Awnon Bhowmik

Mr. Awnon Bhowmik

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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7 May 2025 in Microplastics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ABAwnon Bhowmik
Awnon Bhowmik
Goutam SahaGoutam Saha
Goutam Saha
Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are an emerging global environmental and health concern due to their pervasive presence in aquatic ecosystems. This systematic review synthesizes data on the distribution, shapes, materials, and sizes of MPs in various water sources, including lakes, rivers, seas, tap water, and bottled water, between 2014 and 2024. Results reveal that river water constitutes the largest share of studies on MP pollution (30%), followed by lake water (24%), sea water (19%), bottled water (17%), and tap water (11%), reflecting their critical roles in MP transport and accumulation. Seasonal analysis indicates that MP concentrations peak in the wet season (38%), followed by the dry (32%) and transitional (30%) seasons. Spatially, China leads MP research globally (19%), followed by the USA (7.8%) and India (5.9%). MPs are predominantly composed of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with fibers and fragments being the most common shapes. Sub-millimeter MPs (<1 mm) dominate globally, with significant variations driven by anthropogenic activities, industrial discharge, and environmental factors such as rainfall and temperature. The study highlights critical gaps in understanding the long-term ecological and health impacts of MPs, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies, improved waste management, and innovative mitigation strategies. This review underscores the urgency of addressing microplastic pollution through global collaboration and stricter regulatory measures.

30 December 2024 in Science in One Health
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ABAwnon Bhowmik
Awnon Bhowmik
MHMahmudul Hasan
Mahmudul Hasan
MRMehedi Hasan Redoy
Mehedi Hasan Redoy
Goutam SahaGoutam Saha
Goutam Saha
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic threat that has caused recurrent outbreaks in Bangladesh since 2001, raising significant public health concerns. This study provides a descriptive analysis of NiV outbreaks from 2001 to 2024, examining trends in infection and death rates and their correlation with climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall. The findings highlight significant spikes in NiV cases during specific years, with environmental factors, particularly temperature and precipitation, showing solid correlations with outbreak patterns. The study also explores the impact of population dynamics on transmission risks, including urbanization and density. By focusing on these factors, this research supports the development of targeted public health interventions in high-risk areas, particularly in Bangladesh's northwestern and central districts, where recurrent outbreaks have been observed. These insights improve surveillance and preventive strategies for mitigating future NiV outbreaks.

7 November 2024 in Pollutants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ABAwnon Bhowmik
Awnon Bhowmik
Goutam SahaGoutam Saha
Goutam Saha
Suvash SahaSuvash Saha
Suvash Saha
Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, have become a pervasive environmental contaminant detected across a wide range of ecosystems. While the presence of microplastics in marine life and humans has been extensively documented, there remains a significant gap in understanding their full health impacts. Moreover, the effects of microplastics on animals, particularly those in close proximity to human activities, remain underexplored, representing a key area for future research. In this study, we found high levels of microplastic accumulation in animal tissues, particularly in the lungs, intestines, and reproductive organs. Our results also indicate that ingestion of microplastics occurs through multiple environmental sources, including contaminated food, water, and air, reflecting their widespread distribution. Evidence of microplastics crossing biological barriers and accumulating in critical organ systems suggests potential long-term health risks for animals that may also have implications for humans through environmental and food-chain exposure. Given the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the potential for these contaminants to enter the food chain, the presence of microplastics in animals raises serious concerns for broader ecological and human health. The findings underscore the urgent need for further research to clarify the long-term effects and to develop effective strategies for mitigating this emerging global threat.

4 January 2026 in Pollutants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ABAwnon Bhowmik
Awnon Bhowmik
Goutam SahaGoutam Saha
Goutam Saha
Microplastics (MPs)—synthetic polymer particles less than 5 mm in size—have emerged as ubiquitous contaminants in terrestrial and aquatic environments worldwide, raising concerns about their ecological and human health impacts. While research has predominantly focused on urban and marine settings, evidence shows that rural ecosystems are also affected, challenging assumptions of pristine conditions outside cities and coasts. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the presence, pathways, and impacts of MPs in rural environments, highlighting complex contamination dynamics driven by both local sources (agricultural plastics, domestic waste, rural wastewater, and road runoff) and regional processes (atmospheric deposition, hydrological transport, and sediment transfer). Key findings highlight that rural lakes, streams, soils, and groundwater systems are active sinks and secondary sources of diverse MPs, predominantly polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in fibrous and fragmented forms. These particles vary in size, density, and color, influencing their transport, persistence, and bioavailability. Ecological effects include bioaccumulation in freshwater species, soil degradation, and potential food chain transfer, while human exposure risks stem from contaminated groundwater, air, and locally produced food. Despite these growing threats, rural systems remain underrepresented in monitoring and policy frameworks. The article calls for context-specific mitigation strategies, enhanced wastewater treatment, rural waste management reforms, and integrated microplastics surveillance across environmental compartments.

1 July 2025 in Sexes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ABAwnon Bhowmik
Awnon Bhowmik
MHMahmudul Hasan
Mahmudul Hasan
MSMrinal Saha
Mrinal Saha
Goutam SahaGoutam Saha
Goutam Saha
This study examines the trends, impacts, and challenges of HIV in Bangladesh from 2000 to 2024, with a focus on its epidemiology, demographic distribution, and socioeconomic determinants. Despite maintaining one of the lowest HIV prevalence rates globally (<0.1%), Bangladesh faces a concentrated epidemic among high-risk populations, including people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, transgender individuals, and migrant workers. Analysis reveals a steady increase in reported infections, attributed to enhanced diagnostic capacities and public awareness. The 25–49 year age group remains the most affected, accounting for over 65% of cases, underscoring the vulnerability of the economically active population. Gender disparities persist, with males representing the majority of infections but lower ART coverage among females and transgender individuals. While interventions such as PMTCT programs, ART expansion, and targeted awareness campaigns have contributed to improved outcomes, barriers such as stigma, healthcare inequities, and limited rural access hinder progress. The study also evaluates Bangladesh’s progress toward the 95-95-95 targets, highlighting significant strides in treatment and viral suppression but gaps in diagnosis. Future research must address behavioral trends, stigma reduction, and integration of HIV services for marginalized populations. This paper emphasizes the need for evidence-based strategies to ensure equitable healthcare delivery and sustainable progress in combating HIV.

18 June 2020 in International Journal of Computer Applications
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ABAwnon Bhowmik
Awnon Bhowmik
UMUnnikrishnan Menon
Unnikrishnan Menon