Rohit Mehra | Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar India (original) (raw)

Rohit Mehra

Dr. Rohit Mehra is presently working as Professor in the Department of Physics at Dr. BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar (An Institute of National Importance, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India). Dr. Mehra has published more than 200 SCI Research Papers in different International Journals of repute and has delivered Invited Talks in various countries, including the U.S.A., UK, Canada, Japan, Egypt, France, Thailand, etc., and served as a member of multiple Organizing Committees of International Conferences of repute.

He has supervised 18 Ph.D. Research Scholars and more than 50 P.G. Dissertation and 04 Research Scholars are pursuing their Ph.D. under his supervision. Presently, he is an active reviewer for many International and National Journals in the field of Radiation Dosimetry. He collaborates with a working group at NIRS, Japan, for inter-comparison activities for radon and thoron measurements. He has published 03 Books and 03 Book Chapters in the field of Radiation Measurements which are extensively referred to as baseline studies in the field of Radiation Measurements.
In recognition of his academic excellence, Stanford University has included his name in the World’s Top 2% Scientists working in various fields in October 2021. Stanford experts created this list of the World’s Top Scientists based on standardized citation indicators like citations, h-index, and c-score (composite indicator for career-long impact). P.L.O.S. Biology has published a list of scientists excelling in different scientific fields in October 2021.

Dr. Mehra has extensively worked with various academic institutes, research organizations, and N.G.O.s for the health risk assessment of the Malwa Region of Punjab residents. He has published many studies referenced by multiple agencies like I.C.R.P., N.E.E.R.I., B.A.R.C., and A.E.R.B. for the water quality management of the Malwa region of Punjab, which is also famous as cancer belt of Punjab. Due to the natural Radioactivity in environs, his contribution to uranium estimation in water and health risk assessments for the residents has been recognized on many national and internal platforms. The media has also extensively covered his studies.

He is also a member of the Editorial Board of 03 international Journals in the field of Radiation Physics and a reviewer of more than 50 international journals of repute in the field of Radiation Physics.

He had worked as Principal Investigator of various R&D Projects and fetched approximately more than 02 Crores funds from various funding agencies like B.R.N.S., C.S.I.R., DST, etc. The name of some of those are as below:
 “Measurement of Radon, Thoron and their Progeny Distribution in the Different Type of Houses in Mansa, Bathinda, Faridkot and Muktsar Districts of Punjab.”
 "Measurement of Radon, Thoron and their Progeny Distribution in the Different Types of Houses and Natural Radioactivity in Soil in Hanumangarh, Churu and Sri Ganganagar Districts of Rajasthan."
 “Assessment of Gamma, Radon, Thoron and their Progeny level in a different type of dwellings and Uranium and Radon concentration in water in Sikar and Jhunjhunu Districts of Rajasthan.”
 “Estimation and Assessment of Radionuclide and Heavy Metals based Radiological and Chemical Doses on the inhabitants of GautamBudh Nagar, UP (India).”
Supervisors: Dr Surinder Singh and Dr Kulwant Singh Thind
Phone: +919888534590
Address: H No 157, Greater Kailash
Near CT Public School

less

Uploads

Papers by Rohit Mehra

Journal of Radiation and Nuclear Applications, 2017

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2016

The activity concentration of(226)Ra (radium),(232)Th (thorium) and(40)K (potassium) has been mea... more The activity concentration of(226)Ra (radium),(232)Th (thorium) and(40)K (potassium) has been measured in the soil samples collected from Mansa and Muktsar districts of Punjab (India) using NaI (Tikl) gamma detector. The concentration of three radionuclides ((226)Ra,(232)Th and(40)K) in the studied area has been varied from 18±4 to 46±5, 53±7 to 98±8 and 248±54 to 756±110 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Radium equivalent activities (Raeq) have been calculated in soil samples for the assessment of the radiation hazards arising due to the use of these soil samples. The absorbed dose rate of(226)Ra,(232)Th and(40)K in studied area has been varied from 8 to 21, 33 to 61 and 9 to 25 nGy h(-1), respectively. The corresponding indoor and outdoor annual effective dose in studied area was 0.38 and 0.09 mSv, respectively. The external and internal hazard has been also calculated for the assessment of radiation hazards in the studied area.

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2015

The attached and unattached radon and thoron progeny concentrations have been calculated using de... more The attached and unattached radon and thoron progeny concentrations have been calculated using deposition-based progeny sensors in Mansa, Muktsar, Bathinda and Faridkot districts of Punjab, India. The total (attached + unattached) equilibrium-equivalent (222)Rn concentration (EECRA + U) and total (attached + unattached) equilibrium-equivalent (220)Rn concentration (EECTA + U) were found to vary from 9 to 46 Bqm(-3) and 0.5 to 3.1 Bq m(-3), respectively. The concentrations of attached progeny nuclides for both (222)Rn and (220)Rn have been found to be greater than the unattached progeny nuclides in the dwellings of studied area. An attempt has also been made to assess the effective dose for (222)Rn and (220)Rn in the studied area. The radiation dose originated from (222)Rn and (220)Rn progeny is low and health risk is negligible.

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology

In this systematic research work, fifty-four groundwater samples of Solan and Shimla districts of... more In this systematic research work, fifty-four groundwater samples of Solan and Shimla districts of Himachal Pradesh, India, have been analysed for heavy metals like As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni and Pb using atomic absorption spectrophotometer as well as physico-chemical parameters like pH, redox potential, electrical conductivity and total dissolved salts (TDS). Most of the water samples were found to be alkaline. Based on their TDS values, 53 groundwater samples were considered 'fresh' and 'desirable for drinking'. The investigated groundwater samples were found to be heavily contaminated with As, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb, as their average values of 84.3, 106.7, 101.4, 84.1 and 131.9 ppb, respectively, far exceeded the guideline values recommended by World Health Organization and United States Environment Protection Agency. Doses due to ingestion via drinking water pathway and dermal absorption were computed for two different age groups of child and adult. The non-carcinogenic risk expressed in terms of target hazard quotient was found to be greater than unity for As, Co, Cr and Pb. The average carcinogenic risk of As and Cr calculated as 1.56 × 10–3 and 2.38 × 10–2, respectively, crossed the acceptable range of 10–6–10–4. It may thus be concluded that the residents of the study region have high probability of developing adverse health effects from heavy metal exposure.

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

In order to assess the radiological baseline, the terrestrial radionuclide contents ( 226 Ra, 232... more In order to assess the radiological baseline, the terrestrial radionuclide contents ( 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K) and radon exhalation rate were measured in the soil samples collected from the vicinity of Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, India. Based on the measured activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K, different radiological parameters have been estimated to assess the radiation hazards arising out of the use of these soil samples as a building material in the studied region. The annual effective doses for distinct organs and tissues have also been calculated in order to assess total radiological risk. The overall radiological dose was less than the recommended values of 1 mSv y −1 . No significant correlation was observed between 226 Ra, 232 Th concentration and its exhalation rate in the studied soil samples.

Environmental Geochemistry and Health

Groundwater samples have been collected from far-reaching locations in Solan and Shimla districts... more Groundwater samples have been collected from far-reaching locations in Solan and Shimla districts of Himachal Pradesh, India, and studied for uranium concentration using LED fluorimetry. In this region, uranium in groundwater varies from 0.12 to 19.43 μg L−1. Radiological and chemical toxicity is accounted for different uranium isotopes. The average mortality risk for uranium isotopes 234U, 235U, and 238U are 2.6 × 10−12, 3.5 × 10−10, and 5.9 × 10−8, respectively. Similarly, the mean morbidity risk for 234U, 235U and 238U are 4.1 × 10−12, 5.6 × 10−10 and 9.5 × 10−8, respectively. An attempt has also been made to calculate doses for different age-groups. Highest doses, ranging from 0.30 to 48.23 µSv year−1, are imparted to infants of 7–12 months of age which makes them the most vulnerable group of population. Using Hair Compartmental Model for uranium and mean daily uranium intake of 3.406 μg for 60-year exposure period, organ-specific doses due to uranium radioisotopes, retention in prime organs/tissues and excretion rates via urine, feces and hair pathway are estimated. In this manuscript, the transfer coefficients for kidney, liver, skeleton, GI tract, soft tissues, urinary bladder, and blood are analyzed. Hair compartment model and ICRP’s biokinetic model are compared in terms of uranium load in different organs after 60 years of protracted ingestion. The study on biokinetic behavior of uranium is the first of its kind in the area which is dedicated to environmental and social cause.

Journal of Radiation and Nuclear Applications

Applied Radiation and Isotopes

Radon concentrations were measured in 59 groundwater samples collected from Fatehabad district of... more Radon concentrations were measured in 59 groundwater samples collected from Fatehabad district of Haryana, India. The measurements were performed by RAD7 an electronic radon detector manufactured by Durridge Company Inc. The measured radon concentration ranged from 1.4 to 22.6Bql-1. 14% of the groundwater samples were above the United States Environmental Protection Agency recommended value for radon in water. The annual effective dose for ingestion and inhalation was also evaluated in this research. The total annual effective dose due to ingestion and inhalation of radon in drinking water varied from 14.1 to 221.8µSvy-1.

Dose-Response, 2016

Radon (222Rn) and its decay products are the major sources of natural radiation exposure to gener... more Radon (222Rn) and its decay products are the major sources of natural radiation exposure to general population. The activity concentrations of unattached and attached short-lived 222Rn and thoron (220Rn) progeny in indoor environment of some dwellings of the Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts of Punjab had been calculated using the deposition-based progeny sensors (DRPS/DTPS) and wire-mesh-capped (DRPS/DTPS) progeny sensors. The observed concentration of attached 222Rn and 220Rn progeny showed the variation from 5 to 21 Bq·m−3 and 0.3 to 1.7 Bq·m−3, respectively. The activity concentration of the unattached 222Rn and 220Rn progeny varies from 1 to 5 Bq·m−3 and 0.1 to 0.6 Bq·m−3, respectively. The average unattached fraction of 222Rn and 220Rn progeny is 0.2 and 0.1. The average value of the indoor aerosol concentration attachment rate of 222Rn and 220Rn progeny is 2251 cm−3, 24 ms−1, and 617 ms−1. Relation among the unattached fraction and attachment rate is established, and the obt...

$Research paper thumbnail of Estimation of radiological risk due to concentration of ^{238}U, ^{226}Ra, ^{232}Th and ^{40}K in soils of different geological origins in northern India$

Turkish Journal of Physics, Apr 12, 2012

Journal of Environmental Science Engineering, Apr 1, 2005

With a view to prospect the uranium, radium and radon concentration and related health risk asses... more With a view to prospect the uranium, radium and radon concentration and related health risk assessments in areas of Muktsar and Ferozepur districts in Punjab, the fission track registration technique has been used for the analysis of water and soil samples. Uranium content in water ranged from 5.47 to 10.19 microg/l(-1) and 6.28 to 11.74 microg/l(-1) for Muktsar and Ferozepur respectively. Uranium content in soil samples of Muktsar and Ferozepur ranged from 1.14 to 1.90 mg/kg(-1) and 1.26 to 2.44 mg/kg(-1) respectively. Radium concentration in these soil samples has been found to vary from 3.97 to 15.94 bq/kg(-1) and 7.24 to 24.14 bq/kg(-1) for Muktsar and Ferozepur respectively. The radon exhalation values were calculated in terms of area (E(A)) and mass (E(M)). The values of E(M) ranged from 4.9 to 20.6 (mbqkg(-1) hr(-1)) for Muktsar and 9.4 to 31.3 (mbqkg(-1)hr(-1)) for Ferozepur and values of E(A) ranged from 173 to 728 (mbqm(-2)hr(-1)) for Muktsar and 330 to 1102 (mbqm(-2)hr(-1)) for Ferozepur district. These values in general are low and not significant from health hazard point of view. The values of uranium concentration in water samples of these areas are lower than those reported for soil and water samples of Himachal Pradesh. These values are also lower than those reported by Singh et al. for the rocks belonging to uranium and copper mines of Bihar.

Journal of Environmental Protection, 2011

Studia Geophysica et Geodaetica, 2015

J Environ Sci Eng, 2013

Solid state nuclear track detectors (LR-115 TYPE-II) were used to determine the concentration of ... more Solid state nuclear track detectors (LR-115 TYPE-II) were used to determine the concentration of radium and radon exhalation rate in soil samples collected from the different areas of Dharamshala,Himachal Pradesh (India) and in building material samples :" viz. cement, bricks and white marble collected from different locations of India. The radium concentration for the soil samples and building materials variedfrom 16.22Bqkg-1 to 25.44Bqkg-1 and 32.33 Bqkg-1 to 52.26Bqkg-1 with an average value of 22.03 Bqkg-1 and 39.12 Bqkg-1 respectively. The calculated average values of radon exhalation rate in terms of mass (E.) and area (E.) for soil samples and building material samples are (8.59mBqkg-1h-1 and 310.6 mBqm-1h-1) and (15.26mBqkg-1h-1and 551.6 mBqm-2h-1) respectively.

Environmental Earth Sciences, 2013

A study of natural radionuclides and radon concentration of Hamirpur District of Himachal Pradesh... more A study of natural radionuclides and radon concentration of Hamirpur District of Himachal Pradesh, India is carried out using various methodologies. The activity concentration of the natural radionuclides viz. 226Ra, 232Th and 40K is measured using high-resolution-based HPGe detector. Indoor radon measurements in the dwellings of Hamirpur district is carried out using LR-115 type II cellulose nitrate films in the bare mode. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are 35.58, 54.95 and 580.58 Bq kg−1, respectively. The annual average indoor radon value in the study area varies from 173.90 to 198.25 Bq m−3, which is well within the recommended action level given by International Commission on Radiological Protection. The indoor radon values obtained in the present investigation are higher than the world average of 40 Bq m−3. Radon concentration in water samples is measured using RAD7, an active radon detector. The annual effective dose for stomach and lung is determined from the measured value of radon concentration in water. To assess the radiation hazard of the natural radioactivity in all samples to the people, the radium equivalent activity, external hazard index, lifetime fatality risk, absorbed dose rate and total annual effective dose is estimated. The results signify that the studied area does not possess any radiation hazards due to the presence of natural radioactivity concentration.

Indoor and Built Environment, 2014

Long-term simultaneous measurement of indoor concentration of radon and thoron progeny is made us... more Long-term simultaneous measurement of indoor concentration of radon and thoron progeny is made using passive alpha track detectors in the dwellings of Una and Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh. The preliminary results of these measurements are reported, particularly regarding direct thoron progeny sensor (DTPS) and direct radon progeny sensor (DRPS) being set up in real ﬁeld conditions for the ﬁrst time in Himachal Pradesh. The concentrations of radon and thoron progenies (equilibrium equivalent radon and thoron concentration (EERC/EETC)) were measured for all the seasons of the year. A remarkable ﬁnding is the positive correlation between EERC and EETC (R2 = 0.79 in summer and R2 = 0.81 in winter). A comparison was made with the measurements of EERC/EETC in summer and winter season. The ratio of EETC/EERC was calculated and this agrees with worldwide range. This study contributes to the status of Himachal Pradesh in the mapping of radon in India.

Journal of environmental science & engineering, 2005

Indoor Radon measures have been carried out in the dwellings of Muktsar and Ferozepur districts o... more Indoor Radon measures have been carried out in the dwellings of Muktsar and Ferozepur districts of punjab using LR-115 plastic track detectors. Indoor Radon values ranged from 95 to 226 bq m(-3) and 75 to 233 bq m(-3) for winter season and 61 to 129 bq m(-3) and 79 to 138 bq m(-3) for summer season for Muktsar and Ferozepur districts respectively. These values are within the safe limits recommended by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).

Journal of environmental science & engineering, 2009

Indoor radon studies have been carried out in the environs of some areas of Sirsa district, Harya... more Indoor radon studies have been carried out in the environs of some areas of Sirsa district, Haryana, India using LR-115 type II plastic track detectors. LR-115 Type II films in the bare mode were exposed for one year on quarterly basis to cover all the four seasons for the measurement of indoor radon levels. The work has been undertaken for the health risk assessments. The annual average indoor radon value in the study area varies from 64 Bq m(-3) to 120 Bq m(-3) with an average value of 91 Bq m(-3). These values are 2 to 3 times more than the world average of 40 Bq m3. The average radon concentration in dwellings in most of the villages falls in the action level (200-600 Bq m3) recommended by International Commission on Radiological Protection. The radon values in some of the dwellings exceed the action level and may be unsafe from the health hazard point of view. The variation due to the ventilation conditions and contribution of building materials to the indoor radon in dwellings...

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2013