Biosynthesis of Crystalline Selenium Nanoparticles Using Rhizospheric Bacillus cereus from Mica-Rich Agricultural Soil Saibal Ghosh, Shouvik Mahanty, Sristi Das, Shreeya Purkait, Gopala Krishna Darbha, Raktim Pal, Santanu Majumder Journal of Cluster Science, 2026 Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient with well-documented biological importance and diverse functional roles. Organic and elemental nanoforms of Se demonstrate greater reactivity, higher bioavailability, and lower toxicity compared to inorganic forms. This study proposes the biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using a soil-borne bacterium (Bacillus cereus). The synthesis of SeNPs through rhizospheric bacteria isolated from mica-rich agricultural soil is more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than conventional chemical synthesis methods. The synthesized nanoparticles were purified, dried, and initially characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy, which showed a prominent peak at 282 nm, a characteristic feature of SeNPs. The crystalline phases were further confirmed by matching the XRD results with the JCPDS reference code 06–0362. Surface characterization was carried out using FTIR and XPS analyses, and the FE-SEM and TEM imaging confirmed predominantly hexagonal nanoparticles with an average diameter of 43.2 ± 21.6 nm (TEM) and 43 ± 224 nm (SEM). The findings highlight the potential of this biosynthesized approach for producing nanoscale SeNP with desirable structural properties. Future studies will focus on evaluating the stability, biological activity, and agricultural or biomedical applications of the synthesized SeNPs.
Fabrication of Engineered n-n La-TiO2@NH2-MIL-(101)Fe/Fe2O3 Electrocatalyst and Its Potential Application for Electrocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) Arpan Sarkar, Shouvik Mahanty, Gopala Krishna Darbha Chemistryselect, 2025 Electrocatalytic reduction offers a sustainable strategy for remediating toxic pollutants by converting them into less harmful forms. In this study, an n‐n type NH 2 ‐MIL‐(101)Fe/Fe 2 O 3 heterostructure was developed as an efficient electrocatalyst for Cr(VI) reduction in both acidic (0.01 M HCl) and alkaline (10 −5 M NaOH) solutions. La‐doped TiO 2 , enriched with oxygen vacancies, acts as an electron reservoir, while NH 2 ‐MIL‐(101)Fe/Fe 2 O 3 provides high surface area and Fe(III) catalytic sites. The conduction band electrons of NH 2 ‐MIL‐(101)Fe/Fe 2 O 3 with energy approximately −1.39 V versus NHE, enable thermodynamically favorable Cr(VI) reduction. A two‐electrode setup with 10 mg catalyst per electrode and 1.4 V DC bias achieved ∼ 92% Cr(VI) removal (1 ppm) in 4 h under acidic conditions, without water splitting. XPS confirmed Cr(OH) 3 and Cr 2 O 3 formation; however, Cr(OH) 3 passivation limited efficiency, especially under alkaline conditions (∼34% reduction). UV–vis analysis revealed that Cr(III) and Fe 3+ enhance HCrO 4 − absorbance at ∼350 nm, complicating quantification. A ln[Cr(III):Cr(VI)]‐based calibration was proposed, but is valid only for fixed total Cr. Thus, ion chromatography is recommended for accurate speciation. This study establishes the material's promise for Cr(VI) remediation and highlights key challenges in environmental sensing.
Whispers in the mangroves: Unveiling the silent impact of potential toxic metals (PTMs) on Indian Sundarbans fungi Shouvik Mahanty, Kirthana Pillay, Emilie A. Hardouin, Demetra Andreou, Marin Cvitanović, Gopala Krishna Darbha, Sukhendu Mandal, Punarbasu Chaudhuri, Santanu Majumder Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2024 This study investigates sediment samples from the Indian Sundarbans' mangrove habitat, where most samples were alkaline and hypersaline, except for one acidic sample. Elemental analysis revealed poor sediment quality, with elevated Enrichment Factors (2.20–9.7), Geo-accumulation indices (−2.19–1.19), Contamination Factors (0.61–3.18), and Pollution Load Indices (1.04–1.32). Toxic metal ions, including Pb, Cu, Ni, Cd, Zn, and Cr, were identified as key contributors to compromised sediment quality. These metals inhibit crucial sediment enzymes, such as CMC-cellulase, β-glucosidase, aryl sulfatase, urease, and phosphatases, essential for nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. A negative correlation was found between heavy metals and biodiversity, as indicated by the Shannon index, and a similar trend was observed with fungal load. The study highlights the adverse effects of persistent trace metals on the fungal community, potentially disrupting the mangrove ecosystem and suggests using manglicolous fungi as biological indicators of environmental health. • PTMs Pb, Cu, Ni, Cd, Zn, Cr in sediment with Pollution Load indices of 1.04–1.32 • PTMs inhibit vital soil enzymes. • Chytridiomycota was the most dominant phyla (S4, 62.2 %). • Fungal load CFU/g of sediment highest in S1: 336 × 10 2 ± 13.95 CFU/g • Heavy metals correlate negatively with biodiversity and fungal load in mangrove habitats.
A review on nanomaterial-based SERS substrates for sustainable agriculture Shouvik Mahanty, Santanu Majumder, Richard Paul, Ramin Boroujerdi, Eugenia Valsami-Jones, Christian Laforsch Science of the Total Environment, 2024 The agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in driving the economy of many developing countries. Any dent in this economical structure may have a severe impact on a country's population. With rising climate change and increasing pollution, the agricultural sector is experiencing significant damage. Over time this cumulative damage will affect the integrity of food crops and create food security issues around the world. Therefore, an early warning system is needed to detect possible stress on food crops. Here we present a review of the recent developments in nanomaterial-based Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) substrates which could be utilized to monitor agricultural crop responses to natural and anthropogenic stress. Initially, our review delves into diverse and cost-effective strategies for fabricating SERS substrates, emphasizing their intelligent utilization across various agricultural scenarios. In the second phase of our review, we spotlight the specific application of SERS in addressing critical food security issues. By detecting nutrients, hormones, and effector molecules in plants, SERS provides valuable insights into plant health. Furthermore, our exploration extends to the detection of contaminants, chemicals, and foodborne pathogens within plants, showcasing the versatility of SERS in ensuring food safety. The cumulative knowledge derived from these discussions illustrates the transformative potential of SERS in bolstering the agricultural economy. By enhancing precision in nutrient management, monitoring plant health, and enabling rapid detection of harmful substances, SERS emerges as a pivotal tool in promoting sustainable and secure agricultural practices. Its integration into agricultural processes not only augments productivity but also establishes a robust defence against potential threats to crop yield and food quality. As SERS continues to evolve, its role in shaping the future of agriculture becomes increasingly pronounced, promising a paradigm shift in how we approach and address challenges in food production and safety.
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the elemental profile of PM10 present in the ambient aerosol of an educational institute in Kolkata, India Praveen Tudu, Tanushree Gaine, Shouvik Mahanty, Sayantani Mitra, Subarna Bhattacharyya, Punarbasu Chaudhuri Environmental Quality Management, 2023 Reduction in air pollution level was prime observation during COVID‐19 lockdown globally. Here, the study was conducted to assess the impact of lockdown on the elemental profile of PM10 in ambient aerosol to quantify the elemental variation. To quantify the variation, phase‐wise sampling of air pollutants was carried out using the gravimetric method for PM10, while NO2 and SO2 were estimated through the chemiluminescence and fluorescent spectrometric method respectively. The elemental constituents of PM10 were carried out using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer and their source apportionment was carried out using the Positive Matrix Factorization model. The results showed that PM10, NO2 and SO2 reduced by 86.97%, 83.38%, and 88.60% respectively during the lockdown sampling phase. The highest mean elemental concentration reduction was found in Mn (97.47%) during the lockdown. The inter‐correlation among the pollutants exhibited a significant association indicating that they originate from the same source. The metals like Mn and Cu were found at a higher concentration during the lockdown phase corresponding to vehicular emissions. The comparative analysis of the elemental profile of PM10 concluded that the lockdown effectuated in reduction of the majority of elements present in an aerosol enveloping metropolitan like Kolkata.
Affirmative nanosilica mediated approach against fungal biodeterioration of concrete materials Subarna Bhattacharyya, Shaheen Akhtar, Anirban Chaudhuri, Shouvik Mahanty, Punarbasu Chaudhuri, Mathummal Sudarshan Case Studies in Construction Materials, 2022 Microbial biodeterioration has been an important concern for concrete buildings’ durability over time. This study primarily emphasizes on the fungal biodeterioration of concrete and the effectiveness of silicon dioxide nanocoating on concrete in inhibiting fungal growth. A nanosilica coating was optimised and applied on concrete cube surface that was in turn infected with Aspergillus tamarii and monitored physical, mechanical, chemical as well as visual changes for a period of six months. The visual analysis included colour changes, Stereo Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) which showed a considerable change on the surface deterioration. Weight loss showed positive in all the concrete specimens (2.08% for biodeteriorated cubes and 2.13% for nanocoated cubes) whereas compressive strength that increased, 35.01% in nanocoated concrete cubes and 24.72% in biodeteriorated cubes. The chemical analysis included pH change in media, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (EDXRF) which showed that leaching of calcium ions from the concrete in biodeteriorated cubes was higher than that of nanocoated cubes. Altogether the efficacy of silicon oxide nanocoating against biodeterioration of concrete by Aspergillus tamarii was concluded to be positive.
Engineering a Fungi–Biochar–UiO-66 Hybrid Platform for Simultaneous Removal of Legacy and Emerging Aquatic Contaminants S Mahanty, GK Darbha Goldschmidt 2026 Conference , 2026 2026
Biosynthesis of Crystalline Selenium Nanoparticles Using Rhizospheric Bacillus cereus from Mica-Rich Agricultural Soil S Ghosh, S Mahanty, S Das, S Purkait, GK Darbha, R Pal, S Majumder Journal of Cluster Science 37 (3), 65 , 2026 2026
Integrated Multivariate and Metagenomic Insights into Microbial Restructuring under Metal and Microplastic Stress in the Indian Sundarbans Mangroves S Mahanty, M Dhauria, S Ghosh, E Valsami-Jones, GK Darbha, ... SSRN, 1-39 , 2026 2026
Geochemical Dynamics of persistent organic pollutants and emerging pollutants V Subramanian, GK Darbha, J Mandal, S Suchana, S Mahanty Goldschmidt 2026 Conference , 2026 2026
Trace Metal Contamination Drives Enzymatic Suppression and Fungal Diversity Loss in Hypersaline Sediments of the Indian Sundarbans S Mahanty, GK Darbha, S Majumder AGU25 , 2025 2025
Green-Synthesized Iron Oxide-Chitosan Nanocomposite for Chromium and Nanoplastics Remediation S Mahanty, GK Darbha, R Paul, R Boroujerdi, E Valsami-Jones, ... 2025
Eco-Friendly Synthesis and Characterization of Crystalline Selenium Nanoparticles via Bacillus cereus S Ghosh, S Mahanty, S Das, S Purkait, GK Darbha, R Pal, S Majumder 2025 Citations: 1
Fabrication of Engineered n‐n La‐TiO 2 @NH 2 ‐MIL‐(101)Fe/Fe 2 O 3 Electrocatalyst and Its Potential Application for Electrocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) A Sarkar, S Mahanty, GK Darbha ChemistrySelect 10 (35), e02736 , 2025 2025
Sustainable Nanocomposite Design: Fungal-Synthesized Iron Biochar/Zn-MOF-74 for Efficient Chromium and Nanoplastic Removal S Mahanty, GK Darbha Goldschmidt 2025 Conference , 2025 2025
Whispers in the mangroves: Unveiling the silent impact of potential toxic metals (PTMs) on Indian Sundarbans fungi S Mahanty, K Pillay, EA Hardouin, D Andreou, M Cvitanović, GK Darbha, ... Marine Pollution Bulletin 209, 117233 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
A review on nanomaterial-based SERS substrates for sustainable agriculture S Mahanty, S Majumder, R Paul, R Boroujerdi, E Valsami-Jones, ... Science of The Total Environment 950, 174252 , 2024 2024 Citations: 44
Unveiling Microplastic Contamination in Indian Commercial Milks A Saha, S Mahanty, S Mukhopadhyay, A Mandal, GK Darbha, N Das, ... Available at SSRN 4782214 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Mycosynthesized magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles for the remediation of heavy metals–an insight into the mechanism of adsorption, process optimization using algorithmic … S Mahanty, A Sarkar, P Chaudhuri, GK Darbha Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management 20, 100854 , 2023 2023 Citations: 19
Impact of COVID‐19 lockdown on the elemental profile of PM 10 present in the ambient aerosol of an educational institute in Kolkata, India P Tudu, T Gaine, S Mahanty, S Mitra, S Bhattacharyya, P Chaudhuri Environmental Quality Management 32 (3), 79-96 , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Batch adsorption and process optimization for sequestration of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution using biofilm forming filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger BSC-1 S Chatterjee, S Mahanty, P Das, P Chaudhuri, S Das Journal of Water Process Engineering 50, 103325 , 2022 2022 Citations: 27
Affirmative nanosilica mediated approach against fungal biodeterioration of concrete materials S Bhattacharyya, S Akhtar, A Chaudhuri, S Mahanty, P Chaudhuri, ... Case Studies in Construction Materials 17, e01258 , 2022 2022 Citations: 17
Differentiating wild and apiary honey by elemental profiling: A case study from mangroves of indian sundarban T Gaine, P Tudu, S Ghosh, S Mahanty, M Bakshi, N Naskar, ... Biological trace element research 200 (10), 4550-4569 , 2022 2022 Citations: 8
Case Studies in Construction Materials S Bhattacharyya, S Akhtar, A Chaudhuri, S Mahanty, P Chaudhuri, ... 2022
Assessment of role of rhizosphere process in bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fine nutritive roots of riparian mangrove species in river Hooghly: Implications to global … S Ghosh, M Bakshi, S Mahanty, P Chaudhuri Marine pollution bulletin 174, 113157 , 2022 2022 Citations: 16
Different soil salinity imparts clear alteration in rhizospheric bacterial community dynamics in rice and peanut MM Islam, R Bhattacharya, B Sarkar, PK Maiti, S Mahanty, P Chaudhuri, ... Archives of microbiology 204 (1), 36 , 2022 2022 Citations: 8
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Biofabrication of iron oxide nanoparticles using manglicolous fungus Aspergillus niger BSC-1 and removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution S Chatterjee, S Mahanty, P Das, P Chaudhuri, S Das Chemical Engineering Journal 385, 123790 , 2020 2020 Citations: 228
Green Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Mediated by Filamentous Fungi Isolated from Sundarban Mangrove Ecosystem, India S Mahanty, M Bakshi, S Ghosh, S Chatterjee, S Bhattachryya, P Das, ... BioNanoscience , 2019 2019 Citations: 159
Synergistic approach towards the sustainable management of heavy metals in wastewater using mycosynthesized iron oxide nanoparticles: Biofabrication, adsorptive dynamics and … S Mahanty, S Chatterjee, S Ghosh, P Tudu, T Gaine, M Bakshi, S Das, ... Journal of Water Process Engineering 37 (October 2020, 101426), 1 - 20 , 2020 2020 Citations: 140
Mycosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using manglicolous fungi isolated from Indian sundarbans and its application for the treatment of chromium containing solution … S Mahanty, M Bakshi, S Ghosh, T Gaine, S Chatterjee, S Bhattacharyya, ... Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management 12, 100276 , 2019 2019 Citations: 78
A review on nanomaterial-based SERS substrates for sustainable agriculture S Mahanty, S Majumder, R Paul, R Boroujerdi, E Valsami-Jones, ... Science of The Total Environment 950, 174252 , 2024 2024 Citations: 44
Potentially toxic element and microplastic contamination in the river Hooghly: implications to better water quality management S Ghosh, R Das, M Bakshi, S Mahanty, P Chaudhuri Journal of Earth System Science 130 (4), 236 , 2021 2021 Citations: 40
A preliminary study on upstream migration of mangroves in response to changing environment along River Hooghly, India S Ghosh, M Bakshi, K Gupta, S Mahanty, S Bhattacharyya, P Chaudhuri Marine Pollution Bulletin 151 (February 2020, 110840) , 2020 2020 Citations: 28
Batch adsorption and process optimization for sequestration of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution using biofilm forming filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger BSC-1 S Chatterjee, S Mahanty, P Das, P Chaudhuri, S Das Journal of Water Process Engineering 50, 103325 , 2022 2022 Citations: 27
Elemental geochemistry in acid sulphate soils–A case study from reclaimed islands of Indian Sundarban S Ghosh, M Bakshi, S Mitra, S Mahanty, SS Ram, S Banerjee, ... Marine pollution bulletin 138, 501-510 , 2019 2019 Citations: 25
Role of Manglicolous fungi isolated from Indian Sunderban mangrove forest for the treatment of metal containing solution: Batch and optimization using response surface methodology P Das, S Mahanty, A Ganguli, P Das, P Chaudhuri Environmental Technology & Innovation 13, 166-178 , 2019 2019 Citations: 23
Mycosynthesized magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles for the remediation of heavy metals–an insight into the mechanism of adsorption, process optimization using algorithmic … S Mahanty, A Sarkar, P Chaudhuri, GK Darbha Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management 20, 100854 , 2023 2023 Citations: 19
Chemometric study on the biochemical marker of the manglicolous fungi to illustrate its potentiality as a bio indicator for heavy metal pollution in Indian Sundarbans S Mahanty, P Tudu, S Ghosh, S Chatterjee, P Das, S Bhattacharyya, ... Marine Pollution Bulletin 173, 113017 , 2021 2021 Citations: 18
Spatiotemporal distribution of potentially toxic elements in the lower Gangetic delta and their implications for non-carcinogenic health risk management S Ghosh, M Bakshi, S Mahanty, T Gaine, S Bhattacharyya, JK Biswas, ... Geoscience Letters 8 (1), 19 , 2021 2021 Citations: 18
Affirmative nanosilica mediated approach against fungal biodeterioration of concrete materials S Bhattacharyya, S Akhtar, A Chaudhuri, S Mahanty, P Chaudhuri, ... Case Studies in Construction Materials 17, e01258 , 2022 2022 Citations: 17
Assessment of role of rhizosphere process in bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fine nutritive roots of riparian mangrove species in river Hooghly: Implications to global … S Ghosh, M Bakshi, S Mahanty, P Chaudhuri Marine pollution bulletin 174, 113157 , 2022 2022 Citations: 16
Understanding potentially toxic metal (PTM) induced biotic response in two riparian mangrove species Sonneratia caseolaris and Avicennia officinalis along river Hooghly, India … S Ghosh, M Bakshi, S Mahanty, P Chaudhuri Marine Environmental Research 172, 105486 , 2021 2021 Citations: 16
Synergistic approach towards the sustainable management of heavy metals in wastewater using mycosynthesized iron oxide nanoparticles: biofabrication, adsorptive dynamics and … S Mahanty, S Chatterjee, S Ghosh, P Tudu, T Gaine, M Bakshi, S Das, ... 2020 Citations: 16
Fungi-mediated biosynthesis of nanoparticles and application in metal sequestration M Bakshi, S Mahanty, P Chaudhuri Handbook of metal-microbe interactions and bioremediation, 423-434 , 2017 2017 Citations: 14
Differentiating wild and apiary honey by elemental profiling: A case study from mangroves of indian sundarban T Gaine, P Tudu, S Ghosh, S Mahanty, M Bakshi, N Naskar, ... Biological trace element research 200 (10), 4550-4569 , 2022 2022 Citations: 8
Different soil salinity imparts clear alteration in rhizospheric bacterial community dynamics in rice and peanut MM Islam, R Bhattacharya, B Sarkar, PK Maiti, S Mahanty, P Chaudhuri, ... Archives of microbiology 204 (1), 36 , 2022 2022 Citations: 8