Environmental Recovery, Surveillance and Treatment Lab
(EnReST)
Prof. Indrajit Chakraborty
Principal Investigator
Dr. Indrajit Chakraborty obtained his Ph.D. and M.Tech in Environmental Engineering from IIT Kharagpur and his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from NIT Durgapur. His doctoral research focused on microbial fuel cells for simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy recovery, particularly targeting the biodegradation of complex organic contaminants. He later worked as a Research Associate at IIT Kharagpur and as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Washington, Seattle. His research interests lie in environmental biotechnology, microbial ecology, and process modelling for sustainable wastewater treatment and resource recovery. He has authored over 19 peer-reviewed journal articles and several book chapters, and has contributed to securing major research funding, including the ANRF and DBT-BIRAC funded projects.
Current members
Dr. Dhananjoy Mondal
(Institute Postdoctoral Fellow) - September 2024 – Present
Dr. Mondal obtained his doctoral degree from Jadavpur University, Department of Physics, Kolkata, in 2024. He also obtained his Master's (2019) and Bachelor's (2017) in Physics from Jadavpur University. His technical expertise spans first-principles calculations using DFT and multiphysics modelling with COMSOL. He also works on fluorescence-based nanosensors and quantum materials for heavy-metal detection. His areas of interest are advanced stimuli-responsive nanocomposite catalysts and polymers (piezo, photo, and electrocatalysis) for wastewater remediation, renewable energy generation, energy storage, and biomedical applications. Currently, he is working on biochar-based multi-dynamic catalysts for wastewater remediation.
Beyond his passion for science DM also loves to play Badminton and act in stage dramas
Maitrey Sankalp
(Ph.D. Scholar) - January 2024 – Present
Maitrey completed his Master's in Civil Engineering (2023) with a specialisation in Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar (Punjab). Prior to this, he obtained his Bachelor's in Civil Engineering (2020) from Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Institute of Technology, Chapra (Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patna). Currently, he is working on the application of biochar and magnetic biochar for the tertiary treatment of wastewater.
Beyond his research, he enjoys travelling and exploring new places, watching movies, and surfing the internet to stay informed about current trends and developments.
Vikrant Saha
(IITB-Monash Joint Ph.D. Scholar) - July 2024 – Present
Vikrant completed his B.Tech in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biotechnology from IIT Roorkee and his M.Tech in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Materials Science and Technology from IIT Guwahati. Working at the intersection of material science, catalysis and environmental remediation, he explores how plasmonic nanoparticles such as Ag, Au and Cu can harness localized surface plasmonic resonance to enable efficient photocatalytic degradation under visible light.
Beyond research, Vikrant enjoys quizzing and exploring new places. His favorite hobbies include listening to music, reading novels and playing badminton.
Anwesha Chakraborty
(Ph.D. Scholar) - July 2024 – Present
Anwesha completed her Master's in Life Sciences from the Presidency University, Kolkata, and her Bachelor's in Botany (Honours) from Shri Shikshayatan College, University of Calcutta. Her research resides at the vibrant intersection of plant molecular biology and environmental bioinformatics, where she deciphers the genetic dialogues of flora to unveil how biochar-mediated soil environments trigger the foundational shift from vegetative growth to flowering. Additionally, she is also exploring the quantum crosstalk between microbes and biochar.
Beyond her research, she finds expression through painting and the melodic strings of the ukulele, exploring her interest in Rabindra Sangeet within her creative practice.
Elizabeth Susngi
(Ph.D. Scholar) - January 2026 – Present
Elizabeth holds a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Meghalaya. Her research focuses on modified anaerobic digestion for enhanced biogas production.
She believes in developing a sustainable lifestyle and enjoys football, singing and playing the guitar.
Nithya S
(IITB-Monash Joint Ph.D. Scholar) - January 2026 – Present
Nithya is a post-graduate of SASTRA Deemed University, where she completed her integrated M.Tech in Biotechnology (2025). She is interested in understanding the interactions between microplastics and the colonizing microbial consortia in the context of spread of antimicrobial resistance.
In her free time, she enjoys playing badminton and is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer.
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Shivam Meharwal
(IITB-Monash Joint Ph.D. Scholar) - January 2026 – Present
Shivam completed his Master's in Chemistry with a specialization in Organic Chemistry (2023) from the University of Allahabad, Prayagraj and his Bachelor’s in General Science (2021) from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. His project in CSIR CSMCRI focused on the development of materials with dual functionality for sensing and extraction of critical metals from seawater brine. His Ph.D. focuses on the selective recovery of metals from mine tailings using biodegradable solvents and a novel integrated approach.
His interests include scientific research, watching movies, and creative pursuits such as writing and directing.
Vipo Kennao
(Master's Student) - July 2024 - Present
Vipo completed his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli. His current research focuses on assessing the performance of machine learning models in predicting biochar properties using biomass characteristics and operational process parameters.
Beyond academics, he enjoys creating digital art, reading books, playing video games, and listening to music.
Varshini S
(Intern) - January 2026 - Present
Varshini has an academic background in biotechnology and environmental research, with prior work focused on ecotoxicological assessment and prioritization of contaminants in wastewater systems. Her research focuses on multi-dynamic catalytic systems integrating piezo and photocatalytic mechanisms for enhanced degradation of persistent pollutants such as PFAs and pharmaceutical residues. She is particularly interested in understanding reaction kinetics and degradation mechanisms to optimize catalytic performance under realistic environmental conditions. Ultimately, she aims to contribute to effective and sustainable remediation technologies for persistent contaminants.
Alumni
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