Assistant Prof., Sathyabama Institute, India
Dr. Atchuthan Purushothaman is a marine scientist specializing in macrobenthic ecology, aquaculture, and molecular diagnostics. He earned his Ph.D. (2015–22) from the National Institute of Oceanography–Goa/Bharathidasan University, investigating macrobenthos across sensitive marine zones in the Gulf of Kachchh. With over a decade of field experience, he’s led benthic-pelagic coupling studies, bathymetric surveys, and Arabian Sea expeditions, deploying customized in situ chambers. He’s credited with the discovery and NCBI sequencing of multiple new polychaete species and advancing polychaete culture technologies. As Co-PI of a MOES-funded bioactive-crab venomics project (₹10 lakh, 2024–25), he integrates environmental assessment, molecular tools, nutritional profiling, algal culturing, and pathogen screening into his interdisciplinary work. Based in Chennai, he collaborates extensively with NIO and ICAR–CIBA. His publication record spans high-impact journals in marine pollution, ecological indicators, cannabinoid science, and aquaculture disease research. Passionate about sustainable coastal ecosystems, Dr. Purushothaman blends taxonomy, aquaculture, and molecular ecology to address ecological and industry-relevant challenges
Professional Profile
🎓 Education
Dr. Purushothaman earned his Ph.D. in Marine Science (2015–22) from Bharathidasan University in partnership with the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Mumbai and Goa University. His dissertation in Goa focused on “Comparative study of macrobenthos of three eco-sensitive areas in the Gulf of Kachchh”, funded by NIO–Mumbai, and centered on assessing abundance, diversity, and distribution of benthic fauna. Earlier, as part of his doctoral research, he investigated macrobenthic community structures in major Indian ports using a benthic-pelagic coupling chamber in Zuari Bay. He also completed a master’s project at NIO–Goa focusing on macrobenthos in ports across India. His academic background provided extensive exposure to field-based ecology, marine taxonomy, and experimental systems. His interdisciplinary training—spanning marine surveying, environmental assessment, molecular barcoding, and aquaculture—forms a strong foundation for his diverse research portfolio.
💼 Experience
Dr. Purushothaman has over 13 years of professional experience in marine science. From 2011 to 2016, he served as a Project Assistant at NIO–Goa, conducting benthic surveys, bathymetry, and field expeditions across the Arabian Sea (e.g., cruise SSK‑2467). During his Ph.D. (2015–22), he deployed experimental setups such as benthic-pelagic coupling chambers at Zuari Bay, monitored port-region macrobenthos, and evaluated seawater and sediment chemistry. He pioneered the laboratory breeding and nutritional profiling of polychaetes (Marphysa madrasi, Perinereis sp., Onuphis ciba) and cultivated live microalgae feeders. He also conducted pathogen screening (WSSV, EHP, IHHNV, AHPND) and histopathology in polychaetes collected along the southern coast of India. As Co-PI of a recent MOES-funded project (2024–25), he’s spearheading venomous crab bioactive compound extraction. His field work includes benthic-pelagic dynamics, port impact assessments, species discovery, and molecular barcoding. Based in Chennai, he actively engages with national research institutes.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Purushothaman’s research agenda integrates marine benthic ecology, molecular diagnostics, aquaculture biotechnology, and environmental toxicology. His core research includes ecological surveys of macrobenthic communities in eco-sensitive and port-impacted coastal zones, deploying benthic-pelagic coupling systems to assess functional ecological links. He investigates environmental drivers—such as nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and sediment organic carbon—in relation to benthic community structure. In aquaculture, he cultivates polychaete worms for shellfish and finfish hatcheries, profiling their nutritional composition and pathogen susceptibility. His molecular work includes barcoding new species through COI and 16S sequencing, pathogen detection (WSSV, EHP, IHHNV, AHPND), and histopathology in marine invertebrates. Recently, he has explored the antiviral potential of cannabidiol in shrimp disease models and is currently extracting venom‑derived bioactive compounds from marine crabs. His multidisciplinary approach tackles marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable aquaculture, and pathogen management, bridging traditional field ecology with molecular and applied aquaculture sciences.
📚 Publication Top Notes
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Gunasekaran S., Purushothaman A.*, and Anju K. (2025). In Silico Assessment of Cannabidiol from Cannabis sativa as an Antiviral Agent Against Key Shrimp Pathogens in Aquaculture. Journal of Fish Diseases, 67, 102361.
Summary: Used molecular docking to evaluate CBD interactions with viral proteins of WSSV, EHP, and IHHNV. Results show strong binding affinities (–5.38 to –6.72 kcal/mol) and favorable safety profiles, suggesting CBD as a promising antiviral agent for shrimp health in.linkedin.comthctotalhealthcare.com+3pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+3onlinelibrary.wiley.com+3.
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Purushothaman A.*, and Anju K. (2025). Unveiling Neurological Benefits: A Review of Hemp Leaf, Flower, Seed Oil Extract, and Their Phytochemical Properties in Neurological Disorders. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 93, 414447.
Summary: Comprehensive review of hemp-derived extracts and their neuroprotective/phytochemical properties. Evaluates potential therapeutic roles in neurological conditions.
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Purushothaman A., Veeramalai G. and Ayyamperumal R.* (2024). Distribution, Ecological Risk Assessment, and Source Identification of Potential Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Muttukadu Backwater Sediments, Southern India. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 78, 103769.
Summary: Analyzed PTE concentrations in sediment cores, identifying contamination hotspots and linking them to anthropogenic sources. Provides actionable insights for ecosystem management.
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Purushothaman P. and Anju K.* (2024). Impact Assessment of Ports and Effluent Discharge on Macrobenthic Communities in Indian Coastal Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Review. Environmental Quality Management, 34, e22341.
Summary: Synthesizes literature on port pollution impacts on macrobenthic fauna, identifying key ecological trends and mitigation strategies.
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Purushothaman P., Desai D.V. and Anil A.C.* (2023). Implications of Benthic Ecological Quality in Structuring Macrobenthos Community in a Tropical Monsoon-Influenced Port, New Mangalore, India. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 187, 114532.
Summary: Empirical study of port-influenced benthic habitats, correlating ecological quality indices with benthic species structure and community health.
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Gardade L., Khandeparker L.*, Desai D.V., Purushothaman P., & Anil A.C. (2021). Fatty Acids as Indicators of Sediment Organic Matter Dynamics in a Monsoon-Influenced Tropical Estuary. Ecological Indicators, 130, 108014.
Summary: Evaluated fatty acid profiles as biomarkers of sedimentary organic matter, revealing monsoonal influences on estuarine benthic food webs.
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Purushothaman P., and Desai D.V.* (2021). A New Species of Kirkegaardia (Annelida: Polychaeta, Cirratulidae) from the Southeast Coast of India. Current Science, 120, 2127–2133.
Summary: Described a novel polychaete species, including morphological details and molecular barcoding, expanding knowledge of regional biodiversity.
🏁 Conclusion
Based on his academic track record, research originality, interdisciplinary contributions, and publication quality, Dr. Atchuthan Purushothaman stands out as a highly deserving candidate for a Best Researcher Award, especially within the domain of marine ecology, aquaculture innovation, and benthic community studies.
While increased international collaboration and demonstrable citation metrics would elevate his profile further, his current achievements strongly justify nomination and recognition, particularly at national or institutional levels.