Emerging contaminants of water discussed

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 14

The Ludhiana Chapter of the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) organised the 16th Dr RR Agarwal Memorial Lecture on Tuesday which was delivered by Dr Kuldip Kumar, Senior Environmental Soil Scientist, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, US.

Dr Kumar is a PAU alumnus. Dr Navtej Singh Bains, Director of Research, was the chief guest. The lecture was attended by working and retired faculty, and postgraduate students of soil science, agronomy, soil and water engineering and other related disciplines.

Speaking on the topic "Rooted in Soil - Improving Water Quality and Quantity," Dr Kumar discussed the emerging contaminants of water such as pharmaceutical and personal care products. He said there were some technologies such as revolving algal biofilms aimed at harnessing excessive phosphorus levels from waste water for fertilizer and bioplastics industry. He also shared his innovative research experience on groundwater recharge. Dr Kumar urged the soil scientists to extend their focus towards local societal issues related to water quality.

Dr Bains opined that the issues raised by Dr Kumar would go a long way in addressing emerging issues of water pollution in the region.

Dr Dhanwinder Singh, Secretary of the Chapter, dwelt on the contributions of Dr RR Agarwal to soil science at the national and international level.