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Dr. Maruti Prasad Receives PhD for Ground-breaking Arsenic and Lead Removal Research

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 23:38 GMT by The Hans India

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Maruti Prasad Honored with a PhD for Ground‑breaking Research in Andhra Pradesh

A significant milestone in the academic community of Andhra Pradesh was reached on a bright spring morning when Dr. Maruti Prasad was formally awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from the distinguished Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Tirupati. The ceremony, which drew a large assembly of students, faculty, government officials and media representatives, highlighted not only Dr. Prasad’s personal triumph but also underscored the region’s growing prominence in cutting‑edge research and innovation.

Who is Dr. Maruti Prasad?

Maruti Prasad, a native of the rural district of Kurnool, has long been celebrated for his relentless curiosity and dedication to science. After completing a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Hyderabad in 2006, he pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, specializing in Environmental Chemistry. His research focus during his graduate studies was on the development of low‑cost, biodegradable adsorbents for heavy‑metal removal from industrial effluents.

In 2015, Dr. Prasad joined the faculty at JNTU Tirupati as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering. His tenure there has been marked by a series of well‑received publications in international journals such as Environmental Science & Technology and Journal of Cleaner Production. Yet it was his doctoral dissertation, titled “Bio‑based Composite Materials for the Removal of Arsenic and Lead from Riverine Waters,” that ultimately earned him the coveted PhD.

The Award Ceremony

The award ceremony took place in the university’s sprawling auditorium, with a capacity of over 2,000 people. President of the State (Chief Minister) N. K. V. S. Reddy, Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Shankar Raman, and JNTU Vice‑Chancellor, Dr. N. K. Radhakrishna, were in attendance. The highlight of the evening was a short address by Vice‑Chancellor Dr. Radhakrishna, who praised Dr. Prasad for his “pioneering work that bridges fundamental science and real‑world environmental solutions.” “His research not only contributes to academic literature but also equips our farmers, industrialists, and policy makers with sustainable tools,” he added.

During the speech, a slide show depicted key experiments from Dr. Prasad’s dissertation: the synthesis of a novel bio‑based composite derived from rice husk and activated carbon, its mechanical testing, and a series of batch‑absorption studies demonstrating a 98 % removal efficiency for arsenic and 93 % for lead under optimal conditions. Dr. Prasad was presented with a gold‑encrusted PhD diploma, a ceremonial diploma jacket, and a research grant from the state government to further expand his work.

Why This Matters

While a PhD is a personal achievement, it also signals a broader developmental narrative for Andhra Pradesh:

1. Research Capacity Building
   The state has invested heavily in upgrading its research infrastructure. Dr. Prasad’s PhD underscores the success of initiatives such as the State Research and Development Scheme and the Sustainable Water Resources Project, both of which have funded interdisciplinary work in environmental chemistry.

2. Local Impact
   Dr. Prasad’s composite material offers a low‑cost, locally sourced solution to the arsenic and lead contamination problem that plagues many parts of the Kurnool and Anantapur districts. The materials are not only biodegradable but can be mass‑produced using existing rice‑husk processing units, thereby providing a potential source of livelihood for rural communities.

3. Academic Networking
   The award ceremony included a session that highlighted future collaboration opportunities. The International Water Research Association (IWRA) and the Indian Council of Chemical Research (ICCR) will partner with JNTU to host a joint symposium on “Biomaterials for Water Remediation,” further raising the university’s profile on the world stage.

Links to Additional Information

• JNTU Tirupati – Department of Chemical Engineering
  The department’s website lists Dr. Prasad’s publication record and details about the PhD program structure, giving prospective students a clear pathway to follow.

• State Ministry of Higher Education
  The ministry’s page outlines the State Research and Development Scheme, providing details on funding mechanisms, eligibility criteria, and success stories, including Dr. Prasad’s recent grant.

• International Water Research Association (IWRA)
  IWRA’s portal highlights the forthcoming symposium and showcases past research projects in which JNTU’s faculty has played a leading role.

• Journal of Cleaner Production
  A link to Dr. Prasad’s seminal article on the composite material provides peer‑reviewed evidence of its efficacy and sustainability metrics.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Maruti Prasad has outlined a clear research roadmap for the next five years. His goal is to scale the composite material from bench to industry by collaborating with local agro‑chemical companies and securing a technology‑transfer license. He also plans to conduct a long‑term field study in three villages across Kurnool, measuring not only the efficacy of the adsorbent but also its socioeconomic impact on farmers and households.

In a statement released after the ceremony, Dr. Prasad expressed gratitude to his mentors, family, and the state government for their unwavering support. “This award is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who has believed in the power of science to transform lives,” he said. He added that he hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists, especially those from rural backgrounds, to pursue higher education and apply their knowledge to solve real‑world problems.

Conclusion

The conferral of a PhD to Dr. Maruti Prasad is more than a ceremonial honor—it is a testament to the vibrant research culture emerging from Andhra Pradesh’s universities. By marrying innovative science with practical solutions, Dr. Prasad’s work sets a precedent for responsible, community‑centric research. As the state continues to invest in higher education and research, stories like his will become increasingly common, further solidifying Andhra Pradesh’s reputation as a hub for scientific excellence and sustainable development.