David Polya

Professor David Polya is a Professor of Environmental Geochemistry at the University of Manchester's Earth and Environmental Sciences department. He specializes in hydrogeochemistry, mineral deposits, and environmental analytical geochemistry, with a focus on arsenic contamination in groundwater systems. His research spans global regions, including South Asia and Cambodia, addressing water security and public health challenges.

Education: BSc (Hons) from the University of Tasmania (1982), PhD from the University of Manchester (1987). His career includes roles as Head of the Manchester Analytical Geochemistry Unit and Associate Director of the Williamson Research Centre. He currently serves as FSE Associate Dean for Internationalization.

Research highlights include leading projects like the UK-India FAR-GANGA initiative and the EU-funded AquaTRAIN network. His work integrates field, lab, and theoretical studies to understand arsenic mobilization mechanisms, groundwater remediation, and geochemical tracers.

Key grants include NERC-funded studies on arsenic hazards in Himalayan aquifers and collaborations with international institutions. He has published over 140 articles and serves on editorial boards for journals like Applied Geochemistry and Water.

Awards include recognition for societal impact on arsenic contamination mitigation and educational innovation. His research contributes to UN SDGs related to clean water and environmental sustainability.