Dr. Lina Fernandes, CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, India
Dr. Lina Fernandes is a scientist at the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India, specializing in marine pollution and the geochemistry of estuarine and marine environments. She holds a PhD in Marine Sciences from Goa University and has over a decade of experience in sediment dynamics, water quality, and biogeochemical processes in coastal ecosystems. Dr. Fernandes has led multiple research projects funded by the Department of Science and Technology and the Science and Engineering Research Board. She has published extensively in international journals, focusing on trace metals, sediment geochemistry, and the impact of anthropogenic activities on marine environments. Her work plays a critical role in understanding the environmental health of coastal and deep-sea ecosystems.
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Summary:
Dr. Lina Fernandes is a distinguished marine scientist whose research on marine pollution, sediment dynamics, and the environmental impact of anthropogenic activities has made a lasting contribution to the field of oceanography. Her extensive expertise, along with her leadership in research and student mentorship, places her at the forefront of environmental science. Dr. Fernandes’ work on trace metals and sediment geochemistry is crucial for understanding the health of coastal ecosystems, which are essential to both local economies and the global environment.
🎓 Education
Dr. Lina L. Fernandes holds a PhD in Marine Sciences from Goa University (2012), an M.Sc. in Marine Sciences (Marine Chemistry) from Goa University (2005), and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Goa University (2002).
đź’ĽExperience
Dr. Fernandes has extensive expertise in marine pollution, and studies of the marine and estuarine water column and sediments relating to both present and past environments. Her research focuses on understanding the role of rivers in the transport of pollutants, the impact of climate change, and ecosystem functioning in coastal and deep-sea regions. She investigates the effects of human activities on coastal and marine ecosystems, with particular interest in biogeochemical cycling, sediment dynamics, hydrology, and geochemistry.
🔬Research Focus
Dr. Fernandes’ primary research interest lies in understanding the interaction between riverine, estuarine, and marine environments, particularly with a focus on the biogeochemical processes and sediment dynamics that influence marine health and ecosystem functioning. Her work has broad societal relevance, especially in terms of assessing human-induced impacts on coastal environments and understanding sedimentation processes in response to natural and anthropogenic disturbances.
🏆Awards
Dr. Fernandes has received several prestigious recognitions, including the DST Young Scientist Fast Track Project (2013), the Best Paper Award (Second place) at the 3rd International Conference on Sediment Management (2012), and the Young Sedimentologists Award by the Indian Association of Sedimentologists (2011). She also received the Senior Research Fellowship (CSIR) in 2010 and cleared the CSIR-NET for lectureship in 2005.
Dr. Lina L. Fernandes is an expert in marine pollution, sedimentology, and geochemistry, with a focus on estuarine and coastal environments. Her skills encompass the analysis of trace metals, stable isotopes, and sediment dynamics in both modern and historical contexts. Dr. Fernandes is proficient in utilizing advanced geochemical techniques to assess environmental changes, anthropogenic impacts, and ecosystem health. She has a strong background in studying the role of rivers and estuaries in nutrient and pollutant transport, biogeochemical cycling, and marine environmental functioning. Additionally, Dr. Fernandes is experienced in conducting field-based research, managing research projects, and mentoring graduate students in the areas of marine chemistry and sedimentology.
Publications
- Accumulation of sediment, organic matter, and trace metals with space and time, in a creek along Mumbai coast, India
Authors: L Fernandes, GN Nayak, D Ilangovan, DV Borole
Year: 2011
Journal: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 91(3), 388-399
- Heavy metals contamination in mudflat and mangrove sediments (Mumbai, India)
Authors: LL Fernandes, GN Nayak
Year: 2012
Journal: Chemistry and Ecology, 28(5), 435-455
- Geochemical assessment of metal concentration in mangrove sediments along Mumbai Coast, India
Authors: L Fernandes, GN Nayak, D Ilangovan
Year: 2012
Journal: World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
- Changing environmental conditions in recent past—reading through the study of geochemical characteristics, magnetic parameters and sedimentation rate of mudflats, central west coast of India
Authors: KT Singh, GN Nayak, LL Fernandes, DV Borole, N Basavaiah
Year: 2014
Journal: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 397, 61-74
- Distribution of sediment parameters and depositional environment of mudflats of Mandovi estuary, Goa, India
Authors: L Fernandes, GN Nayak
Year: 2009
Journal: Journal of Coastal Research, 25(2), 273-284
- Characterizing metal levels and their speciation in intertidal sediments along Mumbai coast, India
Authors: LL Fernandes, GN Nayak
Year: 2014
Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin, 79(1-2), 371-378
- Spatial and temporal distribution of metals in suspended particulate matter of the Kali estuary, India
Authors: S Suja, PM Kessarkar, LL Fernandes, S Kurian, A Tomer
Year: 2017
Journal: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 196, 10-21
- Geochemical evidence of anthropogenic impacts in sediment cores from mudflats of a tropical estuary, Central west coast of India
Authors: KT Singh, GN Nayak, LL Fernandes
Year: 2013
Journal: Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal, 22(3), 256-272
- Geochemical assessment in a creek environment in Mumbai, west coast of India
Authors: LL Fernandes, GN Nayak
Year: 2012
Journal: Environmental Forensics, 13(1), 45-54
- Estuarine turbidity maximum in six tropical minor rivers, central west coast of India
Authors: LL Fernandes, V Purnachandra Rao, PM Kessarkar, S Suresh
Year: 2018
Journal: Hydrology Research, 49(4), 1234-1254
- Variations in denitrification and ventilation within the Arabian Sea oxygen minimum zone during the Holocene
Authors: PM Kessarkar, SWA Naqvi, M Thamban, LL Fernandes, C Siebert, et al.
Year: 2018
Journal: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 19(7), 2179-2193
- Distribution and fractionation of rare earth elements and Yttrium in suspended and bottom sediments of the Kali estuary, western India
Authors: S Suja, LL Fernandes, VP Rao
Year: 2017
Journal: Environmental Earth Sciences, 76(4), 174
- Seasonal distribution of trace metals in suspended particulate and bottom sediments of four microtidal river estuaries, west coast of India
Authors: LL Fernandes, PM Kessarkar, VP Rao, S Suja, G Parthiban, S Kurian
Year: 2019
Journal: Hydrological Sciences Journal, 64(12), 1519-1534
- Seasonal variations in the water quality of six tropical micro-and mesotidal estuaries along the central west coast of India
Authors: LL Fernandes, PM Kessarkar, S Suja, D Ray, M Bhat
Year: 2018
Journal: Marine and Freshwater Research, 69(9), 1418-1431
- Sources and factors controlling the distribution of metals in mudflat sedimentary environment, Ulhas Estuary, Mumbai
Authors: L Fernandes, GN Nayak
Year: 2010
Journal: Indian Association of Sedimentologists
Conclusion:
 Dr. Lina Fernandes is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, owing to her significant contributions to marine science and the environmental health of coastal and estuarine ecosystems. Her dedication to advancing knowledge in marine pollution and geochemistry, coupled with her leadership in national research initiatives, makes her an exemplary researcher. To further strengthen her impact, expanding her global collaborations and increasing public engagement with her research would be valuable next steps.