Department of Science and Technology sanctions project to Nitte University

Mangaluru, Nov 28, 2020: Department of Science and Technology, Govt of Karnataka, Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society, and Vision Group on Science and Technology under Centres of Innovation Science and Engineering Education (CISEE) scheme has sanctioned a project titled “Developing Sustainable Technologies for Mitigating Heavy Metal Pollution
under Changing Environment” to Nitte University.

The project is sanction to Prof Smitha Hegde , Principal Investigator, Bioresource and Biotechnology Division and Dr. Anurag Sharma , Co investigator , Environmental Toxicology Division , Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research.

Heavy metals are a major health problem and their persistence in environment results in deterioration of soil, air and water quality. The proposed project is highly relevant in the context of changing environment and ecosystems.

Conventional techniques for removing heavy metals from industrial effluents include chemical processes involving sometimes undesirable chemicals. There is an urgent need to explore the possibilities of mitigating heavy metal pollution by eco-friendly, economically viable and sustainable methods.

The proposed use of plant systems to mitigate heavy metal pollution in an evidence based, scientific manner in this rapidly industrializing SEZ zones of coastal Karnataka using an ecofriendly sustainable option is timely.

The center will develop a database of plants suited for different heavy metals in the region and understand the molecular mechanism of remediation. The Vice Chancellor further said that the project envisages knowledge generation and development of possible technology and trained manpower to address environmental pollution issues, according to a press statement by Prof. Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, Vice Chancellor, Nitte Deemed to be University.