Blue Sky, Blue Water : Strategies for Protecting Air and Water Quality in the 21st Century

This book delves into the intricate interplay between air and water quality issues, shedding light on the interconnectedness of these vital components of our ecosystem. Through a meticulous examination of scientific research, case studies, and innovative solutions, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding air and water pollution and provides actionable strategies for sustainable environmental management. 

The book begins by laying the foundation with an introduction to the key concepts and challenges related to air and water quality. It then delves into the sources and causes of pollution, examining the various factors contributing to the deterioration of air and water quality worldwide. From there, the book explores the policy and regulatory frameworks essential for effective environmental protection, highlighting the role of government initiatives and international agreements in addressing environmental challenges. Moving beyond theoretical discussions, the book offers practical insights into technological innovations and best practices for managing air and water quality. Case studies from around the globe illustrate successful environmental conservation efforts, providing real-world examples of effective strategies in action. The book also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and public awareness initiatives in fostering a collective commitment to environmental stewardship.

The book concludes with a call to action, urging readers to embrace integrated approaches to environmental management and advocating for proactive measures to safeguard our air and water resources for future generations. With its blend of scientific rigor, practical guidance, and compelling case studies, this book is an indispensable resource for policymakers, environmental professionals, researchers, and concerned citizens dedicated to protecting the planet's air and water quality.

Dr. Sneha Gautam is an Associate Professor in the Division of Civil Engineering at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, India. He earned his PhD (Engineering) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and an MTech (Environmental Science and Engineering) from IIT-ISM Dhanbad. After his PhD, he joined INCLEN and the University of California, Berkeley, as a researcher, followed by a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, and pursued postdoctoral research at NCTU, Taiwan. His name has been featured consecutively (2021–2024) in Stanford University’s Top 2% Scientists of the World list. He has received numerous awards, including the Young Scientist Award 2023 by the Academy of Sciences, Chennai, Young Scientist Award 2022, IEI Special Appreciation Award 2021, IEI Young Achiever Award 2020, IEI Young Scientist Award 2019, Outstanding Reviewer Award from Elsevier, and an International Travel Grant from the Government of India. He also serves as an Editor, Associate Editor, and Editorial Board Member and Guest Editor for several high-impact journals, including those by Nature (Scientific Reports), Springer (e.g., Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, Environmental Development and Sustainability, Asia-Pacific Journal of Atmospheric Sciences, SN Applied Sciences), and Elsevier (Gondwana Research, Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology). With over 146 articles in leading journals (h-index 39, i10-index 93, and over 5254 citations), he has developed a global network of collaborators, and his research has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Al Jazeera, The Times of India, and Trinity.

Dr. Suneel Kumar Joshi is a dedicated hydrogeologist with a Ph.D. from IIT Kanpur, specializing in hydrogeology, groundwater modelling, stable isotopes, and remote sensing. He serves as the Director of Landscape Restoration Projects at Geo Climate Risk Solutions Pvt. Ltd., focusing on sustainable water management, artificial lake development, and flood risk management across India. With over 12 years of experience, Dr. Joshi has contributed to hydrological studies, groundwater dynamics, and disaster management, including international collaborations in the UK and Tajikistan. His expertise includes tools like ArcGIS, Visual Modflow, HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS. Recipient of the Young Scientist Award and multiple fellowships, Dr. Joshi is an active member of esteemed organizations like the International Water Association. He has authored 25+ research publications, advancing sustainable water resource management. He is proficient in English and Hindi and committed to innovative solutions for global water-related challenges.

Dr. Balram Ambade is a Professor and former Head of Department at the Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, India. He has been in academia for over 22 years and has immensely contributed to original research in atmospheric and water chemistry and environmental remediation of toxic metals, microplastics, and PFAS. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Early Career Research (ECR) award by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), the Marie Curie Award from Hyytiälä Forest Field Station, Helsinki, Finland, the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB) award from the University of Groningen, Netherland, and the Young Scientist Award from China in 2014, and the NASA Earth Science Division Modeling, MAP award by Météo-France in Toulouse, France. He is currently a Guest Editor for Special Issues of "Science of the Total Environment" (Elsevier, IF: 9.8), "Physics and Chemistry of the Earth" (Elsevier, IF: 3.8), "Environmental Science and Pollution Research" (Springer, IF: 5.8). He has published over 100 Science Citation Indexed journal articles and ten book chapters. He has authored five books with Elsevier, Nova Science, LP, and Scholars Press. Currently, he has supervised nine Ph.D. students. Further, he was listed as Top 2% of the most cited scientists across various disciplines globally in 2023 and 2024.