warnecke, in the presence of the University Vice Chancellor, Dr. A. Kalanidhi.

Built to handle for 25 students/researchers at a time, the 155 sq. lab houses instruments for biological analysis of water and wastewater. Equipment available include stereo microscope, phase contrast microscope with CCTV, incubators, ovens, deep freezers, spectrophotometer and water samplers.

The mobile incinerator mounted on a truck is designed to handle domestic waste of reasonable good calorific value. The twin chamber equipment has been designed to eliminate flue gas and the clean gas is exhaused to the atmosphere. Dangerous dioxin, furan, carbon monoxide are oxidised and destroyed with 95 per cent efficiency, according to Prof.G.B. Jaiprakash Narain, Director, CES-AU.

Among the two sewage treatment plants, one is a root zone treatment system, where a natural wetland constructed on a pilot scale will treat campus sewage. The waste is introduced into the soil colonised by selected reeds, which absorb the nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous. Another is an oxidation ditch for efficient biological treatment of waste.

Mr. Warnecke said the assistance by the German Technical Assistance (GTZ) programme to the CES-AU was a successful example of Indo German cooperation. Noting that the concern for global environment was an indicator of Germany's policy in international cooperation, he said his country had keenly watched the growth of the CES project at Anna University over the years.

Prof. Dieter Beck, Senior Advisor, GTZ project, said, in the next phase, the programme hoped to improve the qualification of the professionals involved and to expand their contacts with other governments, universities and international organisations.

Dr. Kalanidhi said the facilities dedication ceremony marked the completion of Dr. Beck's tenure with the GTZ. He offered a post of honorary professor of the University to the German academician. Mr. Florian Schindler, Advisor, Indo-German project and Dr. Narain were among those who participated.

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