Myco-remediation Strategies: Green Solution to Soil Pollution

Dr Debajyoti Kundu, Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering in his research paper, Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Soil: Sources, Impacts and Myco-remediation Strategies, speaks of the innovative solutions to tackle contamination of soil. Dr Kundu’s research focuses on leveraging natural processes of fungi to promote sustainable environmental management.

Abstract:

Bioremediation is a sustainable approach for mitigating pharmaceutical and personal care product (PPCP) contamination in soil. This review highlights mycoremediation as an advanced fungal-based strategy for PPCP degradation. Fungi possess unique enzymatic pathways and metabolic diversity, allowing them to break down persistent pollutants in challenging environmental conditions. The paper discusses key fungal species, enzymatic mechanisms, environmental factors influencing degradation efficiency, and innovative biotechnological approaches such as myco-nanotechnology and enzyme engineering. By integrating these advancements with circular economy principles, this research underscores fungi’s role in sustainable environmental management.

Explanation in layperson’s terms:

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), such as medicines, soaps, and cosmetics, often end up in the soil through wastewater and agricultural runoff. These chemicals persist in the environment, harming ecosystems and potentially entering our food supply. Our research explores how fungi, nature’s recyclers, can help clean up these pollutants. Certain fungi produce special enzymes that break down harmful substances into harmless compounds. By harnessing this natural process, we propose eco-friendly solutions to reduce pollution and protect soil and water quality for future generations.

Practical and Social Implications:

Mycoremediation offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution for removing PPCPs from soil, protecting water quality, and reducing human exposure to contaminants. By preventing pollutant uptake in crops, it enhances food safety and supports sustainable agriculture. This research also informs policies on wastewater treatment and pollution control, promoting eco-friendly remediation technologies for environmental and public health protection.

Collaborations:

This research is a collaborative effort involving experts from:

  • Voice of Environment (VoE), Guwahati, Assam
  • University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, West Bengal
  • RCC Institute of Information Technology, Kolkata
  • Sukanta Mahavidyalaya, University of North Bengal, Dhupguri, West Bengal
  • SPMR College of Commerce, Jammu
  • SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh
  • CSIR – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, India

Future Research Plans:

Future research will focus on scaling up my coremediation for field applications, optimizing fungal enzyme efficiency through enzyme engineering, and exploring microbial consortia for enhanced pollutant degradation. Myco-nanotechnology will be further developed to improve fungal stability and reusability. Additionally, studies will assess long-term soil health impacts and support policy frameworks for integrating fungal bioremediation into wastewater treatment and agricultural practices.

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Ghumat Stories: Exploring the Folk Legacy of the Percussion Instrument

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the varsity organised a round table talk, Ghumat Stories, as part of the SEED Grant proceedings awarded to Dr Sebanti Chatterjee, Assistant Professor at the department. The session explored the cultural and social significance of the ghumat, a traditional percussion instrument made of clay and crafted using the hide of the monitor lizard.

The event featured a diverse panel, including musician Mr Omar, documentary filmmaker Ms Nalini, musician Ms Sonia, researcher Ms Divya, ghumat player Mr Felipe, and dancer Ms Placania, alongside Dr Bikku, Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Dr Nishanth K S, other faculty members and students.

Ms Nalini’s documentary delved into the ghumat’s historical and cultural relevance. Musicians Mr Omar and Ms Sonia elaborated on the social and lyrical aspects of ghumat and folk dances such as Mannddô, that shed light on its connection to folk traditions.

Artists Felipe and Placania captivated the audience with live demonstrations. Felipe showcased how ghumat is played, while Placania performed the traditional folk dance associated with the instrument, while adorning the saree worn in a style particular to the dance.

Researcher Ms Divya provided insights into various folk song traditions linked to ghumat, including Mannddô. She classified these traditions within both the Mangalorean and Goan contexts, discussing how the ghumat functions as a “talking drum” in these folk traditions. Ms Divya further elaborated on the diverse tempos and occasions where ghumat-accompanied folk songs are performed.

Ms Divya also shed light on the craftsmanship of ghumat, explaining how Goan tribes such as the Kunbis, Karbis, and Siddhis procure, cure, and treat the hide of monitor lizard for the instrument’s making. She explained the transition of using goat skin in present times due to the prohibition of hunting the monitor lizards. Her discourse further highlighted the cultural and social significance of ghumat in folk communities today.

The session offered the attendees an understanding of the ghumat’s enduring legacy, and the tradition that will keep it alive in the contemporary cultural landscape.

 

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ESE 2025: Inspiring Innovations

The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering in collaboration with the Directorate of Admissions have jointly organised the second edition of the Environmental Sustainability Exhibition 2025. Registrar, Dr R Premkumar declared the Environmental Sustainability Exhibition open; Deans-SEAS, Prof. C V Tomy along with Head of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dr Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian, Programme Convenors, other members of the faculty, staff and students bore witness to this noble cause.

The event brought together 207 participants from prestigious colleges and universities across 11 states to address a shared mission of ensuring a safe and sustainable future. The exhibition featured over 50+ exhibits from students representing institutions such as the College of Forestry at Kerala Agricultural University; Singhaniya University, Rajasthan; Lovely Professional University, Punjab, Doon Global University, Dehradun; SR University, Warangal, Vignan University, Vadlamudi and Andhra Loyola College, Andhra Pradesh among others.

The event also featured poster presentations, hands-on training, campus and laboratory visits along with the exhibition. The exhibition also featured an exciting prize pool worth Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 for the first three winners. The team from Doon Global University, Dehradun; Vignan University, Vadlamudi, Andhra Pradesh and; SR University Warangal, Telangana bagged the first, second and third prize respectively.

Prof. C V Tomy, Dean of the School of Engineering and Sciences, remarked, “What you can save today would be your deposit for tomorrow.” He went on to emphasise the importance of making sustainable choices and encouraged the students to cultivate a sustainable mindset. Associate Professor and Head, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dr Rangabhasiyam in his address stated, “ESE-2025 serves as an exceptional platform for students across the country to present innovative ideas and initiatives for building a sustainable future.” He added, the exhibition motivates the students to showcase their products, learn from experts and contribute to the ongoing sustainability.

Programme convenor, Dr Shoji D Thottathil highlighted the objective of the Exhibition. He stated that, “An exhibition of this calibre is an avenue for people to discuss solutions to environmental problems. Exhibitions such as these transform ideas into innovations.” He emphasised that sustainability is interdisciplinary and requires collaboration among diverse minds.

ESE 2025 served as a call to action asking society to rethink their approach towards environmental challenges in sustainable development.

 

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Industrial Visit to Reliance Industries-KGD6 Oil & Gas

The Department of Mechanical Engineering under the School of Engineering and Sciences at SRM University-AP, organised an industrial visit on March 22, 2025 to Reliance Industries – KGD6 Oil & Gas, Andhra Pradesh.

The Industrial visit helped enhance the practical knowledge and industry exposure of the B.Tech & M.Tech students in the field of oil and gas extraction and learn first-hand the sustainable practices followed in the industry. The visit aligned with the students academic curriculum and prepared them for a future in the energy sector.

The visit was led by faculties, Dr Gurumurthy Kagita, Prof. Prakash Jadhav, Dr Satya Pramod Jammy, Dr Chandan Kumar, and Dr Supen Kumar Sah from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who accompanied the students throughout the visit. During the visit, students gained insights of operational aspects of oil and gas industries, offshore and onshore adopted technologies, pollution control strategies, real-time monitoring, automation, control systems used in oil and gas operations and environmental management techniques. Experts from Reliance Industries-KGD6 Oil & Gas explained advanced drilling techniques, offshore and onshore extraction processes, and storage techniques of natural gases to our students. The visit also provided insights into safety protocols, automation in industrial processes and sustainability practices in the Oil & Gas industry.

The visit was highly beneficial for students as it bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. It also offered an opportunity to interact with industry professionals and understand the challenges in oil and gas industries.

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Patent to Boost Health and Safety Protocols

The patent titled, System and Method for Detecting a Face Mask on the Face of a Person with application number: 562697 by Assistant Professor, Dr Anirban Ghosh and his students from the department Ms J Keerthi Tanvitha, Ms K Poojitha, Ms T Pallavi Sri, has come up with a novel idea that focuses on developing a system and method for detecting face masks on individuals before they enter a gated space. Their research uses image capture, face detection, mask-wearing verification, and temperature sensing to ensure compliance with health and safety protocols.

Brief Abstract

The research focuses on developing a system and method for detecting face masks on individuals before they enter a gated space. The system integrates image capture, face detection, mask-wearing verification, and temperature sensing to ensure compliance with health and safety protocols. It utilizes artificial intelligence and sensor technology to determine whether a person is wearing a mask correctly and allows or denies entry based on preset criteria. The system also includes an aliveness detection module to ensure that a real person is being scanned and prevents tampering or spoofing.

Explanation in Layperson’s Terms

Imagine you are entering a building where you must wear a mask and have your temperature checked. Instead of a security guard manually checking each person, this system does it automatically and without contact.

Here’s how it works:

  • A camera captures your face as you approach the entrance.
  • A software program checks if you are wearing a mask correctly (covering your nose and mouth).
  • A temperature sensor scans your body temperature.
  • If your mask is worn properly and your temperature is normal, the door opens and you can enter.
  • If you are not wearing a mask correctly or have a high temperature, an alert is triggered, and entry is denied.

This system is especially useful in hospitals, offices, schools, airports, and malls to ensure safety without requiring human intervention.

Practical and Social Implications

This system plays a crucial role in public health by ensuring compliance with mask-wearing protocols, especially in high-traffic areas like hospitals, offices, and airports. By automating the detection process, it reduces reliance on manual checks, minimizing human error and lowering exposure risks for security personnel. Additionally, it streamlines entry procedures, preventing congestion at access points. While the technology enhances safety, it also raises concerns about privacy and data security, making it essential to implement ethical safeguards. Beyond COVID-19, this system can be adapted for future health crises requiring similar preventive measures.

Future Research Plans

Future improvements will focus on enhancing accuracy using AI to recognize different mask types and improve real-time detection. Expanding the system to include biometric health screening, such as cough detection and respiratory analysis, could make it a broader health monitoring tool. Integration with facial recognition and automated access systems will further strengthen security applications. Additionally, optimizing the system with edge computing will enable faster, more efficient processing. As the need for contactless health monitoring grows, refining this technology will ensure its continued relevance beyond COVID-19.

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Patent on Invisible Watermarking In Social Media Images

Professors, Dr Manikandan V M and Mr Shaik Johny Basha from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering along with their B.Tech. students Ms Aafrin Mohammad and Ms Rohini Sai Pasupula have published the patent titled, “A System And A Method For Adaptive Invisible Watermarking In Social Media Images.” Their patent introduces a novel method for securing photo downloads, ensuring that any unauthorised use of the images can be traced back to its original source if tampered with.

Abstract:

The invention presents a System and Method for Adaptive Invisible Watermarking in Social Media Images to enhance digital privacy and copyright protection. The proposed system integrates advanced invisible watermarking technology to embed unique, imperceptible metadata into images. When users attempt to download or screenshot images from social media, the system automatically adds a hidden watermark containing identifying details such as IP address, Date, Time, and Location. This ensures that any unauthorized use of the images can be traced back to the source. By combining image processing, data encryption, and digital rights management, this system provides a robust solution for protecting online images without affecting their visible quality.

Explanation in Layperson’s Terms:

In today’s digital world, people frequently share personal photos on social media, but there is very little protection against unauthorized downloads or screenshots. Once an image is copied, there is no way to track who took it or where it is being used. Through their invention, the team solves this problem by embedding a hidden watermark in images without changing how they look. This hidden watermark automatically adds invisible information such as the IP address, location, date, and time of the user who downloads or screenshots the image. This means that if the image is misused or shared without permission, it can be traced back to the source. By combining image editing techniques, encryption, and digital security, they ensure that people’s photos remain safe and trackable online. Hence, the invention provides a new way to protect privacy and copyright while allowing users to engage freely on social media.

Practical and Social Implications:

The proposed Adaptive Invisible Watermarking System can be practically implemented using a combination of image processing algorithms, digital watermarking techniques, and cloud-based metadata storage. Below are the key steps in its real-world application:

  • Integration with Social Media Platforms: The system can be embedded in social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn to automatically apply invisible watermarks containing metadata (IP address, timestamp, location, etc.) to uploaded images without altering their visual appearance.
  • Automatic Watermarking During Downloads or Screenshots: When a user downloads or screenshots an image, the system automatically applies a second layer of invisible watermarking that includes identifying information of the downloader, ensuring every image copy has a unique identifier for traceability.
  • Forensic Tracking and Copyright Protection: If an unauthorized user shares or misuses an image, the embedded watermark can be extracted using forensic tools to trace back to the original downloader, aiding in copyright enforcement, digital rights management (DRM), and legal actions against unauthorized distribution.
  • Security and Privacy Features: The system can implement blockchain technology to securely log watermark data, ensuring tamper-proof verification, and provides users the option to control watermarking settings based on their privacy preferences.
  • Prevention of Image Misuse and Cybercrime: The system reduces cases of identity theft, deepfake creation, and revenge porn by enabling traceability of unauthorized image usage, helping protect individuals from stalking and cyber harassment.
  • Enhanced Digital Privacy and Ownership Rights: Users are empowered to maintain ownership of their photos even after sharing them on social media, encouraging ethical content sharing while discouraging unauthorized downloads.
  • Impact on Content Creators and Businesses: Artists, photographers, and digital content creators can protect their work from theft or unauthorized republishing, while influencers and businesses can safeguard their brand assets and prevent content duplication.
  • Legal and Ethical Implications: The system encourages social media companies to take responsibility for user content protection and supports law enforcement in tracking down offenders involved in image-based cybercrimes.

Future Research Plans:

  • AI-Powered Watermarking and Deep Learning for Image Security
  • Blockchain-Based Digital Rights Management (DRM) for Image Ownership
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility & Social Media API Integration

Link to publication: https://search.ipindia.gov.in/IPOJournal/Journal/Patent

 

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Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practical learning

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at SRM University-AP organised an industrial visit to the Dr Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station. Dr Chandan Kumar and Dr Manjesh Kumar, faculty coordinators at the department accompanied the students during the visit.The visit was aimed to facilitate practical knowledge among students and to enhance their industry exposure.

During the visit students were able to explore the various operational aspects of the power plant including boiler operations, turbine functioning, coal handling and environmental management techniques. The engineers from the plant also shared their expertise and offered practical demonstrations of the thermal plants’ functioning.

Students also got an opportunity to discuss the operational challenges and understand first hand the potential solutions to the problems. Interactions such as these allowed the students to make real time practical applications of the theoretical aspects learned.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering expressed gratitude to the management and staff of Dr Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station for their warm hospitality and invaluable learning experience. This visit was not only educational but also essential in bridging the gap between theory and practical application, contributing meaningfully to the academic and professional development of the students.

 

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Bishnois Combating Climate Change

Prof. Bikku R, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, examines in his research paper, “Religion and Ecology: A Study on the Religious Beliefs and Practices in Conserving Ecology and Adapting to Climate Change Among the Bishnois of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India,” the environmental practices and knowledge of the Bishnoi community in Khejarli Village, Jodhpur. He highlights the connection between these local communities and their crucial role in conserving the region’s flora and fauna, as well as their efforts in combating climate change.

Abstract

Climate change is a global issue with diverse regional impacts threatening the survival of both human and non-human species. While the academic discourse on climate change predominantly focuses on macro-level studies, it often neglects the vital role of local environmental practices and the perspectives of affected communities. This paper presents insights from ethnographic fieldwork conducted among the Bishnoi community in Khejarli Village, Jodhpur, in the Thar Desert of India. This study utilizes participant observations, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and case studies to explore local environmental knowledge and practices aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change. Findings reveal the Bishnois’ deep-rooted relationship with nature and the pivotal role of religious beliefs in shaping their conservation efforts. Since the 15th century, the Bishnois have been committed to protecting local species, such as plants and animals, which has been crucial for sustaining the desert ecosystem and combating climate change. Moreover, their religious teachings and principles have helped conserve values among younger generations, ensuring a lasting culture of environmental stewardship. This paper supports integrating micro-level ethnographic studies into global climate change dialogues, urging the recognition of local knowledge as an essential resource for addressing contemporary environmental challenges

Practical and Social Implications:

“The Bishnois’ enduring commitment to protecting wildlife and their natural surroundings demonstrates that integrating local, religious, and cultural values can help mitigate both natural and human-induced climate change. Expanding research on local communities’ ecological knowledge and conservation practices is essential for challenging contemporary climate change impacts. While global awareness is necessary, it is equally important to understand and support the valuable contributions of local communities in combating climate change. We can develop more effective, culturally relevant solutions to global environmental challenges by embracing these contributions”.

Future Research plan:

Dr Bikku is preparing to write a book on The Bishnoi Religion and Ecological Conservation

Link to the article

 

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A Meta Analysis on the Mental Health of War Refugees

“I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.”, this quote by Mahatma Gandhi serves as a stark reality that war leaves individuals grappling in severe trauma. Dr Aswathy Gopi, an Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, explores this impact in her research paper titled “Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions for Mental Health Problems Among War Refugees: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Her paper sheds light on the profound effects of war on the mental health of refugees, emphasising the need for tailored approaches to support their psychological well-being.

Abstract:

War and displacement have led to a global mental health crisis, with 117.3 million individuals displaced and one in five refugees experiencing psychological distress. Despite the availability of psychological interventions, their overall effectiveness remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the impact of psychological interventions on war refugees’ mental health. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, APA PsycNET, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar (July 2024) identified 21 studies for systematic review and eight randomized controlled trials for meta-analysis. The results indicate a significant medium effect size of psychological interventions (SMD = -0.69, 95% CI: -0.87, -0.51, p < .00001), with in-person interventions showing a large effect (SMD = -1.03) and telehealth interventions demonstrating a small effect (SMD = -0.44) in reducing the mental health issues among war refugees. Findings support the effectiveness of psychological interventions, emphasizing the need for further research on digital mental health solutions to enhance accessibility for war refugees.

Explanation in layperson’s terms

War forces millions of people to leave their homes, and many of them experience severe stress, anxiety, and depression. In fact, one in five refugees struggles with serious mental health problems. While various psychological therapies exist to support them, it is unclear how effective they truly are. The current review identified the available in-person as well as telehealth-based psychological interventions that help war refugees in addressing their mental health conditions using evidence from 21 studies. A statistical examination of eight high-quality trials found that psychological support significantly helps refugees in reducing mental health issues. Although face-to-face therapy was reported to be the most effective, online therapy also demonstrated positive results, with a smaller effect. Given the limited number of studies on digital interventions, further research is warranted due to factors like displacement and limited healthcare resources of war refugee.

Practical Implementation and Social Implications

Psychological interventions involving both in-person and telehealth showed effectiveness for mental health problems among war-refugees. Policy makers and intervention developers should provide keen attention while designing interventions for mental health issues of war refugees as their challenges are distinct from other refugees and the general population. Further, the government and healthcare authorities can aim for adopting hybrid models integrating both telehealth and in-person interventions for the effective management of mental health problems of war refugees.

Collaborations

This secondary analysis was conducted in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Bhilai, Chhattisgarh.

Future research plans

Dr Aswathy Gopi is currently working on positive organisational health, with several research works under review in reputed high-impact journals. The research primarily explores organisational effectiveness and mental health outcomes across various populations. She is also collaborating with IITs and central universities to conduct both primary and secondary research in this domain.

The link to the article
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116432

 

Figure 1: PRISMA Flow Diagram
Figure 2: Overall effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing various mental health problems of war refugees
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Dr Rakesh Ganguly on SDG Implementation

The Office of the Quality Assurance and Rankings at SRM University-AP organised a one-day workshop on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals on campus. The event witnessed Mr Rakesh Ganguly, Associate Director, Office of Accreditation and Regulatory Affairs, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence.

Mr Rakesh, a nodal officer of NIRF, IoE and QS, is also an alumnus of the UC Berkeley’s Executive Leadership. The one-day workshop aimed to provide a structured approach to SDG reporting and its role in institutional sustainability and global rankings. The session exerted emphasis to areas where institutions can
demonstrate their strengths and the importance of collaborations in enhancing sustainability efforts.

Dr Ganguly examined the potential research and collaborative opportunities with industries in redressing the sustainability challenges. He also gave the participants an insight into showcasing sustainable initiatives through paperwork. Attendees got an opportunity to learn the significance of aligning sustainability development goals through research and community alignment.

The event saw the participation of faculty, PhD Scholars and Staff from various disciplines reflecting the growing interest in sustainability and SDG-driven initiatives. The workshop concluded with a valedictory session, where Dr Karthik Rajendran delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of the speaker, participants, and organising team.

 

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