Indian scientists have the potential to develop and adopt new technologies in 'green chemistry' that are less hazardous for the environment. The pharmaceutical sector in the country, has made efforts to take on the concept of 'green chemistry'. The chemical, pharmaceutical and biomedical research organisations will need to work to minimise the impact on the environment and consider efficient use of energy, substitute hazardous materials and look at alternative energy sources, according to Dr. Rajender Verma, senior scientist, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, USA.

Dr. Rajender Verma is in India at the behest of AstraZeneca Research Foundation India for the annual Prof. S Ramaseshan Distinguished Lecture where he spoke on the 'Non-traditional Greener Alternatives to Organic Synthesis.' At a press briefing here he said, "Pollution from the pharma sector is complex and not one method will solve the problem. The issue is of prime importance all over the world as scientists are looking at ways to prevent generation of waste. In this connection, US has incorporated the American Chemical Society with an aim to promote the concept of green chemistry to protect the health and environment while maintaining commercial viability."

Highlighting the microwave energy as an alternative source especially in the context of environment -free solvent approach for the treatment of waste, alkane, decomposition, drug discovery targets for analysis, Dr. Verma said the microwave energy could be used for reactions that can build a library of compounds.

The main concept of green chemistry is to reduce use of solvents and save the environment. This may not be the ultimate green process but one could look at the option of using sunlight as a source to activate a bunch of reactions or use a technology referred to as 'super critical carbon dioxide' to save the environment, he said.

Indian pharmaceutical sector has a high level of awareness on pollution and the industry takes it as a primary responsibility to treat and deactivate effluents that are safe for the environment, noted Dr. Anand Kumar, director, AstraZeneca Research Foundation India.

"Environmental concerns are an integral part of AstraZeneca's operations world wide and in its quest for new drugs, it is imperative that researchers and chemists design processes that are clean and protect environment. Given that India is emerging as a biomedical research destination, the need to adopt non conventional technologies such as microwave energy becomes relevant," added Dr. Anand Kumar.

India has been making a concerted efforts in this area and as a part of the American Chemical Society, India chapter, an International Green chemistry meeting was organised in New Delhi in early 2001 and another workshop-cum-seminar is slated for next year. "The basic aim is to educate the pharma/biotech and health care and industrial sector on the importance of safe environment," said Dr. Rajender Verma.

AstraZeneca Research Foundation India has commenced a dialogue with educational institutions to promote and simply the study of chemistry.

Dr. B R Srinivas, scientist, AstraZeneca Research Foundation India said that efforts were on to entice the students at a young age into chemistry by simplifying the study. The Foundation is also in the process of looking at engineering industries for the development of a reactor where microwave energy is put to use.