Changing Atmosphere, Biosphere, Geosphere, and Socio-Economic Activities in the Sunderbans.

Overview

This project investigated the interplay between atmospheric, biospheric, geospheric, and socio-economic changes in the Sunderban region, a critical coastal ecosystem. The study focused on environmental impacts and sustainability challenges in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Objectives

• Assess atmospheric and environmental changes in the Sunderban ecosystem.

• Evaluate socio-economic impacts on local communities and biodiversity.

• Develop strategies for sustainable resource management.

Role and Contributions

As Co-PI, I coordinated field studies and data analysis, focusing on atmospheric and ecological interactions, contributing to comprehensive environmental assessments.

Outcomes

The project provided key insights into the environmental challenges facing the Sunderban, informing conservation policies and sustainable development strategies.

Project Period: 2004–2008
Status: Completed
Role: Team Member
Collaborators: CSIR-NIO, CSIR-NGRI, CMMAC (Bangalore, India)
Funding: CSIR (India)
Nodal Agency: CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)

Overview

This CSIR network project examined the effects of anthropogenic activities on oceanographic and atmospheric processes in and around India, in the context of global change.

Objectives

• Study the impact of human activities on ocean-atmosphere interactions.

• Analyze changes in atmospheric and oceanic parameters due to pollution.

• Develop predictive models for environmental change.

Role and Contributions

As a team member, I contributed to data collection and analysis, focusing on atmospheric impacts and their linkage to oceanic processes.

Outcomes

The project enhanced understanding of anthropogenic influences on India’s coastal and atmospheric systems, supporting national environmental policies.

Overview

This project investigated tropospheric ozone pollution across Asia, focusing on its sources, transport, and impacts in a Eurasian context.

Objectives

• Quantify sources and sinks of tropospheric ozone in Asia.

• Assess long-range transport and its impacts on air quality and climate.

• Develop policy recommendations for ozone mitigation.

Role and Contributions

As Co-PI, I coordinated field campaigns and atmospheric modeling, contributing to predictive models for ozone transport and regional air quality strategies.

Outcomes

The project mapped ozone concentration patterns, published in peer-reviewed journals, and informed air quality management policies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Indoor Air Pollution Emitted from Fuels in Residential Sector.

Overview

• Funding Agency: CSIR

• Duration: 2006–2010 (Complete)

• Role: Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)

• Primary Institution: Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology (IGIT), IP University

• Collaborators: Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW), Delhi
  This project focused on quantifying indoor air pollutants emitted from fuels used in residential settings, with an emphasis on understanding their sources, composition, and implications for public health and environmental quality.

Objectives

• Identify and quantify major pollutants emitted from residential fuel combustion, including particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Assess the health risks associated with exposure to indoor air pollutants in residential environments.

• Develop a comprehensive dataset on emission profiles to inform mitigation strategies and policy recommendations.

• Foster collaboration between academic institutions to enhance research capabilities in air quality studies.

Role and Contributions

As Co-Principal Investigator:

• Co-designed the research framework, including sampling methodologies and analytical techniques for pollutant characterization.

• Supervised field data collection across residential sites to ensure robust and representative datasets.

• Analyzed emission data to establish correlations between fuel types and pollutant levels.

• Contributed to the preparation of technical reports and peer-reviewed publications to disseminate findings.

• Facilitated coordination between IGIT and IGDTUW for resource sharing and knowledge exchange.

Outcomes

• Successfully quantified emission profiles for key indoor pollutants, providing a baseline for future air quality studies.

• Identified high-risk fuel types contributing to elevated indoor PM and VOC levels, supporting targeted mitigation efforts.

• Published findings in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing the scientific community’s understanding of indoor air pollution in India.

• Strengthened institutional collaboration between IGIT and IGDTUW, fostering long-term research partnerships.

• Contributed to policy discussions on improving residential fuel quality and ventilation standards to reduce health risks.

Total Solar Eclipse Effect on Atmospheric Parameters.

Overview

• Funding Agency: Indian Space Research Organisation /Department of Space (ISRO/DOS)

• Duration: 2009–2010 (Complete)

• Role: Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)

• Primary Institution: CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL)

• Collaborators: Space Physics Laboratory (SPL), Trivandrum
  This project investigated the impact of a total solar eclipse on atmospheric parameters, focusing on changes in temperature, pressure, and other meteorological variables during the event.

Objectives

• Quantify variations in atmospheric parameters induced by a total solar eclipse.

• Analyze the effects of sudden solar radiation changes on atmospheric dynamics.

• Develop a dataset to enhance understanding of short-term atmospheric responses to solar phenomena.

• Strengthen collaboration between CSIR-NPL and SPL for advanced atmospheric research.

Role and Contributions

As Co-Principal Investigator:

• Co-developed the experimental design for real-time monitoring of atmospheric parameters during the solar eclipse.

• Coordinated field campaigns, ensuring accurate data collection using meteorological instruments.

• Analyzed data to identify significant changes in atmospheric variables, correlating them with eclipse progression.

• Contributed to the interpretation of results and preparation of scientific publications.

• Facilitated collaboration between CSIR-NPL and SPL, ensuring seamless data sharing and analysis.

Outcomes

• Successfully documented significant variations in atmospheric parameters, such as temperature drops and pressure changes, during the solar eclipse.

• Generated a comprehensive dataset that advanced the understanding of solar eclipse impacts on atmospheric dynamics.

• Published findings in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to global atmospheric science research.

• Strengthened research ties between CSIR-NPL and SPL, fostering future collaborations on atmospheric studies.

Overview

• Funding Agency: Indian Space Research Organisation/Department of Space (ISRO/DOS)

• Duration: 2007–2012 (Complete)

• Role: Principal Investigator (PI)

• Primary Institution: CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL)

• Collaborators: Rajdhani College, University of Delhi
  This project explored the influence of atmospheric dynamical activity on the tropopause region, focusing on variations in temperature, pressure, and other atmospheric parameters to enhance climate modeling.

Objectives

• Investigate the impact of atmospheric dynamical processes on the tropopause region’s structure and behaviour.

• Quantify variations in tropopause height and temperature in response to dynamical activities.

• Develop datasets to support improved climate and weather prediction models.

• Foster collaboration between CSIR-NPL and academic institutions to advance atmospheric research.

Role and Contributions

As Principal Investigator:

• Led the design and implementation of the research framework, including data collection and analysis strategies.

• Oversaw field measurements and coordinated the use of advanced instrumentation for tropopause monitoring.

• Analyzed data to identify correlations between dynamical activities and tropopause characteristics.

• Authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications to disseminate research findings.

• Facilitated collaboration with Rajdhani College, mentoring students and integrating academic resources.

Outcomes

• Successfully quantified the effects of atmospheric dynamics on tropopause variability, contributing to enhanced climate models.

• Generated robust datasets on tropopause height and temperature, widely used in atmospheric research.

• Published multiple research papers in high-impact journals, advancing global understanding of tropopause dynamics.

• Strengthened research collaboration between CSIR-NPL and Rajdhani College, promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Overview

• Funding Agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST)

• Duration: 2007–2011 (Complete)

• Role: Principal Investigator (PI)

• Primary Institution: CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL)

• Collaborators: None
  This project focused on quantifying emission factors of particulate matter (PM) from biomass burning and assessing their implications for climate change, with an emphasis on understanding their radiative forcing effects.

Objectives

• Determine emission factors for particulate matter and associated pollutants from biomass combustion.

• Evaluate the role of biomass-derived PM in regional and global climate change.

• Develop a comprehensive dataset to support climate modeling and policy formulation.

• Provide scientific evidence to guide strategies for reducing biomass-related emissions.

Role and Contributions

As Principal Investigator:

• Designed the research methodology, including sampling protocols and analytical techniques for emission characterization.

• Led field campaigns to collect biomass burning emission samples across diverse settings.

• Analyzed data to derive emission factors and assess PM’s climate impact through radiative forcing calculations.

• Authored peer-reviewed publications and presented findings at national and international conferences.

• Guided the research team in data interpretation and ensured project deliverables met scientific standards.

Outcomes

• Successfully quantified emission factors for PM and key pollutants from biomass burning, providing a critical dataset for climate studies.

• Demonstrated the significant role of biomass-derived PM in regional climate forcing, informing mitigation strategies.

• Published high-impact research papers, enhancing the scientific community’s understanding of biomass emissions.

• Contributed to policy discussions on sustainable biomass use and emission reduction in India.

Overview

• Funding Agency: Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)

• Duration: 2010–2012 (Complete)

• Role: Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)

• Primary Institution: ISI Kolkata

• Collaborators: ISI Kolkata
  This project investigated the temporal variation of aerosols in relation to atmospheric boundary layer dynamics in Giridih, focusing on their interactions and implications for air quality and regional climate.

Objectives

• Quantify temporal changes in aerosol concentrations and their relationship with boundary layer variations.

• Assess the impact of boundary layer dynamics on aerosol distribution and transport in Giridih.

• Develop a dataset to support air quality modeling and regional climate studies.

• Enhance collaboration between research teams to advance aerosol and atmospheric research.

Role and Contributions As Co-Principal Investigator:

• Co-designed the research framework, including methodologies for aerosol sampling and boundary layer measurements.

• Coordinated field campaigns in Giridih to collect aerosol and meteorological data using advanced instrumentation.

• Analyzed data to identify patterns in aerosol variability linked to boundary layer dynamics.

• Contributed to the preparation of research reports and peer-reviewed publications.

• Facilitated collaboration with ISI Kolkata researchers to ensure robust data integration and analysis.

Outcomes

• Successfully documented temporal aerosol variations and their correlation with boundary layer changes, enhancing air quality models.

• Generated a comprehensive dataset on aerosol-boundary layer interactions, valuable for regional climate studies.

• Published findings in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the understanding of aerosol dynamics in India.

• Strengthened research collaboration with ISI Kolkata, fostering future atmospheric studies.

Overview

• Funding Agency: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

• Duration: 2007–2012 (Complete)

• Role: Team Member

• Primary Institution: CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR)

• Collaborators: IITR, CMAAC
  This project focused on assessing environmental contaminants and their health impacts, with an emphasis on screening for toxic pollutants in various environmental matrices and evaluating their effects on human health.

Objectives

• Identify and quantify environmental contaminants in air, water, and soil across targeted regions.

• Evaluate the health risks associated with exposure to identified contaminants.

• Develop a comprehensive database to support environmental health risk assessments.

• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance research on environmental toxicology.

Role and Contributions

As a Team Member:

• Assisted in the design and execution of sampling protocols for environmental contaminant analysis.

• Conducted field data collection and laboratory analysis to quantify pollutant levels.

• Supported data interpretation to assess the toxicological impacts of contaminants on human health.

• Contributed to the preparation of technical reports and scientific publications.

• Collaborated with team members from CSIR-IITR and CMAAC to ensure cohesive project outcomes.

Outcomes

• Successfully identified and quantified key environmental contaminants, providing critical data for health risk assessments.

• Developed a robust database on pollutant levels, supporting environmental health policy formulation.

• Published research findings in peer-reviewed journals, advancing knowledge in environmental toxicology.

• Strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration between CSIR-IITR and CMAAC, fostering future research initiatives.

Ambient Ammonia over NCR Region (Delhi)

Overview

• Funding Agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST)

• Duration: 2009–2012 (Complete)

• Role: Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)

• Primary Institution: CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL)

• Collaborators: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Delhi
  This project investigated ambient ammonia levels in the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, focusing on their sources, seasonal variations, and impacts on air quality and atmospheric chemistry.

Objectives

• Quantify ambient ammonia concentrations and their temporal and spatial variations in the NCR.

• Identify major sources of ammonia emissions, including agricultural, industrial, and urban activities.

• Assess the role of ammonia in atmospheric chemistry, particularly in aerosol formation and air quality degradation.

• Foster collaboration between CSIR-NPL and IARI to advance research on atmospheric pollutants.

Role and Contributions

As Co-Principal Investigator:

• Co-designed the research framework, including sampling strategies and analytical methods for ammonia measurement.

• Coordinated field campaigns across the NCR to collect ambient air samples and meteorological data.

• Analyzed data to determine ammonia concentration trends and their correlation with regional emission sources.

• Contributed to the preparation of research reports and peer-reviewed publications.

• Facilitated collaboration with IARI, ensuring integration of agricultural and atmospheric expertise.

Outcomes

• Successfully quantified ambient ammonia levels, revealing significant seasonal and spatial variations in the NCR.

• Identified key ammonia sources, providing insights for targeted emission control strategies.

• Enhanced understanding of ammonia’s role in aerosol formation, contributing to air quality management frameworks.

• Published findings in peer-reviewed journals, advancing regional atmospheric chemistry research.

• Strengthened research collaboration between CSIR-NPL and IARI, fostering future interdisciplinary studies.

Changing Atmosphere in Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayas (AIM-IGPHim) (PSC 0112)

Overview

• Funding Agency: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

• Duration: 2012–2017 (Complete)

• Role: Team Member

• Primary Institution: CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL)

• Collaborators: CSIR-NPL, National Earthquake Engineering Simulation Consortium (NEERI), Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), and others
  This project examined atmospheric changes in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan regions, focusing on pollutant dynamics, aerosol characteristics, and their impacts on regional climate and air quality.

Objectives

• Investigate the spatio-temporal variability of atmospheric pollutants in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayas.

• Characterize aerosol properties and their role in regional climate forcing and air quality degradation.

• Develop datasets to support climate modeling and environmental policy formulation.

• Promote multi-institutional collaboration to enhance research on atmospheric science in sensitive regions.

Role and Contributions

As a Team Member:

• Assisted in designing sampling protocols and data collection strategies for aerosol and pollutant measurements.

• Conducted field campaigns to collect atmospheric data across the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan sites.

• Supported data analysis to identify trends in pollutant concentrations and aerosol properties.

• Contributed to the preparation of technical reports and scientific publications.

• Collaborated with researchers from CSIR-NPL, NEERI, IHBT, and other institutions to ensure project coherence.

Outcomes

• Generated comprehensive datasets on pollutant and aerosol variability, enhancing climate and air quality models.

• Provided insights into the role of aerosols in regional climate forcing, informing environmental management strategies.

• Published research findings in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to global atmospheric science knowledge.

• Strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration among CSIR-NPL, NEERI, IHBT, and other institutions, fostering long-term research partnerships.

Overview

• Funding Agency: Indian Space Research Organisation/Department of Space (ISRO/DOS)

• Duration: 2011–2014 (Complete)

• Role: Principal Investigator (PI)

• Primary Institution: CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL)

• Collaborators: Space Physics Laboratory (SPL), Trivandrum
  This project investigated water vapor variability in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, focusing on its implications for atmospheric dynamics and climate processes.

Objectives

• Quantify water vapor concentrations and their variability in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.

• Analyze the impact of water vapor dynamics on atmospheric chemistry and radiative forcing.

• Develop datasets to support climate modeling and improve predictions of stratospheric processes.

• Foster collaboration between CSIR-NPL and SPL to advance research on atmospheric water vapor.

Role and Contributions

As Principal Investigator:

• Led the design and implementation of the research framework, including methodologies for water vapor measurement.

• Oversaw field campaigns and coordinated the use of advanced instrumentation for high-altitude data collection.

• Analyzed data to identify patterns in water vapor variability and their climatic implications.

• Authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications to disseminate research findings.

• Facilitated collaboration with SPL, ensuring integration of expertise and resources for robust outcomes.

Outcomes

• Successfully quantified water vapor variability, providing critical data for atmospheric and climate models.

• Enhanced understanding of water vapor’s role in stratospheric chemistry and radiative forcing.

• Published high-impact research papers, contributing to global knowledge on upper atmospheric processes.

• Strengthened research collaboration between CSIR-NPL and SPL, fostering future studies on atmospheric dynamics.

Overview

• Funding Agency: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

• Duration: 2013–2015 (Complete)

• Role: Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)

• Primary Institution: Not specified

• Collaborators: None
  This project focused on developing models to simulate the transport, distribution, and transformation of atmospheric pollutants over the Indo-Gangetic Plains, aiming to enhance understanding of regional air quality and climate impacts.

Objectives

• Develop and validate models to simulate atmospheric pollutant dynamics in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

• Quantify the transport and transformation processes of key pollutants, including aerosols and gases.

• Assess the impact of pollutants on regional air quality and climate forcing.

• Provide data to support environmental policy and mitigation strategies.

Role and Contributions

As Co-Principal Investigator:

• Co-designed the modeling framework, integrating field data and computational tools for pollutant simulation.

• Coordinated data collection efforts to validate model outputs against observed atmospheric conditions.

• Analyzed model results to identify pollutant transport patterns and their environmental impacts.

• Contributed to the preparation of research reports and peer-reviewed publications.

• Collaborated with the research team to ensure model accuracy and applicability to regional challenges.

Outcomes

• Successfully developed and validated models for pollutant transport, enhancing predictions of air quality in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

• Provided insights into pollutant dynamics, supporting regional climate and air quality assessments.

• Published findings in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the scientific understanding of atmospheric processes.

• Delivered datasets and model outputs to inform environmental policy and mitigation efforts.