Introduction
Department of Environmental Research Research
The Department of Environmental Research develops advanced environmental technologies to manage issues involving water, air, waste, and greenhouse gas, which are embedded in the crisis of climate change and environmental pollution the world is facing today. Key areas of R&D include water environment (algae control, river water quality and ecosystems); smart waterworks and sewerage; desalination; material circulation and waste recycling; microplastics and novel hazardous substances; particulate matter; odors and air pollution; advanced environmental materials; environmental, resource, and energy plants; and carbon neutrality. The Department of Environmental Research seeks to commercialize the source technology it develops, so it can be put to good use in environmental and industrial efforts. It has been recognized as a valuable think tank in the field of environmental R&D and related policies. The Department of Environmental Research will continue to make advances of verifiable merit in environmental technology and help achieve Korea's Net Zero 2050 vision to create a green future for the people of Korea and the world.
Major Research Areas & Initiatives
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Water care, water environment, and water circulation: Systematic and efficient national water management
- Water care and water recycling
- Advanced water treatment
- Desalination and alternate water resources
- Water quality control of public waters
- Non-point source pollution management
- Water ecosystem restoration
- Water circulation analysis and control
- Urban water circulation systems and green infrastructure
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Public safety: Safe and sustainable living environment for everyone
- Climate change response
- Response to major environmental issues endemic to Korea (microplastics, algae, odors, particulate matter)
- Planning, installation, operation of waterworks, sewerage, buried conduits
- Next-generation infrastructures ("life lines" and "smart water")
- Control of minute and novel hazardous substances affecting the environment
- Indoor air quality improvement
- Development of environmental materials
- Removal of negative conditions from living environments (urban heat island, odors, light pollution, noise, vibration, etc.)
- Environmental disaster prevention and environmental safety enhancement
- Soil pollution and subterranean water processing (restoration)
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Energy and resources: Carbon neutrality and recycling as a norm
- Carbon neutrality and greenhouse gas elimination
- Renewable energy, resources, facilities, environmental plants
- Waste management; food and organic waste management and recycling
- Hydrogen city infrastructure
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Environmental IT: Intelligent and digital environmental technology
- Advanced equipment utilization technology such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV)
- Digital twins of waterworks, sewerage, and environmental infrastructure
- Environmental data platforms; analysis and utilization of data
- Monitoring of emissions and indoor air quality
- Studies, tests, experiments, precision analyses
