Research papers on desalination and nutrient dense duckweed crop by Bharathidasan University team published in journals

Two research articles authored by P. Chellapandi, Head, Department of Bioinformatics, Bharathidasan University, and his research team have appeared in the prestigious scientific journals, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews and Trends in Food Science & Technology, the university said in a release on Friday.

In the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Prof. Chellapandi proposed a novel bioenergy-powered desalination model that utilises seawater and marine microalgae. The system generates biogas-driven electricity to power desalination units, integrating smart automation and Industry 4.0 principles to enable real-time processing. This advancement positions Bharathidasan University as a frontrunner in the field of Green Desalination Technology.

In the other contribution, published in Trends in Food Science & Technology, Dr. Chellapandi along with his research team analysed the genomic potential of duckweed, earth’s smallest flowering plant, and identified it as a radiation-resilient, nutrient-dense crop suitable for future food systems on earth and outer space. Their work emphasised the potential of duckweed in bioregenerative life support systems, which were key to sustaining human life during long-term space missions.

Dr. Chellapandi’s research team included S. Saranya, S. Dhayanithi, L. Thamanna, L .Lourdu Lincy, and V.P. Sreekutty, the release added.

Published - June 13, 2025 06:53 pm IST