PROMISCES Young Researchers: Debrata Panda

In PROMISCES, many young researchers are working in a wide variety of fields. But one thing they have in common: To enable a circular economy in the soil-sediment-water system and to fight PFAS. One of them is Debabrata Panda. He is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP). His motivation is to work on the best method that could eliminate PFAS.

 

Do you think your work can have an impact on the world?

I have been working on cavitation-based elimination of PFAS and I believe this is going to be the most sought-after technology in the near future due to its chemical-free application and simple operation. I am motivated to work on this project because of its potential to treat PFAS in a very cost-effective way.

 

Why did you choose to work in the field of PFAS research and why is this topic so important?

PFAS are considered to be one of the most harmful pollutants and are difficult to eliminate. Therefore, I am interested in working on the best method that could eliminate them in a better way. Certainly, PFAS research is extremely important in the hope of finding proper procedures to eliminate them.

 

Which impact do you think your research will have on the future? What changes can be made with this new knowledge?

Looking into our work outcome, if the cavitation technology can be up-scaled and implemented across the contaminant sites of Europe and the rest of the world, then it will bring better prospects.

 

Does working in PROMISCES have an impact on everyday life?

Yes, after working on the PROMISCES project, I have been paying more attention to the PFAS-related products and trying to reduce their usage as much as possible. For example, I do not use the TEFLON-coated non-stick cookware anymore. I have also been educating my friends and family on the potential danger of PFAS and how they could eliminate their usage.