EBRU is an institute affiliated to Rhodes University which targets research in Environmental Biotechnology at the interface between the fundamental and applied sciences. Its main area of focus has beeninnovation and development of environmental bioprocesses related to remedial technologies.
Its basic research activities are supported by a strong emphasis on technology transfer from laboratory studies to full-scale industrial process applications, and a number of bioprocess plants have been constructed in various parts of South Africa.
In addition to participating in the training of post graduate students, EBRU researchers undertake consultancy support to industry in areas related to industrial and domestic wastewater treatment, alternative energy and bio fuels, rehabilitation and pollution control, and technology assessment and transfer.
The Institute is located in Belmont Valley at an Experimental Field Station adjacent to the Grahamstown Waste Water Treatment Plant, where its main analytical, molecular microbial ecology, microbiology and bioprocess laboratories are situated. Integrated Algae Ponding Systems and mine water treatment pilot plants are also operated here.
Research and commercial activities at EBRU
The research focus of EBRU has targeted the advancement of sustainability through remediation and the beneficiation of saline, domestic and industrial wastewater for high value products and bio-fuels, and the exploitation of solid waste for use in agriculture and industry. Projects investigating value-addition are actively pursued and included in this portfolio as follows:
- Commercialising the Integrated Algae Ponding Systems (IAPS) for treating organic effluents and generating a treated water that is safe for discharge into the environment;
- Recovering commercially valuable metabolites such as β-carotene, glycerol and fertilizer
from micro-algae; - Exploring the potential of micro-algae biomass as a feedstock for renewable energy
production; - Treating mine drainage wastewaters and using this in agro-industrial development as a basis for social, economic and environmental sustainability especially applicable following mine closure;
- Removing heavy metals from the environment using biological systems;
- Using South African hardwood fungi in the bioremediation of coal and hydrocarbon
industry wastes; - Conducting joint research projects with other Rhodes University departments and Institutes, as well as collaborating on research projects with other national and international institutions;
- Undertaking contracted research on behalf of local and international mining, energy and
biotechnology companies.
