Dr. Mahua Saha | Marine pollution | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Oceanography, India

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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.