Biochemical and Bioenvironmental Research Center :

The Biochemical and Bioenvironmental Research Center (BBRC) was established in 1970. Its focus is to conduct research on problems of national importance in the field of environmental engineering. Particular emphasis is placed on water and waste water treatment technology and related problems in pollution abatement. The country's scant rainfall and the scarcity of water resources make it imperative that every drop used be treated and reused. In this respect, the constitution of the country compels industries to control their pollution. Industries which continue to pollute the environment will be closed down. These regulations make BBRC's task more compelling and give it focus for its research programs. Along with research, the center offers services on a consulting basis to the government as well as to the private sector. Apart from routine analysis of water and waste water, the engineering division offers advice on problems of pollution control, water and waste water treatment, and the re-use of effluents for both municipal and industrial users. Feasibility studies and preparation of reports, designs and construction drawings form a major part of the work within the framework of the engineering section. Laboratory tests and, if needed, laboratory scale pilot plant studies are conducted in order to ascertain the degree of treatment required and to evaluate the effects of various parameters in qualitative and quantitative control of pollution in water and waste water. Particular emphasis is paid to on-site investigation, the study of manufacturing processes, and collection and evaluation of the data needed for study and design of a project. Considering the limited water resources in Iran, special priority is given to the re-use of effluents and other by-products of different processes. In design, importance is given to the selection of the most cost effective method of treatment requiring a minimum of skilled manpower and low energy consumption. Practical and theoretical courses on different subjects are offered to students of chemical engineering, chemistry and civil engineering. Students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are encouraged to carry out applied research for industry while studying for their degrees. Short courses on pollution control and bioengineering are offered to industry on demand. Training courses for technicians and plant operators have been particularly successful with local industries. The center is well-equipped for physical, chemical and bacteriological testing of water and waste water. Equipment includes a gas chromatographer, an atomic absorption meter for measuring trace elements and automatic monitoring equipment for qualitative and quantitative control of wastes. Laboratory scale biodisc and biopack pilot plants are also available for studies of variations in pollution parameters from different wastes. The research program at BBRC is conducted under two different but coordinated sections, biochemical engineering and bioenvironmental engineering. In biochemical engineering, current research projects include:
Bioconversion of agricultural waste
Fermentation of organic acids and alcohols
Enzyme technology purification
Extraction of essential oils
Food technology and development of new additives
The main concern of bioenvironmental engineering is the reduction of water pollution due to the rapid growth of industry. Research in this field includes:
Development of rotating "biological packed bed" for treatment of biological wastes
Waste water characteristics and evaluation of typical Iranian industries
Feasibility and pilot plant studies
Anaerobic digestion of strong waste
Reuse of treated effluents for various purposes