Dr. Sahebrao Sonkamble

Specialization

Groundwater, Geo-environment and Hydrogeophysics

Research Area

Dr. Sahebrao Sonkamble is a leading hydrogeologist specializing in aqueous geochemistry and geo-environmental studies. He holds M.Sc. in Environmental Technology from SRTM University, Nanded (2004), where his early work (Masters thesis) on basalt-granite groundwater research, integrating hydrochemical speciation and DEMs (published in Journal of Hydrology), shaped his interest in aqueous geochemistry. Upon qualifying UGC-NET, he joined the CSIR-NGRI for his doctoral degree regisetered at Osmania University, Hyderabad. His Ph.D research work resolved critical challenges in coastal hydrochemistry focusing on freshwater lenses, seawater intrusion, pollution tracking, irrigation vulnerability, and precision well-design protocols resulting in multiple high-impact SCI publications such as Marine Pollution Bulletin, Environmental Monitoring Assessment, Environmental Earth Sciences.

His research work integrates hydrogeology, hydrochemistry, geo-environmental studies, ground and airborne geophysics comprising multi-electrode resistivity imaging, vertical electrical sounding, ground penetrating radar (GPR), and airborne electromagnetics and isotopic, and vadose zone observations. I have employed tritium as tracer for estimating recharge, neutron moisture probes, double-ring infiltrometers, digital water level recorders, pumping tests, and soil permeability/grain size analyses. This multi-scale toolkit allows me to map individual basaltic flows, basalt-Gondwana contacts, deep-seated saturated fractures, lithological transboundary aquifers, and to translate geophysical signatures into robust hydrogeological models. My field experience spans twenty two R&D and applied science projects in diverse Indian terrains and sub-Saharan Africa, including AQUIM (World Bank) and Saph Pani (European Union), decision support tool (DST) by WWF-India where I integrated ground and airborne geophysics for aquifer mapping and characterization, and enhanced wastewater treatment using NTS models.

Current his research interest includes,

• Groundwater / Hydrogeology: Exploration, assessment, management, pollution, recharge, modelling, decision support tool.
• Geo-technical studies for EIA of sanitary & secure landfill, TSDF sites and other industrial contaminant sites.
• Industrial Pollution: Groundwater contamination, pollution migration, mitigation and MT3D modelling studies.
• Seawater intrusion: Coastal aquifer mapping and management and well development.
• Groundwater recharge: Managed aquifer recharge (MAR), rain water harvesting, Rain Gardens, recharge ponds, and other rainwater harvesting techniques and budgeting.
• Aqueous geochemistry: Hydrochemical evolution and processes, rock-water iteraction, source speciation
• Wetland hydrology and soil aquifer treatment (SAT) for enhanced wastewater treatment
• Hydrochemistry and tracer studies: Major ions & heavy metals chemistry, tritium tracer for estimating recharge, neutron probe moisture measurement
• Soil studies: Vadose zone, permeability, grain size, porosity, moisture, infiltration tests, contaminations

The research expertise has been proven by publications in peer reviewed journals (SCI) such as, Water Research, Journal of Hydrology, Journal of Environmental Management, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Science of the Total Environment, Natural Resources Research, Hydrogeology Journal, Chemosphere, Geophysics, etc.

Looking ahead, his research aims to build a predictive, scalable hydrogeological framework integrating reactive hydrochemistry, geophysical imaging, and aquifer modelling to tackle climate stress, urban wastewater reuse, and groundwater depletion. He is in favour of both field and lab based multi-discplinary research that minimises the error thereby enhancing the precision. He remains committed to translating science into policy relevant tools for safe water and integrated management, and through CSIR Skill India courses, Ph.D. supervision, mentoring Master's and intern students, and capacity building workshops for stakeholders. He believes bridging the gap between scientists, water managers, engineers, farmers and policy makers is the only mode to accomplish the SDG-6 goal through sustainable groundwater management practices.