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
- Interaction of Metals with Natural Ligands in Tropical Estuarine Environment - An Important Process
Ph. D. Students
Arindam Sarkar
Area of Research: Soil Chemistry
Arup Dey
Area of Research: Soil Chemistry
Diptangshu Sarkar
Area of Research: Iron Speciation
Lamjahao Sitlhou
Area of Research: Environmental Impact assessment in deep sea mining
Medhavi Srivastava
Area of Research: Metal speciation and metal biogeochemistry
Padalkar Prasad Pramod
Area of Research: Mercury reduction and elemental mercury in marine sediments
Saranya Jayachandran
Area of Research: Mercury speciation in coastal Marine system
Soham Chatterjee
Area of Research: Trace metal Biogeochemistry
Swastika Bhaumik
Area of Research: Metal speciation and metal biogeochemistry
