Research Overview 

In India and potentially in other developing nations, time spent by us in built environments such as homes, offices, and classrooms is increasing with urbanization and change in our lifestyle. Therefore, the exposure to airborne pollutants occurring in indoor spaces could be comparable or even exceed that occurring while outdoors. However, outdoor or ambient outdoor pollution is most talked about by researchers, the general public, media, regulators, and policymakers. The critical knowledge gaps we are trying to fill are:

1. The current status of indoor air quality in a range of built environments in urban India.

2. Pollutant source characterization.

3. Transport, transformation, and the fate of pollutants.

4. Nexus between IAQ and design and operating features of built environments. 

HVAC systems, maintaining the occupants’ thermal comfort, usually account for the largest chunk of a building’s energy consumption. Operating these HVAC systems also to maintain good air quality can further increase energy consumption. The new building construction rate in India is among the highest globally, presenting a timely opportunity to develop strategies and technologies to tackle indoor air pollution while minimizing energy consumption. Another aspect is green building certifications which currently focus on energy and sustainability with little to no weightage to indoor air quality. There will always be a trade-off between indoor air quality and energy consumption. However, the existing building rating processes are yet to recognize and account for these trade-offs.

Ambient environmental monitoring using Low-Cost Sensors (LCS) is a key research area of EEEL, emphasizing the development and deployment of affordable and scalable sensing systems for real-time observation of environmental conditions. The research focuses on monitoring parameters such as air quality and microclimatic conditions while addressing challenges related to sensor accuracy, calibration, and data reliability. By integrating LCS data with conventional monitoring networks, this work aims to enhance spatial resolution and support data-driven approaches to environmental assessment and management.

Our lab focuses on innovative approaches to solid waste management, aiming to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. We study the generation, collection, segregation, treatment, and recycling of various types of solid waste, including municipal, industrial, and agricultural residues. By integrating advanced technologies and eco-friendly solutions, our research seeks to minimize landfill dependency, recover valuable resources, and support the development of circular economy models for a cleaner and healthier environment.

Health effects of air pollution, including oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, are a key research area of EEEL, focusing on understanding the mechanisms by which pollutants impact human health. The work involves analyzing reactive oxygen species (ROS), dithiothreitol (DTT) activity, simulated lung fluid (SLF) interactions, and other biochemical markers to assess the toxicity of aerosols and particulate matter. By combining laboratory assays with environmental monitoring data, this research aims to quantify health risks, identify harmful pollutant sources, and provide insights for mitigating the effects of air pollution on public health.

CFD analysis of aerosol transport mechanisms is a research focus of EEEL, aimed at understanding how aerosols move and disperse in different environments. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, the work investigates factors such as airflow patterns, particle size, and emission sources to model aerosol behavior accurately. The research integrates CFD results with sensor data and experimental observations to validate models, improve predictions, and provide insights into aerosol dispersion, exposure risks, and mitigation strategies in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Health impacts of aerosol and CO₂ exposure across different transport modes is an active research area of EEEL, focusing on understanding how commuters are affected by air pollutants during daily travel. The work involves measuring real-time exposure to particulate matter, CO₂, and other pollutants using portable and low-cost sensors across various transport modes such as walking, cycling, public transit, and private vehicles. By combining sensor data with travel patterns, meteorological information, and traffic datasets, the research aims to quantify exposure levels, identify high-risk conditions, and provide insights for healthier and more sustainable transportation strategies.

The research on the airborne transmission of disease-causing pathogens has gained impetus. The probability of catching an infection is much higher in an indoor space because these airborne pathogens can linger on in indoor air within our proximity for a longer time relative to outdoors. Therefore, it is critical to understand the dynamics of airborne pathogens in indoor spaces to develop and implement mitigation strategies. The research at EEEL uses both experimental data and results from computational fluid dynamics simulations to assess how resistants are different built environments against the spread of coronavirus.