Visakhapatnam-based GITAM School of Science Assistant Professor Dr Manoj P. Rayaroth has taken part in the fourth batch of the Indian Arctic Expedition 2026–27, conducting field research at India’s Himadri Research Station in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. His project examines how climate change affects emerging contaminants and their release from Arctic ice into marine waters. 

As part of the month-long field programme, Dr Rayaroth collected fjord water and glacier meltwater samples. The research will investigate the occurrence, transformation and transport of organic pollutants under Arctic conditions. He noted that glacier-melt water flow can vary significantly within a week, reflecting the rapidly changing Arctic environment. 

The collected samples are expected to reach GITAM in about one to two months, after which detailed pollutant analysis will begin. Mass spectrometry will be used to identify and quantify contaminants that may occur at very low concentrations. 

 

Dr Rayaroth's research also connects with his wider work on marine pollution. GITAM lists environmental pollution and environmental analytical chemistry among his research expertise, while he is also involved in research on microplastics and persistent organic pollutants in the marine environment.