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.

13 yearsat CREEW since 2013
10+research projects
M.Sc.Physical Chemistry, TU
2publications

Work experience

  1. March 2018 – present

    Research Associate

    Water treatment systems, water chemistry, sampling, analysis and lab management at CREEW, Kathmandu.

  2. August 2013 – March 2018

    Research Assistant / Lab Technician

    Water chemistry, sampling, analysis and lab handling at CREEW.

  3. June – July 2013

    Undergraduate Intern

    First placement at CREEW, Kathmandu.

Research projects

  1. 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.

  2. 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).

  3. 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).

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. April – August 2015

    Pokhara Water Supply Improvement, preparatory survey

    Analyst and survey facilitator, with NJS Consultant Co. Ltd.; donor JICA.

  7. 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.

  8. 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 Β· 2014–2016

B.Sc. Chemistry

Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan University Β· 2009–2012

Proficiency Certificate Level

Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan University Β· 2007–2009

School Leaving Certificate

Shree Nepal Rastra Secondary School, Syangja Β· 2006

Chemical analysis methods

Nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, manganese, bicarbonate and COD in drinking water. ICRE, University of Yamanashi, at Institute of Engineering, Lalitpur Β· Dec 2015

Instructor: water sampling and quality analysis

Tools and techniques, at CREEW Β· March 2015

Basic computer training

New Infotech Computer Institute, Baghbazar Β· Jan–Apr 2010

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