Current Happenings ENVS News

Microplastic pollution is an urgent environmental crisis that threatens ecosystems on land and in water. Addressing this critical issue, Associate Professor and HoD, Dr Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian from the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering has published a groundbreaking book titled Microplastics, Environmental Pollution and Degradation Process with Springer. This book examines the perilous effects of microplastics, their characterisation, and innovative treatment strategies. By integrating the latest research and insights, Dr Selvasembiyan’s work serves as a vital guide for students, researchers, and policymakers committed to combating microplastics and protecting our environment.

About this Book

This book presents microplastics pollution in land and water bodies, their hazardous effects, characterization approaches, and suitable means of utilizing advanced treatment options to solve the problem. It is mainly understood that microplastic pollutants are associated with water bodies, however there also exists soil contamination and their interaction with the food web. The discussions related to strategies and policies for the management of microplastics are very limited. This book not only narrows microplastic pollution in marine or fresh water bodies, but also takes into account the terrestrial environment, including the toxicity effects, characterization aspects and treatment approaches. The main feature of the book includes latest research related to microplastics pollution, examining the different health effects including environmental (related) issues and highlights the advances in treatment approaches. The book serves as a guide with an up-to-date information on microplastics related problems useful for students, researchers, professionals/environmentalists and also as a reference for policy makers.

Collaborations:

• Professor Ajay Kumar Mishra, Professor – Durban University of Technology, South Africa.
• Dr. Pankaj Raizada, Professor -School of Advanced Chemical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan (H.P) India.
• Dr Elsayed T Helmy, Researcher – National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Egypt
• Prof. Santhiagu Arockiasamy Professor- National Institute of Technology Calicut, India.

Link to the article: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-6461-7

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SRM University-AP, in collaboration with OPPO India and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), is partnering to support “Generation Green”—a national-level initiative aimed at empowering youth to become advocates of sustainability through green skills and actionable commitments. The first phase of the campaign saw AICTE and OPPO India partner with 1M1B to promote sustainable practices among youth by offering green internships to students across India. Launched on July 08, 2024, by AICTE Chairman Prof. T G Sitharam, in the presence of Dr Buddha Chandrasekhar, CCO, AICTE, over 9,000 students from more than 1,400 institutions applied to join the noble venture.

The second phase of the ‘Generation Green’ campaign witnessed SRM AP’s partnership with OPPO and AICTE for educating youngsters about the need for responsible electronic waste management. In alignment with this initiative, the varsity conducted E-Waste Quest 2024, wherein it enlightened students on the issue of waste management of discarded electronic items such as mobile phones, chargers, batteries, and wires. With over 400,000 pledges to date, the campaign now targets one million youth engagements by the end of 2024 to create a lasting impact on e-waste management and environmental preservation. On the occasion OPPO India awarded the SRM University with the title of Eco-Conscious Institution, reflecting the varsity’s commitment to sustainability.

Pro-Chancellor Dr P Sathyanarayanan and Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora congratulated the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering for their dedication and commitment to this cause, while Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Dean-Paari School of Business and the officiating Vice Chancellor, emphasised, “Initiatives like the Generation Green Campaign illustrate how small, purposeful actions can catalyse significant change toward a sustainable future.”

Prof. C V Tomy, Dean of the School of Engineering and Sciences, addressed the gathering with an inspiring call to action, stating that every school must have an e-waste collection centre. He stated, “This effort not only promotes responsible disposal but also opens doors to entrepreneurial opportunities, instilling a mindset of sustainability and innovation among students.”

During the launch of the E-Waste Quest 2024, Mr Rakesh Bhardwaj from OPPO India stated, “Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective commitment to a sustainable future. This initiative encourages our youth to take ownership of their role in environmental stewardship.” Dr Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian, Associate Professor and Head-Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, stated, “A motivated and informed generation has the power to reshape our planet. If we do not take responsibility for its protection, no one else will.”

Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Dean-Academic Affairs, implored the youth to fight together in this crusade to save Mother Nature from the horrors of e-waste, noting, “The transition for a sustainable future arises from engaging in small acts of sustainability that result in big transformations.” Additionally, Collector and District Magistrate, Ms Nagalakshmi Selvarajan shared a meaningful message on the importance of community involvement. The E-Waste Quest 2024 served as a powerful reminder that collective efforts help shape a greener future where progress and sustainability go hand in hand.

 

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