Plastic-Killing Bacteria and Detection Tools Unveiled at IIT Dhanbad Lecture
Dhanbad: As part of its centenary celebrations and the ongoing Mission LiFE initiative, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad hosted a thought-provoking keynote lecture on Friday focusing on the rising threat of microplastics to the environment, food systems, and human health.
The session, organised by the Department of Environmental Science & Engineering in collaboration with the EIACP Programme Centre, featured Dr. Abhrajyoti Tarafdar, a leading researcher from Technological University Dublin and an alumnus of IIT (ISM).
In his address, Dr. Tarafdar highlighted the invisible dangers posed by microplastics, revealing their presence not only in soil and food but also in intravenous (IV) fluid systems, raising fresh alarms about biomedical safety. He also presented his research on a plastic-degrading bacterium and a dye-based technique to detect microplastics, demonstrating innovative pathways toward pollution control.
The session drew an audience of over 60 students, faculty, and researchers who engaged in active discussion on detection methods, health risks, and policy frameworks.
Inaugurating the event, Prof. Alok Sinha, HoD of the department and EIACP Coordinator, stressed the need for integrated solutions to address this environmental challenge. He later felicitated Dr. Tarafdar with a memento.
The event was supported by IIT (ISM) Director Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Deputy Director Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, and co-coordinated by Prof. Suresh Pandian and Programme Officer Bishwajit Das.
