Environmental Biotechnology, Rhodes University

Rhodes>EBRU

About


The Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Rhodes University (EBRU) is a self-funded autonomous institute of the university and targets research and development in environmental biotechnology at the interface between the fundamental and applied sciences. Main focus areas include: wastewater treatment and beneficiation, renewable energy derivation and implementation (e.g. biomass-to-biogas), biological systems; land rehabilitation and decontamination technology (e.g. post-mining, hydrocarbon spillages, etc.), natural products, agricultural, and microalgae biotechnology. Basic activities are supported by a strong emphasis on technology transfer from laboratory to full-scale commercial / industrial process application and implementation. In brief, use of natural products / microbes to perform industrially important tasks in an environmentally sustainable way is the focus of attention. EBRU also develops and evaluates technology to support capacity building through education and training, community engagement, public-private partnerships and, innovation and incubation. Scientists at EBRU provide consultation support to industry, institutions and individuals in areas related to wastewater treatment and management, implementation strategies for renewable energy and sustainable biofuels, rehabilitation and pollution control, and technology assessment and transfer.