Dr. Abhijit Sarkar: Assistant Professor at University of Gour Banga, India
Dr. Abhijit Sarkar is a leading Indian plant biologist and environmental researcher with expertise in plant stress physiology, environmental pollution, and phytoremediation. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Gour Banga, Malda, West Bengal, he has been involved in academic research and teaching since 2013. Dr. Sarkar has made pioneering contributions to understanding how air pollutants like ozone and microplastics affect plant health, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability. He is a recipient of multiple national and international grants, has published extensively in reputed journals and books, and is regularly invited to speak at seminars, conferences, and awareness programs. His interdisciplinary work integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, environmental science, and agronomy to address critical ecological challenges.
Online Profiles
Dr. Sarkar’s research contributions have been widely recognized and cited in the academic community. His work has accumulated a total of 3161 citations since the beginning of his academic career, with 2284 citations of his work since 2020 alone. This indicates a strong and growing influence in his field. His h-index stands at 26, demonstrating the impact and consistency of his publications. Since 2020, his h-index has been 23, indicating a robust and continuing trajectory of high-impact work. Additionally, his i10-index is 48, and 39 of these publications have been cited at least 10 times since 2020. These metrics reflect the ongoing relevance and contribution of Dr. Sarkar’s research in environmental and plant stress biology.
Education
Dr. Sarkar obtained his Ph.D. in Botany (2007–2012) from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, one of India’s most prestigious institutions. His doctoral research focused on the impact of ozone pollution on wheat and rice, integrating phenotypical, physiological, biochemical, and proteomics analyses. He qualified for the CSIR-UGC NET in December 2006, a national-level eligibility test for lectureship and research. Prior to this, he completed his M.Sc. in Botany (2003–2005) from the University of Calcutta, with specialization in Plant Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, and his B.Sc. in Botany (2000–2003) from the same university. His academic background is strongly rooted in plant sciences and experimental biology.
Research Focus
Dr. Sarkar’s research is centered around environmental stress biology in plants, with a strong emphasis on understanding how pollutants—such as ozone, dust, heavy metals, microplastics, and e-waste—affect plant health, soil microbiota, and food security. He is known for integrating classical plant physiology with modern molecular techniques and multi-omics approaches. He actively works on phytoremediation, wastewater reuse, biofertilizers, and urban environmental health, especially the interactions between urban waste (solid and plastic) and plant-soil ecosystems. His recent research has focused on micro(nano)plastic pollution in agriculture and urban ecosystems, an emerging global threat. He also investigates the role of plants in air pollution mitigation and climate resilience.
Experience
Dr. Sarkar has over 18 years of research and teaching experience. Since December 2015, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Gour Banga, where he established the Laboratory of Applied Stress Biology. Before this, he held the same position at Raigunj Surendranath Mahavidyalaya (2014–2015), and worked as a DBT-Research Associate at the University of Kalyani. He also served as a Visiting Faculty in Bioinformatics/Genetics at the Institute of Genetic Medicine and Genomic Science in Kolkata (2013). His early research years include prestigious CSIR-funded fellowships (JRF/SRF) from 2007–2012 during his Ph.D. tenure, and a stint as a Biotechnologist at Standard Pharmaceuticals. This diverse experience has allowed him to work across academia, industry, and policy sectors.
Research Timeline & Activities
Dr. Sarkar’s research timeline is marked by continuous funding and impactful projects. From 2007 to 2012, he was a CSIR JRF and SRF, followed by a DBT Research Associateship in 2014. He received the UGC-BSR Start-Up Grant (2018–2020) and led a UGC-DAE CSR project (2019–2022) focused on stress biology and waste management. He also managed a DSTBT (Govt. of West Bengal) funded major project (2019–2022) worth ₹14 lakhs. In 2017–2019, he was part of the Erasmus+ mobility project with the University of Padova, Italy. He frequently delivers invited lectures and conducts microplastic identification workshops across India, including in academic institutions, public awareness programs, and with government agencies such as the West Bengal Pollution Control Board.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Sarkar has been recognized for his academic excellence with numerous awards and research grants. He received the Best Oral Presentation Award in a national seminar on enzymology (2006), and the International Travel Support (ITS) grant from DST in 2011. He was awarded the UGC-BSR Start-Up Grant (₹10 lakhs), UGC-DAE-CSR Project, and the DSTBT major research grant for investigating microplastic pollution and stress responses in plants. His DBT Research Associateship and multiple fellowships from CSIR reflect his consistent research excellence. Additionally, his work has led to collaborative international research and high-impact publications, establishing his position as a thought leader in plant-environment interactions.
Top Noted Publications
“Agricultural utilization of biosolids: A review on potential effects on soil and plant growth”
B. Sharma, A. Sarkar, P. Singh, R.P. Singh
Waste Management, 64, 117-132 (2017)Citations: 501
This comprehensive review examines the agricultural potential of biosolids and its effects on soil health and plant growth, providing a critical assessment for sustainable waste management practices.
“Agroecological Responses of Heavy Metal Pollution with Special Emphasis on Soil Health and Plant Performances”
V. Srivastava, A. Sarkar, S. Singh, P. Singh, A.S.F. de Araujo, R.P. Singh
Frontiers in Environmental Science, 5 (2017)Citations: 444
This article focuses on how heavy metal contamination affects agroecological systems, with an emphasis on soil and plant health, underlining the importance of ecosystem management.
“Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) in Plants–Maintenance of Structural Individuality and Functional Blend”
M. Mandal, M. Sarkar, A. Khan, M. Biswas, A. Masi, R. Rakwal, G.K. Agrawal, …
Advances in Redox Research, 5, 100039 (2022)Citations: 171
This publication delves into the critical roles that ROS and RNS play in plant systems, investigating their duality in stress response and metabolic functions.
“Investigating the Impact of Elevated Levels of Ozone on Tropical Wheat Using Integrated Phenotypical, Physiological, Biochemical, and Proteomics Approaches”
A. Sarkar, R. Rakwal, S.B. Agrawal, J. Shibato, Y. Ogawa, Y. Yoshida, …
Journal of Proteome Research, 9(9), 4565-4584 (2010)Citations: 133
This research offers a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding the effects of elevated ozone on tropical wheat, focusing on the molecular and physiological aspects of plant stress.
“Elevated Ozone and Two Modern Wheat Cultivars: An Assessment of Dose Dependent Sensitivity with Respect to Growth, Reproductive and Yield Parameters”
A. Sarkar, S.B. Agrawal
Environmental and Experimental Botany, 69(3), 328-337 (2010)Citations: 132
This study investigates the effects of varying ozone concentrations on wheat cultivars, providing valuable insights into how ozone impacts crop growth and productivity under climate change scenarios.
Strength for the Innovative Researcher Award
Dr. Abhijit Sarkar’s career has been marked by several remarkable strengths, which have not only contributed to his academic and research success but also made him a leading figure in the field of plant-environment interactions. Below are five key strengths that make Dr. Sarkar a strong candidate for the Innovative Researcher Award:
1. Multidisciplinary Research Approach
Dr. Sarkar’s research spans a range of disciplines, including plant physiology, environmental science, molecular biology, and agronomy. His ability to integrate these diverse fields allows him to explore complex environmental issues, such as the impacts of pollutants like microplastics and ozone on plant health and soil ecosystems. This innovative multidisciplinary approach has enabled him to offer novel solutions to pressing ecological problems, making his work highly impactful.
2. Groundbreaking Focus on Emerging Pollutants
A notable strength of Dr. Sarkar’s research is his focus on emerging environmental pollutants, such as micro(nano)plastics and their impact on agriculture and urban ecosystems. He was among the early researchers to recognize the potential threats posed by these pollutants to agricultural productivity and ecological health, helping to shape the direction of contemporary environmental stress biology.
3. Integration of Advanced Techniques in Plant Stress Biology
Dr. Sarkar’s research is characterized by his use of cutting-edge techniques in plant biology. By combining classical plant physiology with modern tools such as proteomics, genomics, and multi-omics, he has developed a robust framework for studying plant responses to environmental stress. This innovative use of technology has allowed him to identify previously unrecognized stress biomarkers and mechanisms in plants exposed to pollutants.
4. Commitment to Sustainable Solutions
Dr. Sarkar’s work is deeply rooted in sustainability. He has focused on phytoremediation, wastewater reuse, and biofertilizers, offering practical solutions for mitigating environmental pollution. His research on how plants can help in waste management, particularly through the absorption of pollutants, aligns with his commitment to finding nature-based solutions for improving environmental health and agricultural sustainability.
5. Strong International Collaboration and Outreach
Dr. Sarkar has demonstrated a unique ability to collaborate internationally and engage with the scientific community beyond India. His work as a part of the Erasmus+ mobility project with the University of Padova, Italy, and his ongoing collaborations with global experts have significantly expanded the impact of his research. Additionally, his frequent invited lectures and workshops on microplastic pollution have helped to raise awareness and educate both the scientific community and the public about critical environmental issues.