This book is an exploration of paramount significance, delving into the fundamental principles, methodologies, and cutting-edge techniques that underpin the discipline of environmental forensics. Chapters unfold a comprehensive narrative, ranging from the foundational role of this field in deciphering ecological mysteries and addressing environmental concerns to the intricate application of forensic techniques in analyzing ecosystems, identifying pollution sources, and reconstructing historical environmental conditions. The book covers real-world case studies of environmental crime investigations illustrating the pivotal role of environmental forensics in solving complex ecological puzzles. Chapters highlight legal and ethical considerations about the use of forensic methodologies, providing a well-rounded perspective on the academic landscape. As the book peers into the future, it concludes with an exploration of emerging technologies and methodologies poised to shape the trajectory of environmental forensics. Ideal for scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts, this book encapsulates a comprehensive academic odyssey into the intricate interplay of science and nature, and the quest to safeguard Earth's ecosystems for generations to come. This book is a good source of information for students, academicians, researchers, and material scientists.
Dr. Mahipal Singh Sankhla is an Assistant Professor in Forensic Science at the School of Basic and Applied Sciences, K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram, Haryana. He holds B.Sc. (Hons.), M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Forensic Science from Galgotias University, Greater Noida. Dr. Sankhla specializes in forensic toxicology, heavy metal toxicity, environmental forensics, nanotechnology, and fingerprint analysis. His professional training includes tenures at FSL Lucknow, CBI-CFSL New Delhi, Codon Institute of Biotechnology, and RSMML Udaipur. He previously served at Chandigarh University and Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur. He has been awarded a DST-funded Junior Research Fellowship at MNIT Jaipur, along with the Young Scientist, Young Researcher, and Forensic Researcher Awards. As a mentor for NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission, he supports STEM development in schools. Dr. Sankhla has published over 170 peer-reviewed articles, 30+ book chapters, edited 8 books, and holds 2 copyrights, 1 German patent, 3 design grants, and 70+ Indian patents. He is an active member of editorial boards, review panels, and organizing committees in national and international scientific events.
Dr. Kumud Kant Awasthi is currently working as a professor at the School of Basic and Applied Sciences, K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram, Haryana, India. Prior to this position, he worked at the Department of Life Sciences, Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jaipur, India. Dr. Awasthi earned his B.Sc. from CSJM University, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Rajasthan. An expert in nanotoxicology and environmental toxicology, he has substantial experience in nanoparticle toxicity using in vivo and in vitro models. He has secured Indian and German patents and authored several books and copyrights. He is an active IIC member, IPR Cell Nodal Officer, and serves as a coordinator for GIAN courses and JNU’s Animal Welfare programs. Dr. Awasthi was invited by the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics and serves on CPCSEA's animal ethics committees. A life member of various scientific societies, he regularly reviews for reputed journals and is involved in organizing national and international academic events.
Prof. (Dr.) Tina Sharma is Professor of Forensic Science at Bahra University, Shimla. She specializes in biodiversity crime, fingerprint examination, forensic biology, DNA profiling, and toxicology. She holds a B.Sc. in Biotechnology and an M.Sc. in Forensic Science from Punjabi University, Patiala, and is UGC-NET qualified. Her training includes CFSL Chandigarh, CBI-CFSL New Delhi, and SFSL Himachal Pradesh. She has published 98 DNA sequences in NCBI, 30+ research papers, 20+ book chapters, and edited 2 books. She holds 60+ patents and 2 design registrations. A UGC-JRF and SRF awardee, she has guided 4 Ph.D. and 40+ PG students.
Dr. Rajeev Kumar is currently working as a professor and head in the Department of Forensic Science, at IILM University, Greater Noida. He had worked as a Senior Scientific Assistant (Chemistry) in Govt. Forensic Science Laboratory, Delhi for 18 months. He completed his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Forensic Science from Agra University and Ph.D. in Forensic Toxicology from SHUATS, Prayagraj. Dr. Kumar has been awarded UGC-JRF and SRF and recognized for excellence in reviewing by IJIRST. He has published 125+ peer-reviewed articles, 5 patents, and numerous book chapters. He serves on the editorial boards of 28 international journals and reviews for 32 journals globally. He has contributed extensively to conferences as a speaker, organizer, and session chair. He has supervised 6 Ph.D. scholars (awarded) and 8 ongoing, with more than 80 M.Sc. dissertations completed under his guidance. His prolific academic and research contributions have established him as a key figure in forensic science.
