Manu Thomas | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Published-on by Indian Scientist

Mr. Manu Thomas | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Thanal Trust, India

Author Profile

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Manu Thomas, hailing from Kochi, India, began his academic journey with a strong interest in the natural world. This curiosity led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Zoology from Sacred Heart College, Kochi, where he consistently demonstrated academic excellence, graduating with an impressive CGPA of 8.34/10. His undergraduate studies laid a solid foundation in ecological principles, biodiversity, and environmental dynamics. Driven by a passion for environmental sustainability 🌿, he chose to delve deeper into the field and pursued a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Environmental Science from Pondicherry University. During his postgraduate studies (Nov 2020 – Jun 2022), he achieved a commendable CGPA of 8.69/10, which reflected his dedication to scientific learning and research. His academic pursuits were guided by a growing awareness of the climate crisis 🌍 and a determination to contribute meaningfully to environmental protection and conservation.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Manu’s professional journey is marked by dynamic roles in environmental research and consultancy. His most recent role as a Research Consultant at Thanal Trust, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (Feb 2025 – Present), showcases his commitment to climate action. Here, he is engaged in analyzing local development projects with a focus on decentralized solid waste management systems 🗑️. He conducts environmental impact assessments and crafts informative materials to engage stakeholders and inspire sustainable practices.

Previously, Manu worked as a Project Associate – I at the CSIR – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) in Nagpur from March 2023 to January 2025. His work covered a wide array of critical ecological projects, including:

  • Environmental impact analysis for a floating solar plant in Odisha ☀️,

  • Ecological assessment of construction impacts at Chatri Talao Wetland 🐦,

  • Biodiversity surveys and tree-related microhabitat studies in urban green spaces 🌳,

  • Contributions to the Environmental Status Reports (ESR) for Nagpur (2023 & 2024),

  • Long-term ecological monitoring within NEERI’s campus.

Before this, he served as a Project Assistant at CSIR-NEERI (Sept 2022 – Mar 2023), contributing to biodiversity mapping projects at industrial sites, including:

  • A bioaccumulation and biomagnification study near Adani Power Maharashtra Limited, highlighting the impact of fly ash on local ecosystems 🐟,

  • Assessment of mine closure activities at PEKB Opencast Coal Mine in Chhattisgarh.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Manu’s research interests lie at the intersection of ecology, environmental impact analysis, and sustainable development. His work bridges scientific research with real-world applications, such as the design and evaluation of solid waste management systems, hydropower projects, and urban biodiversity.

He has also contributed to pioneering tree microhabitat studies in urban green spaces, which offer critical insights into the ecological value of trees in city environments 🏙️. These studies not only help shape urban planning but also underline the importance of preserving biodiversity hotspots in urban settings.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Though still in the early stages of his professional journey, Manu’s consistent performance, scientific rigor, and multi-disciplinary contributions have earned him the trust of reputed research institutions like CSIR-NEERI and Thanal Trust. Being chosen for diverse and critical projects, often under the purview of national regulatory bodies such as the National Green Tribunal (NGT), reflects his reputation for meticulous fieldwork and research integrity.

🌎 Impact and Influence

Manu’s impact lies not just in the reports he writes or data he collects, but in the awareness he raises and the action he inspires. By actively engaging in projects that address wetland ecology, industrial pollution, and renewable energy, he contributes to shaping environmental policies and sustainable development strategies in India 🇮🇳. His work supports India’s progress toward UNSDG goals, particularly SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land 🐘.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Manu Thomas is poised to become a leading voice in environmental research and sustainability advocacy. His journey reflects a rare blend of academic depth, field-based experience, and practical impact. With his growing expertise in ecological assessments, climate action, and community engagement, he aims to drive systemic change in how development projects interact with the environment.

Looking forward, Manu is expected to contribute to policy frameworks, write scientific papers, and perhaps mentor the next generation of environmental scientists. His career promises a lasting legacy in protecting ecosystems, fostering resilience, and leading the transition to greener futures 💚.

Notable Publications 

Title: Relevance of community perceptions in mapping cultural ecosystem services: Lessons from bio-cultural landscape of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha
Author: Manu Thomas
Journal: Ocean & Coastal Management
Year: 2025.

Title: 3-30-300 Benchmark: An Evaluation of Tree Visibility, Canopy Cover, and Green Space Access in Nagpur, India
Author: Manu Thomas
Journal: Urban Science
Year: 2025.

Title: Implementing the 3-30-300 Rule in Indian Cities: A Framework for Addressing Urban Challenges
Author: Manu Thomas
Journal: EGUsphere (Preprint)
Year: 2025.

Title: Tree and Tree-microhabitats of CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, Maharashtra
Author: Manu Thomas
Publisher: CSIR-NEERI
Year: 2024.

Title: Governing green change to improve resilience by assessing urban risks for localizing nature based solutions in fast sprawling Dehradun, India
Author: Manu Thomas
Journal: International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction
Year: 2024.

Mahua Saha | Marine pollution | Best Researcher Award

Published-on by Indian Scientist

Dr. Mahua Saha | Marine pollution | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Oceanography, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Mahua Saha’s academic journey reflects an unwavering commitment to understanding environmental science, with a special focus on marine chemistry and organic geochemistry. She began her educational path with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Bidhannagar College, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India, in 1999. Building on her strong foundation in chemistry, she pursued a Master of Science in Marine Science with a specialization in Marine Chemistry at the University of Calcutta, completing her degree in 2001.

Dr. Saha’s academic pursuits reached new heights when she moved to Japan to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Environmental Science, specializing in Organic Geochemistry at the United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), Japan, in 2008. Her doctoral thesis, titled “Distribution and Source Identification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Aquatic Environments in India”, was supervised by Prof. Hideshige Takada and focused on understanding the sources and distribution of hazardous compounds in Indian aquatic environments, marking a significant contribution to environmental and marine chemistry research. 🌍

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Mahua Saha has built an illustrious career in the field of chemical oceanography. She is currently serving as the Principal Scientist in the Chemical Oceanography Division at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Goa, India, since September 2020. In this role, Dr. Saha has been deeply involved in monitoring and assessing the presence of microplastics in the Indian Ocean and the Indian coastal environment. Her work in evaluating and quantifying organic micropollutants, including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and plasticizers in marine microplastics, is instrumental in understanding the environmental risks posed by these pollutants to marine ecosystems.

Before becoming the Principal Scientist, Dr. Saha served as a Senior Scientist in the same division at NIO from 2014 to 2020. During this period, she established a dedicated laboratory for microplastics studies, which became a pivotal resource for investigating the effects of microplastics on marine life. Dr. Saha is proficient in using advanced analytical techniques such as GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) and microFTIR (Micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), which are crucial for the precise identification and quantification of contaminants in marine environments. 🔬

Contributions and Research Focus 🌱

Dr. Saha’s research has significantly advanced the field of marine pollution studies, particularly regarding the impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems. Her work has primarily focused on:

  • Microplastics in marine environments: Dr. Saha has contributed extensively to the monitoring, assessment, and quantification of microplastics in the Indian Ocean and along the coastal regions of India. She is dedicated to understanding the distribution of these pollutants and their potential risks to marine organisms.
  • Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Her research also delves into evaluating the levels of harmful chemicals like POPs and plasticizers adsorbed onto microplastics, exploring their long-term impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems.
  • Risk management and marine safety: Through her work, she has developed strategies for managing the risks posed by microplastics and their associated hazardous chemicals, helping mitigate the dangers these pollutants pose to marine life and human health. 🐋

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Saha’s contributions to the scientific community have earned her widespread recognition. Her expertise in chemical oceanography and marine pollution research has been acknowledged by both national and international peers. Dr. Saha is considered an expert in the field of microplastics and marine chemistry, and her pioneering work in marine pollution is shaping the future of environmental science.

Throughout her career, Dr. Saha has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences and has collaborated with various global organizations to address pressing environmental issues. Her research has been cited extensively, and she continues to receive research grants for her work on ocean pollution and sustainable marine management. 🌊

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Saha’s work has had a profound impact on the field of marine environmental science. Through her research, she has significantly increased awareness about the environmental hazards associated with microplastics and other pollutants in the ocean. Her efforts in establishing a dedicated microplastics research laboratory have led to the development of important methodologies for identifying and quantifying pollutants, improving the monitoring systems for marine ecosystems.

Dr. Saha’s research has contributed to global discussions on the safe management of marine waste and the preservation of marine biodiversity. By investigating the risks that microplastics and organic pollutants pose to marine life, she has influenced policy changes aimed at reducing marine pollution and enhancing ocean protection. 🌐

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Dr. Saha’s legacy lies in her relentless pursuit of knowledge and her commitment to solving critical issues facing the marine environment. As she continues her research at the National Institute of Oceanography, her future contributions are likely to expand on the existing body of knowledge on microplastics, marine pollution, and environmental safety.

Looking forward, Dr. Saha aims to develop new strategies for mitigating marine pollution and advocating for sustainable practices in ocean management. Her ongoing work will contribute to global efforts in combating climate change, pollution, and ensuring the health of marine ecosystems for future generations. Through her pioneering work, Dr. Saha is shaping the future of marine environmental science and continues to inspire future generations of scientists and environmental advocates. 🌱🌍

Citations

A total of 6,261 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        6,261
  • h-index          45
  • i10-index       29

Notable Publications 

  • Title: The first report on emerged microplastics in deep-sea sediment: Insights from the Central Indian Ocean Basin
    Authors: Ramadoss, D., Biju, A., Rathore, C., John, J., Behera, A.K.
    Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2025.
  • Title: Do microplastics accumulate in penguin internal organs? Evidence from Svenner island, Antarctica
    Authors: Bhattacharjee, S., Rathore, C., Naik, A., de Boer, J., Chaudhuri, P.
    Journal: Science of the Total Environment, 2024.
  • Title: SOURCE APPORTIONMENT OF ATMOSPHERIC AND SEDIMENTARY PAHS FROM KOLKATA, INDIA USING COMPOUND-CLASS-SPECIFIC RADIOCARBON ANALYSIS (CCSRA)
    Authors: Kumata, H., Uchida, M., Saha, M., Shibata, Y., Takada, H.
    Journal: Radiocarbon, 2024.
  • Title: A comprehensive assessment of macro and microplastics from Rivers Ganga and Yamuna: Unveiling the seasonal, spatial and risk factors
    Authors: Gupta, P., Saha, M., Naik, A., Bhardwaj, K.D., Thukral, H.
    Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2024.
  • Title: Unraveling the land-based discharge of microplastics from sewers to oceans – A comprehensive study and risk assessment in wastewaters of Goa, India
    Authors: Rathore, C., Saha, M., de Boer, J., Naik, A., Subha, H.Y.
    Journal: Science of the Total Environment, 2024.