Indian Researcher Dr. Sonam Paliya Advances Wastewater Treatment Research at RWTH Aachen

For Dr. Sonam Paliya, Aachen is the right place at the right time. She feels privileged to have conducted research at the Institute for Organic Biogeochemistry in Geo-Systems under Professor Jan Schwarzbauer for a few weeks now . The Indian scientist is one of around 30 researchers at RWTH who have received funding from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, spanning professorships to scholarships and prizes. Sonam Paliya has come to RWTH from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Indore, India, with a Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdocs.

At the CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Dr. Paliya focused her research on wastewater chemistry. In Aachen, she is investigating the degradation of organic substances in wastewater treatment plants, specializing in polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). These are brominated organic chemicals that are or were used as flame retardants in many plastics and textiles. PBDEs are subject to extensive bans on production and use – because they are toxic. Research into these PBDEs in wastewater is possible in Aachen because the wastewater treatment plant offers an ideal infrastructure with its fourth treatment stage. “The laboratories and facilities here at RWTH are world-class,” says Paliya.

Her work is divided equally between lab work and data analysis. In India, the main challenge was the need for more data, which – as in many other disciplines – is critical for research. “Chemical residues are dangerous; we have to record and analyze these residues – it’s about protecting our ecosystems,” explains the researcher. Beyond the research itself , the Humboldt Fellowship Program builds bridges by fostering international collaboration and cross-cultural understanding. “I really value the opportunities and connections,” says Dr. Paliya, emphasizing the privilege she feels once again. Recently, she attended a Humboldt Meeting in Berlin and met Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. That was “a proud moment” for her.

Professor Jan Schwarzbauer has a long tradition of hosting visiting scholars from India. “We foster close relationships and find international collaboration highly enriching,” he explains. Three other master’s and PhD students are currently at his institute as part of the strategic partnership between RWTH Aachen University and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. “This collaboration fosters enduring, valuable international connections,” reports Schwarzbauer. Dr. Sonam Paliya concurs that RWTH and Schwarzbauer’s research group are well known in India, making her thrilled to be able to conduct research here.