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6.0 TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
Research and development activities play an important role in assessment and control of pollution, environmental quality assessment, identification of priority areas in air and water pollution control and industry specific research studies. The Research and Development comprise of three exclusive activities viz. basic research, applied research and experimental development (OECD, 1994).
• Basic Research
Basic research is any experimental or theoretical research work, conducted primarily to acquire new knowledge of underlying foundations of phenomena, observable facts without directly giving consideration to specific applications/uses.
There are limited basic research activities in CPCB.
• Applied Research
Applied research are activities/investigations undertaken with the objectives to ascertain the possibility of practical application by establishing specific goals or that which explore new applications of method which are already in practical application using knowledge discovered through basic research. It is however, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective.
Mostly, research work for environmental application lies in the category of applied research in which the technology/theories/ methodology is applied for finding solution of the problems.
• Experimental Development
It is the utilization of knowledge acquired from basic/applied research and actual experience and research designed for introduction of new materials equipment, system or processes and their improvements. It is the systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and or practical experience that is directed to produce new materials, products and devices to install new processes, systems and services and to improve substantially those already produced or installed.
Experimental development in context to environmental applications are attributable to new methodology development, quality control and application for treatment.
There is the global shift in approaches in environmental pollution control to pollution prevention. The pollution prevention research is relatively new field, stressing the important role in reduction of environmental risks from toxic releases and exposure to chemicals. The goal of pollution prevention and control can be achieved through anticipatory research and exploratory research.
- Anticipatory Research
Anticipatory research is the research and development undertaken to evaluate and anticipate future environmental problems. The necessary information is generated from findings and developing strategic actions against emerging environmental issues and their early warning. Anticipatory research requires priority settings and development of thrust areas.
- Exploratory Research
The exploratory research includes areas demanding identification of high priority research to solve some of the most pressing environmental problems. The exploratory research as a first step requires identification, screening, evaluation and prioritization of environmental problems and issues.
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