At the ongoing 11th DAE-BRNS Biennial Symposium on “Emerging Trends in Separation Science and Technology” (SESTEC-2024), Dr Hemlata K. Bagla, vice chancellor of HSNC University, Mumbai, referred to the blatant pollution of polythene and micro-plastics in oceans. This symposium, a collaborative platform for scientists, researchers, and academics, is being held from 10th – 13th July 2024 at the Worli campus of HSNC University, Mumbai.
Dr Bagla, co-chairperson of SESTEC 2024, used the occasion to inspire the audience to consider their role in shaping the future of separation science and technology. She urged them to reflect on the question, “Is this the legacy we want to leave for our future generations?” and stressed the importance of exploring sustainable applications for water, energy, food and climate.
She elaborated, “Energy, Economics and Environment are very closely intertwined, but only Economics is in the limelight currently since the focus is on commerce. All three E’s need to be balanced for sustainability”. She acknowledged that the challenges for scientists are never-ending but expressed, “As scientists, we should aim for sustainable processes by focusing on minimising our energy footprint and not ignore the three R’s of reuse, recycle and reduce”.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. M.M. Sharma, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and former director of the Institute of Chemical Technology, Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University, Mumbai, Dr PK Mohapatra, director, RC&I Group, BARC and chairperson, SESTEC 2024, Prof. UK Mudali, vice chancellor, HBNI, Mumbai, Dr Sumit Kumar, convenor, SESTEC-2024 and Prof. Tejashri Shanbhag, principal, KC College of Arts, Commerce and Science, co-convenor SESTEC-2024. Their collective expertise and contributions have significantly advanced the field of separation science and technology.
The chief guest, Prof. M.M. Sharma, underscored the immense potential of separation science and technology by elucidating its wide-ranging applications across various sectors such as pharmaceutical, petrochemical, environmental, nutrition and food, wastewater treatment, nuclear & radio chemistry, industrial chemistry, polymer chemistry, agricultural chemistry, cancer treatment, clean up of oil spills, hazardous waste treatment, air filtration, capture of greenhouse gases and consumer goods sectors. His words were a source of inspiration for the audience, highlighting the exciting opportunities in the field.
He encouraged the young participants to brainstorm innovative ideas that could gradually lead to monetisation opportunities while benefiting the environment.
Further, Dr Hiranandani congratulated the participants of the premier symposium. He stated that separation science held the key to sustainable development, and it would play a huge role in a developing country like India – to remove poverty and inequality, improve the standard of living, provide safe drinking water, etc. With almost half of humanity suffering insufficient access to potable water and water scarcity for agriculture now considered to be a crisis, especially for India, water desalination by reverse osmosis, electro-dialysis, water purification by nano-filtration, and ultra-filtration has emerged as a feasible solution.
Furthermore, he shared that his company first used this technology of treating wastewater and recycling it over 25 years ago as a wastewater treatment plant at Powai in Mumbai. With improved technology, upgrades are being made. He said the treated water is used in construction, in the development of hospitals, in flushing, etc.
“Sustainability is something we imbibe in HSNC University, Mumbai. We aim to educate and teach students while collaborating and connecting with researchers, scientists and industry. Our whole purpose is to take sustainable infrastructure and climate change seriously and tackle them by collaborating with other institutes, Universities, organisations etc,” added Dr Hiranandani.
Next, Dr Mohapatra stated that one of the driving forces behind the significant advancements in environmental separation science is the need for creative solutions to the evolving environmental challenges. He remarked that water treatment and purification, environmental remediation, the capture of toxic and greenhouse gases and the recovery of precious components from wastes are some of the most characteristic examples that “fuel” the evolution of separation science and technology in environmental applications.
In his speech, Prof. Mudali provided valuable insights into the latest breakthroughs, emphasising cutting-edge research and development in separation science and technology in the broader scientific community.
The inaugural ceremony also unveiled a special bulletin on separation science advances.
Dive into Separation Science & Technology
The symposium is hosting 306 participants. The scientific programme includes several invited talks by eminent scientists from India and abroad. It encompasses basic studies and applications addressing novel separation science and technology challenges.
HSNC University, Mumbai, is organising SESTEC-2024 with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, and the Association of Separation Scientists and Technologists. The Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, Department of Atomic Energy, sponsors this symposium.
