The new facility will support research on microplastics in coastal waters, fish species and marine environments, with faculty and students trained in FTIR imaging technology.
Barishal University on Tuesday inaugurated a microplastics research laboratory to advance research on identifying microplastics pollution in coastal areas and understanding its environmental impact.
After the inauguration of the laboratory at the university’s Department of Chemistry, a training session on microplastics identification using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) imaging technology for faculty researchers and students was also held.
The laboratory is part of an initiative titled “A Study on Microplastic Pollution in the Coastal Areas of Bangladesh”.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mamun-Or-Rashid attended the event as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the microplastics research laboratory.
Professor Mamun-Or-Rashid, while addressing the event, described the day as a memorable one for Barishal University, noting that the initiative opened a new horizon in the field of research.
The university was pioneering efforts to assess plastic pollution in coastal regions, he also said.
Dr Halima Begum, manager of the “A Study on Microplastic Pollution in the Coastal Areas of Bangladesh” initiative, presided over the event.
Studies would be conducted to detect the impact of microplastics on hilsa and other fish species in Cox’s Bazar and Barishal division, she said, adding that studies would also be conducted to identify the presence of plastic in the sea.
Amit B Rane, a field service specialist at Spectrality Scientific India Private Limited, conducted the training session on the day.
Asif Chowdhury, executive director of Technoworth Analytical Limited, attended the event as a special guest, while Dr Masud Parvez, chairman of the Department of Chemistry, researchers, faculty members and officials also attended the event.
