Dr. Vishnu Kumar: Research Associate at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, India
Title/Designation: Dr.
Name: Vishnu Kumar
Current Role/Position: Research Associate
Organization/Institution: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute
Country: India
Subject Track: Environmental Science
Award Category: Best Innovator Award
Vishnu Kumar is an environmental research scholar specializing in plant ecology, microbiology, and climate change science at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow. With over a decade of academic and research experience, he has developed a strong foundation in microbial interactions, soil health, and pollution mitigation. His interdisciplinary expertise spans microbiology, botany, and environmental sciences, enabling him to explore real-world solutions to ecological challenges. Passionate about sustainable development, his work aims to integrate scientific knowledge with environmental conservation strategies, contributing to the understanding of ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.
Online Profile
Education
Vishnu completed his early education in science with distinction, earning his 10th and 12th qualifications from the U.P. Board at A.V.M. Inter College, Lucknow. He pursued his B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Lucknow and went on to complete an M.Sc. in Microbiology in 2009. His growing interest in plant-environment interactions and pollution science led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Botany at CSIR-NBRI, affiliated with D.D.U. Gorakhpur University. His doctoral research is focused on environmental remediation using plant-microbe systems and understanding ecological responses to anthropogenic stressors.
Research Focus
Vishnu’s research lies at the intersection of plant ecology, microbiology, and environmental biotechnology. He is particularly focused on plant-microbe interactions in contaminated soils and the use of rhizobacteria in mitigating heavy metal toxicity, including arsenic and other pollutants. His studies explore bioremediation potential, phytotechnology, and climate resilience in crops, with an aim to develop sustainable agricultural practices under changing environmental conditions. Additionally, his work extends to monitoring groundwater quality, soil health assessment, and evaluating cancer risk due to long-term contaminant exposure in affected regions.
Experience
With more than six years of teaching experience, Vishnu has worked as a biology lecturer at institutions including Shiva Public School, Mahaveer Memorial School, Safal Academy, and A.V.M. Inter College in Lucknow. In 2018, he began his research fellowship at CSIR-NBRI, first as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and later as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF), supported by CSIR. During this time, he gained practical experience in experimental design, laboratory instrumentation, statistical analysis, and environmental monitoring, making significant contributions to multiple government-funded research projects on pollution control and phytoremediation.
Research Timeline & Activities
Since joining CSIR-NBRI in 2018, Vishnu has been actively involved in cutting-edge research related to heavy metal contamination in soil and water, especially focusing on arsenic pollution in the Ghaghara Basin. His fieldwork includes sample collection and geo-ecological mapping, while his lab work involves microbial screening, soil chemistry analysis, and use of advanced instrumentation. He has attended national and international conferences, presented posters, and received awards for oral and paper presentations. He has also participated in workshops on statistical modeling, metagenomics, air pollution, and ISO/IEC standards, enhancing his skillset in research methodologies and regulatory frameworks.
Awards & Honors
Vishnu has received multiple awards for his academic contributions, reflecting the relevance and quality of his research. He was honored with the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 2nd International Conference on Environment, Agriculture, Human, and Animal Health (ICEAHAH 2023), recognizing his work on arsenic contamination. Additionally, he won the Best Paper Presentation Award at the 3rd International Conference on Environmental Research (ISCER 2023) for his innovative study on environmental risk assessment. These honors underscore his commitment to scientific excellence and his impact in the environmental research community.
Top Noted Publication
One of Vishnu’s most cited works is a book chapter titled “Role of Plant Growth–Promoting Rhizobacteria in Mitigation of Heavy Metals Toxicity to Oryza sativa L.”, published in Emerging Technologies in Environmental Bioremediation by Elsevier. This publication highlights the potential of beneficial microbes in reducing the bioavailability and toxicity of heavy metals in rice-growing regions, offering practical solutions for safe and sustainable agriculture. His research integrates microbial ecology with plant physiology, making a significant contribution to the field of environmental biotechnology.
1. A Comprehensive Review on Spatial and Temporal Variation of Arsenic Contamination in Ghaghara Basin and Its Relation to Probable Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk in the Local Population
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Volume 78, December 2023, Article 127308
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127308
ISSN: 0946-672X
Contributors: Sanjay Dwivedi, Seema Mishra, Vishnu Kumar, Ruchi Agnihotri, Pragya Sharma, Ravi Kumar Tiwari, Apoorv Gupta, Ajay Pratap Singh, Sarvesh Kumar, Geetgovind Sinam
This peer-reviewed journal article presents a detailed geo-temporal analysis of arsenic contamination across the Ghaghara River Basin. It correlates contamination data with probable lifetime cancer risks, offering key insights for public health assessments and policy recommendations in arsenic-affected regions.
2. Medicinal Plants and Their Role in Mitigation of Arsenic-Induced Toxicity
Book Chapter in Phytoremediation Potential of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: A Bioeconomical Approach, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis, Published September 11, 2023
DOI: 10.1201/9781003290780-12
ISBN: 9781003290780
Contributors: Vishnu Kumar, Sarvesh Kumar, Rajveer Singh Chauhan, Sanjay Dwivedi
This book chapter explores the application of traditional medicinal plants in mitigating arsenic toxicity through phytoremediation. It combines ethnobotanical knowledge with modern environmental science to address soil and water pollution, presenting eco-friendly approaches for contaminated sites.
3. Micro-Environmental Conditions and High Population Density Affect the Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 in Metropolitan Cities of India
Environmental Disease, 2021
DOI: 10.4103/ed.ed_15_21
ISSN: 2468-5690
Contributors: Seema Mishra, Sanjay Dwivedi, Ruchi Agnihotri, Vishnu Kumar, Pragya Sharma, Geetgovind Sinam, Vivek Pandey
This study investigates how population density and environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and air quality influence the transmission of COVID-19 in densely populated Indian cities. It offers a scientific basis for urban public health interventions during respiratory pandemics.
4. Role of Plant Growth–Promoting Rhizobacteria in Mitigation of Heavy Metals Toxicity to Oryza sativa L.
Book Chapter in Emerging Technologies in Environmental Bioremediation, Elsevier, 2020
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-819860-5.00016-X
Contributors: Vishnu Kumar, Gayatri Singh, Rajveer Singh Chauhan, Geetgovind Sinam
This publication outlines the mechanisms by which plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance the resilience of rice plants exposed to heavy metal stress. It provides evidence-based strategies for improving crop yield and safety in contaminated agroecosystems.