Dr. D'Souza is an accomplished
microbiologist, and an Associate Professor at the Dept. of Microbiology,
Goa University. His research on photosynthetic bacteria has demonstrated
that this bacterial biomass can be successfully used to treat
sewage, grow fish in sewage, as well as control pollution in
water by converting waste into resource. His study of the detrimental
effects of chemical affluent from aquaculture ponds on traditional
fisheries, has resulted in the implementation of stricter guidelines
for the maintenance and spread of aquaculture ponds in the country.
In 1998, his letter to the High Court seeking to restrain the
government's initiative to convert the historical Reis Magos
Fort into a 5-star hotel, was admitted as a writ-petition and
allowed to stand.
In addition to his extensive research on the role of marine-fungi in the deterioration of wood and cellulosic materials, Dr. D'Souza has pioneered the enzymatic methodology to detect pollution in estuaries from residential, commercial and industrial sources. Through the use of specific enzymes, environmental agencies are now able to effectively respond with corrective and punitive measures within hours of the occurrence of such pollution. Dr. D'Souza has further demonstrated that micro-organisms can also be used to convert garbage into biofertilizers, as well as convert solid from mining wastes into a fertile zone suitable for cultivation. Dr. D'Souza has presented his research papers at national and international conventions and symposiums, and his research studies have appeared in scientific journals in India and abroad.