N.C. Mondal | Soil Pollution | Best Researcher Award

Dr N.C.  Mondal |  Soil Pollution |  Best Researcher Award

Principal Scientist & Assoc. Prof. at  CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, India

Dr. N.C. Mondal is a distinguished Principal Scientist at the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute and an Associate Professor at the Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) in Hyderabad, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Groundwater Geophysics from Osmania University, where he focused on contaminated groundwater delineation.

 

Publication Profile

Academic Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Groundwater Geophysics (2005) – Osmania University, India
  • M.Sc. (Tech.) in Exploration Geophysics (2000) – Banaras Hindu University, India
  • B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics (1996) – University of Burdwan, India

Research Focus:

Dr. Mondal’s research centers on groundwater exploration and management, encompassing hydrochemistry, aquifer modeling, and the application of entropy theory in water resources. His notable contributions include:

  • Developing techniques for estimating groundwater potential zones using geophysical and remote sensing data.
  • Creating the Saline Water Mixing Index (SWMI) for assessing saline water intrusion in aquifers.
  • Innovating methods to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic sources of groundwater pollution.
  • Designing an entropy-based model to evaluate natural groundwater reserves.
  • Implementing models for assessing hydrogeological vulnerability.

Professional Experience:

  • Principal Scientist (2020-present) – CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad
  • Senior Scientist (2016-2020) – CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute
  • BOYSCAST Fellow (2009-2010) – Texas A&M University, USA

Awards and Recognition:

  • Fellow, Geological Society of India (GSI) (2022)
  • National Geoscience Award (2017) – Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India
  • Best Researcher Award, VDGOOD Professional Association (2021)

Memberships:

  • International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH)
  • Geological Society of India (GSI)
  • Association of Global Groundwater Scientists (AGGS)

Citations:

Citations: 4,085 (since 2019: 2,334)
h-index: 33 (since 2019: 24)
i10-index: 66 (since 2019: 48)

Publication Top Notes

  • Deciphering potential groundwater zone in hard rock through the application of GIS
    R.K. Prasad, N.C. Mondal, P. Banerjee, M.V. Nandakumar, V.S. Singh
    Environmental Geology, 55, 467-475 (2008)
    Citations: 517
  • Determining the interaction between groundwater and saline water through groundwater major ions chemistry
    N.C. Mondal, V.P. Singh, V.S. Singh, V.K. Saxena
    Journal of Hydrology, 388(1-2), 100-111 (2010)
    Citations: 388
  • Identification of Groundwater Potential Zones Using RS, GIS, and AHP Techniques: A Case Study in a Part of Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP), Maharashtra, India
    V.A. Kumar, N.C. Mondal, S. Ahmed
    Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 48(3), 497-511 (2020)
    Citations: 224
  • Anthropogenic nitrate in groundwater and its health risks in the view of background concentration in a semi-arid area of Rajasthan, India
    A. Rahman, N.C. Mondal, K.K. Tiwari
    Scientific Reports, 11(9279), doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88600-1 (2021)
    Citations: 148
  • Trace element concentration in groundwater of Pesarlanka Island, Krishna Delta, India
    N.C. Mondal, V.S. Singh, S.C. Puranik, V.P. Singh
    Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 163, 215-227 (2010)
    Citations: 144
  • Hydrochemical characteristic of coastal aquifer from Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India
    N.C. Mondal, V.P. Singh, S. Singh, V.S. Singh
    Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 175(1-4), 531-550 (2011)
    Citations: 141
  • Assessment of groundwater pollution due to tannery industries in and around Dindigul, Tamilnadu, India
    N.C. Mondal, V.K. Saxena, V.S. Singh
    Environmental Geology, 48, 149-157 (2005)
    Citations: 138
  • Use of hydrochemical parameters for the identification of fresh groundwater resources, Potharlanka Island, India
    V.K. Saxena, V.S. Singh, N.C. Mondal, S.C. Jain
    Environmental Geology, 44, 516-521 (2003)
    Citations: 96
  • Appraisal and evolution of hydrochemical processes from proximity basalt and granite areas of Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP) in India
    S. Sonkamble, A. Sahya, N.C. Mondal, P. Harikumar
    Journal of Hydrology, 438, 181-193 (2012)
    Citations: 93
  • Improvement of groundwater quality due to fresh water ingress in Potharlanka Island, Krishna delta, India
    N.C. Mondal, V.S. Singh, V.K. Saxena, R.K. Prasad
    Environmental Geology, 55, 595-603 (2008)
    Citations: 93

 

Rajesh Kumar Prasad | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Dr Rajesh Kumar Prasad | Soil |  Best Researcher Award

Manager-R&D at  Gruner Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd.,  India

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Prasad holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and an M.Sc. in Biotechnology. With a solid background in microbiology and bioenergy, he has developed a strong expertise in R&D, driving innovation and efficient management in scientific projects. His career objective is to actively contribute to research that advances both organizational goals and the broader scientific community, while continuously expanding his knowledge and skills. Rajesh also possesses a range of organizational, statistical, and soft skills, making him a versatile professional in the dynamic field of biotechnology.

Publication Profile

Education:

  • Ph.D. (Biotechnology) — Assam University, Silchar, India (2015-2020)
  • M.Sc. (Biotechnology) — Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India (2011-2013)
  • B.Sc. (Zoology) — D.H.S. K College, Dibrugarh, India (2008-2011)

Work Experience:

Manager-R&D
Gruner Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd., Noida, IndiaApril 2024 – Present

  • Leading R&D for bioenergy projects, including biogas and bio-CNG production optimization.

Assistant Manager-R&D
Gruner Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd., Noida, IndiaJune 2023 – March 2024

  • Supported bioenergy technology development, mass balance analysis, and process optimization.

Scientific Officer
REVY Environmental Solution Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat, IndiaSept 2022 – May 2023

  • Managed an environmental and microbiological lab, overseeing R&D for biogas and waste treatment.

Research Associate
Tezpur University, Assam, IndiaApril 2022 – June 2022

  • Contributed to bioenergy and anaerobic digestion technology projects for renewable energy promotion.

Senior Research Fellow
Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Tezpur, AssamJune 2016 – Nov 2018

  • Characterized insect gut bacteria for cellulase gene analysis and waste degradation efficiency.

Skills:

  • Process Development & Writeup for Bio-CNG Plants: Provided solutions for bio-CNG plants, optimizing various biomass feedstocks like Napier grass, paddy straw, jute waste, and food waste.
  • Anaerobic Digestion Technology: Expertise in biogas optimization, BMP analysis, and wastewater treatment, with experience reducing CO2, H2S, and COD/BOD levels in industrial wastewater.
  • Microbiology & Molecular Biology: Proficient in microbiological techniques, cellulase gene characterization, enzyme assays, bacterial DNA isolation, and bacteriophage characterization.
  • Project Management: Strong skills in managing R&D projects, technical report writing, and SOP formulation. Successfully coordinated cross-functional teams in bioenergy projects.
  • Bioinformatics & Data Science: Experience with bioinformatics tools such as nBLAST and MEGA-X. Proficient in data analysis using Origin 8 and GraphPad Prism.
  • Soft Skills & Technical Writing: Skilled in research article preparation, report drafting, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Languages: Fluent in Hindi, English, and Assamese.

Rajesh Kumar Prasad’s Citation Metrics:

  • Citations: 353 (from 348 documents)
  • Publications: 8 documents
  • h-index: 6

Publication Top Notes

1. A comprehensive pre-treatment strategy evaluation of ligno-hemicellulosic biomass to enhance biogas potential in the anaerobic digestion process
Prasad, R.K., Sharma, A., Mazumder, P.B., Dhussa, A.
RSC Sustainability, 2024, 2(9), pp. 2444–2467

2. Cold adaptation in bacteria with special focus on cellulase production and its potential application
Gupta, S.K., Kataki, S., Chatterjee, S., Dwivedi, S.K., Gupta, D.K.
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2020, 258, 120351

3. Isolation and characterisation of a lytic bacteriophage from wastewater and its application in pathogen reduction
Sharma, S., Datta, S., Chatterjee, S., Das, B., Vanlalhmuaka
Defence Life Science Journal, 2020, 5(2), pp. 80–86

4. Characterization of Bacillus Species with Keratinase and Cellulase Properties Isolated from Feather Dumping Soil and Cockroach Gut
Sharma, S., Prasad, R.K., Chatterjee, S., Vairale, M.G., Yadav, K.K.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences India Section B – Biological Sciences, 2019, 89(3), pp. 1079–1086

5. Study on cellulase (β-1,4-endoglucanase) activity of gut bacteria of Sitophilus oryzae in cellulosic waste biodegradation
Prasad, R.K., Chatterjee, S., Mazumder, P.B., Vairale, M.G., Dwivedi, S.K.
Bioresource Technology Reports, 2019, 7, 100274

6. Bioethanol production from waste lignocelluloses: A review on microbial degradation potential
Prasad, R.K., Chatterjee, S., Mazumder, P.B., Dwivedi, S.K., Gupta, D.K.
Chemosphere, 2019, 231, pp. 588–606

7. Insect Gut Bacteria and Their Potential Application in Degradation of Lignocellulosic Biomass: A Review
Prasad, R.K., Chatterjee, S., Sharma, S., Vairale, M.G., Raju, P.S.
Energy, Environment, and Sustainability, 2018, pp. 277–299

8. Bacteriophages and its applications: an overview
Sharma, S., Chatterjee, S., Datta, S., Prasad, R.K., Vairale, M.G.
Folia Microbiologica, 2017, 62(1), pp. 17–55