Application of Low Cost Ceramic Membranes in Wastewater Treatment

Dr. Sibdas Bandyopadhyay obtained his Ph.D. in applied chemistry from the erstwhile Indian School of Mines (Indian Institute of Technology-ISM), Dhanbad, India, in 1981. He started his professional career as a research associate and subsequently as a lecturer at ISM for applied research specializing in materials science on cementing materials using pozzolanic clays along with an exposure in the area of separation technology particularly on fine particle processing of China clays aiming at utilization of low-grade ores and minerals. He served CSIR—Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, Kolkata, for 23 years in different capacities, out of which last 6 years as Chief Scientist.  As the founder head  of ceramic membrane research activities, Dr. Bandyopadhyay spearheaded the development, demonstration and deployment of the patented technologies on application of low cost ceramic membrane based small scale plants in India, especially for purification of arsenic and iron contaminated groundwater for providing safe drinking water in eastern and north-eastern region of the country. He was also instrumental in initiating six international collaborations and organizing several national and international seminars, conferences, workshops, etc. After serving CSIR for 30 years (1982–2012), he joined his alma mater as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, IIT (ISM), where he was associated as Member of the Research Council. In 2014, he joined as CSIR Emeritus Scientist in the Department of Environmental Studies, Visva-Bharati (A Central University), Santiniketan, India.