In November 2024, Commonwealth Alumnus Dr Bunty Sharma delivered a two-day national workshop on, ‘Microplastic and Nanoplastic Pollution (MNP-2024): analytical tools for detection and remediation techniques’.
The workshop was designed to promote analytical tools to detect and mitigate micro-nanoplastic pollution, build capacity amongst new researchers in this technique and discuss strategies to prevent further plastic contamination of rivers, oceans and coastal areas in India.
The workshop was open to university students and researchers from northern states of India and was delivered at the Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility (SAIF)/Central Instrumentation Laboratory (CIL), Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Dr Bunty Sharma is a Research Scientist at Panjab University, Chandigarh. The workshop was co-delivered by Commonwealth Alumnus Dr Shikha Aery, Postdoctoral researcher at Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Their activity promotes the 2023/24 ACEF theme, Save our oceans.
Plastic pollution: a growing concern in India
In India, plastic pollution is a pressing challenge affecting the country’s vast coastline. India is the largest contributor of plastic waste, responsible for one-fifth of the global plastic pollution. According to the UN Environment Programme, 98% single-use plastic products are made from fossil fuels. It is estimated that the levels of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the manufacturing, use and disposal of fossil fuel-based plastics will rise significantly by 2040.
Inadequate waste management contributes to plastic waste ending up in open debris, sewage and landfills. Due to its undegradable properties, most plastics disintegrate into smaller particles known as microplastic, which further break into nanoparticles, and leach into the soil and water.
Microplastic contamination is detrimental to the long-term health and wellbeing of marine habitat and ecosystems in rivers and oceans. To meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular goal 14: Life under water, there is an urgent need to implement policy regulations to transition from fossil fuel-based plastic production and develop effective waste management systems.
Awareness workshop to address plastic threats
Dr Sharma delivered the two-day capacity-building workshop to raise awareness of micro-nanoplastic pollution as a major contributor to ocean contamination and promote analytical tools to detect micro-nanoplastics, such as spectroscopy, chromatography and microscopy.
Workshop banner
60 participants joined the workshop, representing Master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral students, and faculty members from 13 institutions across North India.
The inaugural workshop was attended by Chief Guest Honourable Vice Chancellor Prof R K Kohli, Amity University, Mohali, Panjab, India, and Guest of Honour, Prof Y P Verma, Registrar, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
Participants took part in active training sessions to learn some of the techniques presented and sessions were led by expert speakers from Panjab University, Amity University, Mohali, IISER Mohali, and industry scientists from Bruker, Renishaw and Thermofisher.
The programme was supported by the Director of SAIF, Prof Ganga Ram Chaudhary, and Associate Professor Dr Ramesh K Sharma, alongside a team of volunteers.
Inviting experts to lead discussions on microplastics
Dr Sharma releasing the book at the national workshop
Dr Sharma officially inaugurated the workshop with the release of the book, ‘Microplastic in environment: source, potential risks, analytical challenges, and remediation strategies’, published by Taylor and Francis CRC Press. The book was jointly edited by Dr Sharma, Prof G R Chaudhary, and Dr Moondeep Chauhan.
Dr Bunty Sharma felicitating the Chief Guest, Honourable Vice Chancellor Prof R K Kohli, Amity University.
The inaugural speech was delivered by Prof R K Kohli on, ‘The plastic dilemma: Unravelling its harmful effects on our world’. Prof. Kohli urged the researcher to find a real solution to tackle microplastic pollution.
The themes addressed in this speech were explored throughout the two-day workshop through a range of expert-led talks and seminars. These included:
- First technical session by Prof Ganga Ram Chaudhary, Director SAIF/CIL, Panjab University who presented on the concepts of micro and nanoplastic pollution and possible methods for detection and remediation. He highted that detection refers to identifying and measuring micro- and nanoplastics in the environment, while remediation involves methods to remove or neutralize these pollutants. Together, they are crucial for mitigating microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems by enabling targeted clean-up efforts and reducing harmful impacts on aquatic life.
- Raman spectroscopy for detecting microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic environments, Dr Arvind Barak, Applications Scientist, Renishaw industry. Dr Barak highlighted the advancement in. Dr Barak highlighted advancements in Raman spectroscopy, a powerful tool for accurately identifying micro- and nanoplastics based on their chemical composition. This is important in enabling precise, non-destructive detection in complex aquatic environments, aiding effective monitoring and pollution control efforts.
- Integration of Advanced Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy and microscopy for microplastic analysis in environment, by Mr Amit Joshi, Application Manager, Thermofisher. Mr Amit Joshi emphasised the importance of integrating FT-IR spectroscopy with microscopy for detailed and precise microplastic analysis in environmental samples, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of pollution assessment.
- How electron microscope can be used to confirm micro-nano plastic, by Dr Moondeep Chauhan, Amity University, Mohali. The key benefit of using an electron microscope is its extremely high resolution, which allows for detailed imaging of the shape, size, and surface characteristics of tiny plastic particles that are otherwise difficult to detect.
- ‘Microplastics and associated contaminants in multi-environmental compartments: prevalence and controlling factors’, Dr Anoop Ambili, Associate Professor, IISER Mohali. Dr Ambili shared real-world examples from his research involving the collection of samples from various lakes in Himachal Pradesh, India, and the subsequent identification of microplastics. His work highlights the presence of microplastic pollution even in remote freshwater ecosystems, emphasizing the widespread nature of the issue.
- Advanced Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy and microscopy for microplastic analysis in the environment, by Dr Vijay Veer, Sr. Application Scientist, Bruker India Scientific Private Ltd, Mumbai.
- Next-generation sensing approaches for microplastic detection and monitoring, by Prof Ajeet Kaushik, Florida Polytechnic University, USA. Prof Ajeet Kaushik presented next-generation sensing approaches for microplastic detection, which are important for enabling faster, more sensitive, and real-time monitoring of pollution, crucial for early intervention and environmental protection.
- X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in surface analysis, by Dr Karthick Balasubramanian, Senior Product Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Pvt. Ltd.
Following each session, participants engaged in active discussions and Q&A sessions with the expert speakers.
Prof RK Kohli exploring models to detect microplastic
The workshop included a lecture Prof Madhu Khatri on Nano/microplastics: toxicity testing and remediation. During workshop participants visited the Prof Khatri lab at UIET Biotech laboratory. Here, participants in learned about fish models for checking microplastics toxicity and various modelling approaches. They received training to explored various computational and biological modelling approaches to study microplastic interactions within biological systems. This practical exposure was crucial to the workshop as it bridged theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. Key learnings included understanding the biological impact of microplastics, the importance of standardized testing models, and how data from such models can inform remediation strategies.
Establishing networks with industry experts for future collaboration
To understand the impact of the workshop, Dr Sharma assessed participants’ level of awareness of micro and nano plastics in the marine environment, including their ecological and human implications and related analytical tools, pre-and post-workshop.
Based on his findings, through the workshop participants gained a comprehensive understanding of micro and nano plastics in the marine environment and their awareness of the multiple issues stemming from micro plastic pollution significantly increased. Participants reported the workshop was crucial in developing their understanding on micro and nano plastic and increasing their knowledge about the analytical tools and remediation techniques.
Following the workshop, Dr Sharma has collaborated with fellow researchers and participants to set-up a social media group for researchers in the industry to network and connect for future collaboration.
Dr Bunty Sharma and Dr Shikha Aery are 2019 and 2022 Commonwealth Split-site Scholars from India, respectively. Dr Sharma completed a PhD in Chemistry from School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham and Panjab University. Dr Aery completed a PhD in Physical Chemistry from University of Leeds and Panjab University.
