LUDHIANA, JANUARY 24 : A two-member delegation from Netherland visited the Department of Soil Science at Punjab Agricultural University for exploring the possibility of collaborative research project in the field of selenium toxicity in soils, water, plants, human and animals. The delegation, comprising scientists Dr Paul R.D. Mason and Dr. Kathrin Schilling from Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, University of Utrecht, Netherland delivered lectures at a special seminar organized by Ludhiana Chapter of The Indian Society of Soil Science.
Dr Paul Mason spoke on " Geochemical methods for linking modren soils to ancient rocks" while Dr Kathrine Schilling spoke on "Applications of isotope ratios in Envronment systems"
Evincing keen interest in having collaboration with PAU, Dr Paul R.D. Mason and Dr. Kathrin Schilling presented the research activities of the Department of Earth Sciences. According to Dr S.S. Kukal, Secretary of the Ludhiana Chapter of The Indian Society of Soil Science the seminar was organised to commemora Golden Jubilee Celebrations of PAU.
Introducing the guest speakers Dr U. S. Sadana Head, department of Soil Science and Presidnet of Ludhiana Chapter of Indian Society of Soil Science, informed that Selenium contamination has been recognized for some time in the Punjab as a major problem for agricultural production and human health, particularly in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (SBSN) district of the state. The two scientists are here to explore possibilities for further investigating the possible origins of selenium and how it is recycled in Punjab soils. The group is particularly interested in how the selenium can be released from rocks and become available for consumption by plants and animals in the soil. The researchers from Utrecht University are interested in the Punjab because it is one of the best places in the world to study this problem. They also examined water samples from the seasonal streams in the region, where selenium toxicity in soils, plants and animals has been reported over the years.
He further informed that the extensive work carried out at the Punjab Agricultural University about the dynamics and management of selenium toxicity in Punjab soils over the last 30 years will make it possible for the Utrecht researchers to use new, cutting-edge research methods to investigate the movement through time of selenium in the soils and groundwater. The researchers discussed the new techniques they are using to trace selenium in soils in Netherlands. This research is expected to be quite useful in managing selenium toxicity in Punjab soils and ultimately the health of the inhabitants.
