Metal Speciation is a multidisciplinary study of the occurrence, mobility and detection of metal species within different environments as well as their interaction with life. I initiated metal speciation study in India to understand the role of metal-natural ligands interactions in controlling distribution, fate, mobility, and bioavailability of trace/toxic metals in marine environments (estuarine, coastal and open ocean).
My research provides better understanding of one of the closely guarded secrets of nature: how the metal-buffering action of natural ligands (Fe/Mn-oxyhydroxide, dissolved organic carbon, humic substances etc) makes them a vital web in the complex fabric of homeostasis.
I am interested in providing a better description on the patterns of trace/toxic metals distribution and the processes that control metal speciation in the continental shelf sediments around India. I am also keen to know the impact of varying redox condition of overlying water column in perennial oxygen minimum zone on the stability and lability of metal-complexes at the surface sediment.
I have also been investigating the speciation and fate of different metal complexes in hydrothermally altered deep sea sediments and polymetallic nodules from the Central Indian Ocean Basin. My aim is to assess the probable impacts of deep sea mining on speciation and bioavailability of metal complexes in the Central Indian Basin and their impact on deep sea environments (and biodiversity).
I am trying to establish the link (if any) between trace/toxic metal speciation, and their bioavailability in marine system. My research emphasize mainly on the role of metal-natural ligands interactions in controlling distribution, fate, mobility, and bioavailability of trace/heavy metals in tropical marine environments (estuarine, coastal and open ocean).
Principal Investigator
- Study of Trace/Toxic metal speciation for risk assessment in the Central Indian Ocean Basin during polymetallic nodules mining: A step towards sustainable deep-sea mining. National Institute of Ocean Technology, MoES, New Delhi
Co-Principal Investigator
- Graphene-impregnated Coatings of Fibres for Enabling use of Fibre Reinforced Plastic FRP Reinforcement and Tubular Structures of Seawater Sea Sand Concrete Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), Apex Committee of SPARC, Ministry of Education
Ph. D. Students
Arup Dey
Area of Research: Soil Chemistry
Diptangshu Sarkar
Area of Research: Iron Speciation
Gunjan Roy
Area of Research: Metal pollution remediation
Lamjahao Sitlhou
Area of Research: Environmental Impact assessment in deep sea mining
Soham Chatterjee
Area of Research: Trace metal Biogeochemistry
