Environmental Chemist · 20+ Publications · European Patent Holder
John Elisa Kumar is an innovative environmental chemist and postdoctoral researcher currently at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune — one of India's premier research institutions. His work focuses on advanced oxidation technology for the degradation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), wastewater treatment, and surfactant formulation development.
He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, where his doctoral research centred on COD and TOC removal from dye mixtures using advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). He is the author of 20+ peer-reviewed publications spanning high-impact journals including Chemosphere (IF 8.1), Journal of Water Process Engineering (IF 6.3), and Chemical Engineering Journal Advances (IF 5.5).
Beyond research papers, John holds a European Patent (WO 2025/061803 A1) for a bleach composition and has authored a chapter in a Springer book on next-generation nanomaterials. His expertise uniquely bridges food safety, environmental science, and chemical engineering — making him a valuable contributor to DietXP's scientific content on food additives, water safety, and ingredient chemistry.
Areas of Expertise
Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications
UV Light and Fe²⁺ Catalysed COD Removal of AO 8 Using NaOCl as Oxidant
The Efficiency of Fenton, Fenton/MW and UV/Oxidant Processes in the Treatment of a Mixture of Higher Concentrations of Azo Dyes
COD Removal of Brilliant Orange R Using Ferrite and Pyrite Based Fenton and Photo-Fenton Processes
20 peer-reviewed publications spanning Chemosphere, J. Water Process Engineering, ChemistrySelect, Chemical Papers, Synthetic Communications, and more · 2018–2026
European Patent & Springer Book Chapter
A Bleach Composition
Patent No.: WO 2025/061803 A1 · European Patent Office
Co-inventor alongside S. Appavoo, B. Baruwati, S.S. Bhagwat and S. Mahapatra — an internationally granted European patent for a novel bleach composition formulation, reflecting John's applied expertise in chemical formulation and oxidation chemistry.
Environmental Impacts and Safety of Nanomaterials
Springer, Cham · ISBN 978-3-032-05718-1 · Pages 181–218
In: Next-Generation Nanomaterials for Sustainable Engineering. Lecture Notes in Nanoscale Science and Technology (Ed. S. Kulkarni) — authored with Munmee Goswami, Pooja Paul & Tsungom Mulai. Explores safety, toxicity, and environmental risks of nanomaterials, with direct implications for food and health applications.
Research Experience & Scientific Expertise
COD & TOC Removal of Dye Mixtures by Advanced Oxidation Processes
Doctoral research under Prof. Mihir Kumar Sahoo — investigating the degradation of persistent azo dye mixtures using Fenton, photo-Fenton, MW-assisted, and UV/oxidant processes. Established kinetic models, toxicity assessments, and reaction mechanisms for multiple dye systems, leading to 10+ publications from this work alone.
Stability of Hydrogen Peroxide in Fenton-Type Oxidation Systems
Postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai under Prof. Sunil S. Bhagwat — investigating H₂O₂ stability and exploring alternative oxidants (NaOCl, calcium peroxide, persulfate) for more efficient and cost-effective oxidation processes. This work resulted in the successful European Patent for a bleach composition.
Surfactant Formulation Evaluation & Nanoparticle Applications
Current postdoctoral work at IISER Pune — evaluating surfactant formulations and exploring cost-efficient nanoparticle synthesis for applications in wastewater treatment and water purification. Utilises a wide range of advanced characterisation instruments including TEM, SEM, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and TOC analysers.
Food Colour Degradation & Safety of Synthetic Dyes
Multiple publications focus specifically on the degradation of food colouring agents — tartrazine, brilliant orange, acid orange, and binary dye mixtures — establishing evidence-based scientific insights into the chemical fate and toxicity of synthetic food additives in aqueous environments. Directly relevant to food safety and consumer health research.
Professional Journey
Postdoctoral Fellow — Surfactant Formulation & Chemistry
Department of Chemistry, IISER Pune · Supervisor: Prof. Sunil S. Bhagwat
November 2024 — Present · Pune, India
Conducting postdoctoral research in surfactant formulation evaluation at one of India's premier science and research institutions — Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune. Applies advanced analytical instrumentation and formulation chemistry expertise developed across two postdoctoral appointments.
Postdoctoral Fellow — Hydrogen Peroxide Stability & Oxidation Chemistry
Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai · Supervisor: Prof. Sunil S. Bhagwat
November 2021 — February 2024 · Mumbai, India
Investigated the stability of hydrogen peroxide and alternative oxidant systems in Fenton-type advanced oxidation processes. This postdoctoral appointment produced multiple high-impact publications and contributed directly to a European Patent for a bleach composition (WO 2025/061803 A1) held jointly with ICT Mumbai collaborators.
Doctoral Researcher — Advanced Oxidation Processes
Department of Chemistry, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong · Supervisor: Prof. Mihir Kumar Sahoo
December 2014 — August 2020 · Shillong, Meghalaya
Completed a Ph.D. in Chemistry with a thesis on "COD and TOC removal studies of mixture of dyes by advanced oxidation processes" — a comprehensive investigation of Fenton, photo-Fenton, and UV/oxidant degradation of persistent organic dye pollutants. Mentored junior researchers, designed experiments, and authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles during this period.
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D. in Chemistry
North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, Meghalaya · Thesis: COD and TOC removal of dye mixtures by advanced oxidation processes · Supervisor: Prof. Mihir Kumar Sahoo
Master of Science (Chemistry)
North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, Meghalaya
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
St. Anthony's College, Shillong, Meghalaya
GATE Qualified — Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering
National-level examination conducted jointly by all IITs — qualifying in Chemistry, recognising advanced subject mastery at the national level.
Awards, Honours & Achievements
First Prize — Poster Presentation · National Conference on Advanced Oxidation Processes
Awarded first prize at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP-2015), organised by Dr S.S. Bhatnagar University Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology and Energy Research Centre, Panjab University — recognising research excellence in AOP science.
University-Level Best NSS Volunteer Award
Recognised for outstanding contribution through four years of voluntary service in the National Service Scheme (NSS) from 2012 to 2016 — including voluntary blood donation on 17 occasions, acknowledged by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS).
Outstanding NCC Cadet — St. Anthony's College · "C" Certificate (A Grade)
Awarded the NCC "C" Certificate with A grade (2011–12) and "B" Certificate (2010–11), and recognised as Outstanding NCC Cadet of the Year 2011 at St. Anthony's College, Shillong.
European Patent Holder — WO 2025/061803 A1
Co-inventor of a granted European Patent for a novel bleach composition — recognising the translational and commercial value of John's advanced oxidation chemistry research into real-world formulation applications.