Sarad Pathak
I measure what is in Kathmandu's water, and help make it safer to drink.
Research Associate at the Center of Research for Environment, Energy and Water (CREEW). Since 2013 I have worked on water chemistry, sampling, laboratory analysis and water treatment systems, in projects with partners in Japan, Austria and Nepal.
Work experience
- March 2018 – present
Research Associate
Water treatment systems, water chemistry, sampling, analysis and lab management at CREEW, Kathmandu.
- August 2013 – March 2018
Research Assistant / Lab Technician
Water chemistry, sampling, analysis and lab handling at CREEW.
- June – July 2013
Undergraduate Intern
First placement at CREEW, Kathmandu.
Research projects
- Nov 2021 – May 2023
Wastewater Management Master Plan, Pokhara Metropolitan City
Water quality analyst and surveyor for rivers, lake, drainage and dumping site. Implemented by Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd., Japan.
- Oct 2020 – Jan 2021
Accelerating Social Implementation for SDGs Achievement (aXis)
Water quality analyst and treatment system operator. Led by ICRE, University of Yamanashi; funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
- June 2018 – April 2022
Stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in Kathmandu Valley water supply
Water quality analyst and surveyor. Implemented by CREEW; funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
- May 2014 – Oct 2019
Hydro-Microbiological Approach for Water Security in Kathmandu Valley
Water quality analyst and treatment system operator. SATREPS program of JICA and JST, with University of Yamanashi and Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University.
- April 2016 – March 2018
Water quality and community resilience after the 2015 earthquake
Water quality analyst and survey facilitator. Project of the Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF), Japan.
- April – August 2015
Pokhara Water Supply Improvement, preparatory survey
Analyst and survey facilitator, with NJS Consultant Co. Ltd.; donor JICA.
- May 2015
Drinking water assessment after the April 25 earthquake
Chemical and microbiological field assessment in five severely damaged areas in and around Kathmandu Valley.
- June 2013 – July 2014
River water – groundwater interaction, Bagmati and Bishnumati corridors
Analyst and surveyor on a CREEW-led study supported by ICRE, University of Yamanashi.
What I do
- Water quality analysis
- Field sampling and surveys
- Laboratory management
- Water treatment system operation
- Isotope studies
- Training and instruction
Education and training
M.Sc. Physical Chemistry
Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan University · 2014–2016
3.35 / 4, First Division
B.Sc. Chemistry
Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan University · 2009–2012
56.36%, Second Division
Proficiency Certificate Level
Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan University · 2007–2009
School Leaving Certificate
Shree Nepal Rastra Secondary School, Syangja · 2006
69.13%, First Division
Chemical analysis methods
Nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, manganese, bicarbonate and COD in drinking water. ICRE, University of Yamanashi, at Institute of Engineering, Lalitpur · Dec 2015
Instructor: water sampling and quality analysis
Tools and techniques, at CREEW · March 2015
Basic computer training
New Infotech Computer Institute, Baghbazar · Jan–Apr 2010
Presentations
Kinetics and adsorption of acid red dye by activated carbon from rice husk
Thesis presentation, Amrit Campus, Kathmandu · Dec 2018
Seasonal water quality monitoring of Bishnumati and Dhobhikhola rivers
Poster, Annapurna Hotel, Kathmandu · March 2018. Earlier version at Hotel Radisson · March 2017
Publications
Tap water quality degradation in an intermittent water supply area
Shakya, Nakamura, Shrestha, Pathak, Nishida, Malla (2022). Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. doi.org/10.1007/s11270-021-05483-8
Understanding the stable isotopic signature in the tap water system of the Kathmandu valley facing intermittent water supply
Shakya, Nakamura, Shrestha, Pathak, Malla (2020). Presented at the AGU Fall Meeting. View abstract