3 days ago
Neeri studying health effects of microplastics, experts discuss sustainable tech, waste management
Nagpur: CSIR-Neeri director Dr S Venkata Mohan on Thursday expressed concern over plastic waste entering the oceans during his address at the institute's auditorium on the occasion of World Environment Day.
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"Plastic waste is a major issue globally. Only 10% of plastic is being recycled. Plastic management is a multi-pronged issue. Neeri is monitoring microplastic, toxicology and health issues from it," he said.
Dr Mohan described Neeri's role in plastics management, including the monitoring of microplastics in air, water, and soil. He also mentioned that Neeri is actively involved in health studies related to microplastic exposure.
He briefed the audience on technologies such as waste-to-graphene conversion and thermocatalytic combustion for plastic waste management.
K Rajeevan, vice president and chief technology officer, Larsen and Toubro Limited, Chennai, was the chief guest. Besides Dr Mohan, Dr P Ganesh Kumar, R&D Head, L&T Water Technology Centre, Chennai, was also present. A meeting was also held between Rajeevan and Neeri scientists to explore new avenues for joint research, technology transfer, and deployment
Rajeevan said that science and technology can play a pivotal role in converting plastics into biodegradable materials.
He highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle complex environmental challenges. He stressed the need to shift from a linear to a circular economy and called for a change in mindset — from exploitation of nature to co-existence with it. He also underlined the value of sustainable innovations in industrial processes and urged scientists and engineers to develop scalable and affordable green technologies.
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Rajeevan briefed about water supply, irrigation, and municipal wastewater projects accomplished by Larsen and Toubro Limited. He discussed smart monitoring systems, automation, and advanced technologies such as membrane filtration and MBBR, highlighting their role in delivering efficient, sustainable, and scalable water and irrigation solutions for both urban and industrial applications. He informed that the Prime Minister recently inaugurated the L&T-built Surya Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme to ensure a water-secure future for Vasai-Virar and Mira Bhayandar regions.
He also highlighted the futuristic innovations of L&T's Water Resource Centre..
Dr Debishree Khan, senior scientist, Neeri, conducted the proceedings. Prakash Kumbhare, senior principal scientist, Neeri, proposed a vote of thanks.
