Tag: Environmental Science

Dr. Debasish Mohapatra: Assistant Professor at Kalinga Institute of Social Science, India

1. Article Details

Title: Assessment of zirconium oxychloride–induced toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): from morphological alteration to oxidative stress evaluation

Journal: Fish Physiology and Biochemistry

Publication Year: 2026
Volume: 52
Article number: 39
Authors: Preetinanda Nayak, Abhipsa Mishra, Ipsita Barik, Ascharyamayee Palei, Monalisa Panda, Jogesh Chandra Sahoo, Subham Samanta, Rutusmita Mishra, Debasish Mohapatra

Objective: To evaluate the toxic effects of zirconium oxychloride on fish physiology

Model Organism: Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia)

Exposure Duration: 45 days

Concentrations Tested: 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 200 ppm

Parameters Studied:

• Survival and mortality

• Behavioral changes

• Histopathology of gills, liver, intestine, and eye

• Biochemical oxidative stress markers

Biochemical Markers: Lipid Peroxidation (LPX), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Reduced Glutathione (GSH)

2. Novelty of the Study

• First study to investigate zirconium oxychloride toxicity in Nile tilapia

• Evaluated oxidative stress in both liver and intestine for the first time

• Combined behavioral, histopathological, and biochemical analysis

• Used seven different concentrations for a detailed dose-response assessment

• Relevant to environmental contamination from mining, ceramics, and industrial discharge

3. Impact of the Study

• Helps monitor freshwater ecosystems for zirconium contamination

• Provides guidance for aquaculture and fish farming safety

• Supports pollution risk assessment and regulatory limits

• Adds valuable data to fish toxicology and aquatic environmental science

• Provides a foundation for future research on oxidative stress and emerging pollutants

4. Originality

• Focus on zirconium oxychloride, rarely studied compared to heavy metals like mercury or cadmium

• Integrated analysis of morphology, tissue damage, and biochemical stress markers

• Shows how zirconium induces oxidative stress through SOD, CAT, and GSH activity

• Offers new insights into freshwater toxicology and industrial pollutant effects

Research Portfolio

Dr. Debasish Mohapatra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India. He is a biomedical researcher specializing in cancer biology, toxicology, and drug discovery using experimental animal models. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer progression and identifying novel therapeutic strategies, particularly through the use of phytochemicals and targeted drug approaches. Dr. Mohapatra completed his Ph.D. in Toxicology, Animal Models, and Cancer Biology in 2022. He has contributed extensively to interdisciplinary research in oncology, radiation biology, and environmental toxicology. With numerous peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized journals and collaborations with leading research institutions, he continues to advance translational biomedical research. In addition to research, he is actively involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students and mentoring young researchers in experimental biology and life sciences.

Online Profile

Google Scholar Profile

Education

Dr. Debasish Mohapatra earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in the field of Toxicology, Animal Models, and Cancer Biology from the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India. He successfully completed his doctoral research on 4 April 2022. During his Ph.D., he conducted extensive experimental research focused on cancer biology, particularly pancreatic cancer, and explored therapeutic strategies involving radiosensitizers and molecular pathway modulation. His doctoral training provided him with strong expertise in cellular and molecular biology techniques, in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models, and translational biomedical research approaches. His academic training laid the foundation for his current research in cancer therapeutics, toxicology, and drug discovery.

Research Focus

Dr. Mohapatra’s research interests are centered on cancer biology, toxicology, and the discovery of new therapeutic compounds. His work particularly focuses on identifying phytochemical-based compounds and other small molecules that can act as potential anticancer agents or radiosensitizers. He investigates molecular pathways involved in tumor progression, tumor microenvironment regulation, and therapy resistance. Additionally, his research explores the development and use of experimental animal models to study disease mechanisms and evaluate therapeutic compounds. He is also interested in environmental and chemical toxicology, studying the impact of toxic compounds on aquatic organisms and other biological systems. Through interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, pharmacology, and toxicology, his research aims to contribute to the development of effective and safer therapeutic strategies.

Experience

Dr. Mohapatra has accumulated significant academic and research experience in both teaching and laboratory-based scientific investigations. He worked as a Ph.D. research scholar at the Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, from 2017 to 2022, where he conducted advanced research on pancreatic cancer biology and therapeutic responses. During this period, he collaborated with multidisciplinary research teams and gained extensive experience in molecular and cellular experimental techniques. He also served as an Assistant Professor at CV Raman Global University between 2017 and 2022, where he was involved in teaching, curriculum development, and student research supervision. Currently, he holds the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences. In this role, he contributes to academic teaching, scientific mentoring, and the development of research programs in life sciences.

Research Timeline & Activities

Dr. Mohapatra’s research career has evolved through several stages of scientific investigation and collaboration. His early research work focused on understanding infection-associated cancer mechanisms and molecular signaling pathways involved in tumor development. During his doctoral research, he concentrated on pancreatic cancer biology, exploring the effects of drugs such as statins on radiation therapy response and tumor-associated fibrosis. He has also been involved in research related to immune regulation in cancer, macrophage activation, and molecular pathways influencing tumor progression. In recent years, his research activities have expanded to include environmental toxicology studies, particularly evaluating chemical toxicity in aquatic organisms and ecological systems. Alongside laboratory research, he actively participates in scientific publishing, peer reviewing, academic collaborations, and mentoring student research projects.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Mohapatra has gained recognition in the academic and scientific community through his research contributions and professional engagements. His work has been published in several reputed international journals, reflecting the scientific impact of his research. He has also been invited to serve as a peer reviewer for internationally recognized journals published by Elsevier and MDPI, including journals related to immunopharmacology, microbiology, and environmental sciences. These reviewer roles demonstrate his expertise and credibility in evaluating scientific research. Additionally, he has contributed as an editor to the book Futuristic Trends in Biotechnology (Volume 3) published by Interactive International Publisher. His continued contributions to research, peer review, and scientific publishing highlight his commitment to advancing knowledge in life sciences.

Dr. Debasish Mohapatra’s strengths that could support him for a “Best Innovator Award”,

1. Interdisciplinary Research Expertise

• Dr. Mohapatra combines cancer biology, toxicology, and drug discovery in his research.

• His work spans molecular, cellular, in-vitro, and in-vivo experimental models, demonstrating a strong integration of multiple scientific disciplines.

• Ability to apply insights from one field (e.g., environmental toxicology) to another (e.g., translational biomedical research) shows innovative thinking.

2. Novelty and Original Contributions

• First to explore zirconium oxychloride toxicity in Nile tilapia, linking environmental toxicology with oxidative stress mechanisms.

• Developed new experimental approaches to study phytochemicals and radiosensitizers in cancer therapy, reflecting originality.

• His work often opens new avenues in both environmental and biomedical sciences, showing potential for transformative impact.

3. Strong Publication and Citation Record

• Over 175 citations, with 164 since 2021, indicates growing international recognition.

• h-index of 7 and i10-index of 6 demonstrate consistent influence and quality of research output.

• Peer-reviewed publications and contributions to edited volumes reflect a commitment to knowledge dissemination.

4. Mentorship and Academic Leadership

• Experience teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students and mentoring young researchers.

• Leadership in developing research programs, supervising projects, and curriculum development at multiple institutes.

• Shows ability to translate innovative research into educational and institutional impact, a key trait for award recognition.

5. Recognition, Peer Review, and Professional Engagement

• Invited as peer reviewer for internationally recognized journals, demonstrating credibility in evaluating scientific research.

• Editorial contribution to “Futuristic Trends in Biotechnology” reflects thought leadership.

• Broad engagement in scientific publishing, collaborations, and interdisciplinary projects highlights his innovation reach and professional impact.