Skip to Content (Press Enter)

Dr Bithin Datta

Bithin Datta

Senior Lecturer – Civil Engineering

B.Tech. (Hons.) Civil Engineering (IIT Kharagpur, India)

M.Tech. Civil Engineering

Ph.D. Civil Engineering (Purdue University, U.S.A.)

Office:

DD015-114

Phone:

+61 (0)7 4781 4983

Fax:

+61 (0)7 4781 6788

Email:

bithin.datta@jcu.edu.au

Teaching

Research

Specialisation: Water Resources Systems Engineering and Management

  • Surface and Groundwater Management

  • Unknown Groundwater Pollution Source Detection

  • Optimal Monitoring Network Design

  • Optimal management of Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers

  • Optimal Remediation of Contaminated Aquifers

  • Application of Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Water Resources Management

  • Decisions under Uncertainty

  • Real Time Optimal Operation of Reservoir Systems

  • Hydrologic Rainfall-Runoff Modelling

  • Urban Stormwater Management

Recent PhD Thesis Supervision as Sole Supervisor

  • Integrated Multi-objective Management of Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers using Coupled Simulation-optimization and Monitoring Feedback Information (JCU, 2012)

  • Monitoring Network Design and Identification of Unknown Groundwater Pollution Sources using a Feedback Based Linked Simulation-Optimization Methodology (Jointly with Prof. R. Naidu, University of South Australia), 2009.

  • Optimal Monitoring Network Design for Contamination Detection and Sequential Characterization of Contaminant Plumes with feedback Information Using Simulated annealing and Linked Kriging, 2008.

  • Optimal Management and Monitoring of Coastal Aquifers and Other Contaminated Aquifers, 2008

  • Management of Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers Using ANN-GA based Simulation-Optimization Approach, 2004.

  • Identification of Unknown Pollution Sources in Groundwater Using Artificial Neural Networks and Genetic algorithms. 2003

  • Identification of Unknown Groundwater Pollution Sources and Simultaneous Parameter Estimation Using Linked Optimization-Simulation Approach, 2001.

  • Optimal Identification of Groundwater Pollution Sources Using Embedding Technique, 1996.

  • Development of Nonlinear Optimization Based Single And Multiple Objectives Management Models For Transient 3D Density Dependent Seawater Intrusion In Coastal Aquifers, 1996.

  • Nonlinear Optimization For Regional Integrated Management Of Groundwater Pollution And Groundwater Withdrawal, 1995

Current PhD Supervision (JCU)

  • Optimization Based Strategies for Identification of Unknown Contamination Sources in Groundwater Aquifers and its Management (continuing)

  • Optimal monitoring network design and Characterization of Unknown Pollutant Sources for polluted Aquifers in wet tropics (continuing)

Recent Masters Thesis Supervision

Full list of Masters Thesis Supervision

I.I.T. Kanpur, India

  • Optimal Design of Monitoring Network for Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal aquifers using Genetic Algorithm, 2008

  • Real-time optimal operation of multi-reservoir system using ANN and multi-objective GA, 2008.

  • Optimal Monitoring Network Design with Feedback Information for Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifer, 2007

Biography

Dr Bithin Datta completed his B.Tech. (Hons.) degree from the internationally renowned and the premiere Engineering University in India, the I.I.T.s, with First Class Honors, and was a rank holder. He then completed his Masters Degree in Civil Engineering with the first rank in his specialization. He obtained his Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in U.S.A. specializing in Hydraulics and Systems Engineering, with a Major in Water Resources and Minor in Systems Engineering.

He worked in Post-Doctoral Research Positions and as a Research Faculty in a number of reputed Universities in U.S.A, for about 11 years, including University of California, University of Arkansas, and University of Washington, Seattle. He then joined the Civil Engineering Department at IIT Kanpur in India, and advanced to the Position of Professor in 1995. There, he also held the position of Professor and Head of Civil Engineering, and Head of the Environmental Engineering and Management Program for 3 years (Fixed term). He also served as Visiting Professor at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Denmark Technical University, Copenhagen, Denmark: and Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand.

He has guided many Masters Theses and has completed guidance of nine Ph.D. theses in the broad area of Surface and Groundwater Systems modeling and management. He has authored: many peer reviewed technical papers in very reputed international Journals, Book Chapters, and numerous conference papers. He is also internationally well known for his pioneering research work on Optimal Identification of Unknown Pollution Sources in Groundwater Systems, Development of Strategies for Management and Remediation of Coastal Aquifers Contaminated by Saltwater Intrusion, and also Optimal Monitoring Network Design for Detection of Pollution. Also, he was one of the earliest researchers who developed methodologies incorporating reliability measures and stochastic optimization models for Planning and Real-Time operation of reservoir systems.

At JCU he lead a team of researchers (post doc and Ph.D. students) in a very large project funded by CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (University of South Australia), entitled: Monitoring Network Design and Identification of Contamination Sources in Groundwater Aquifers. He also served as a member of the Mount Oxide Expert Committee on the contaminated mine Site remediation, and is involved with the modeling the flow and contaminant transport processes in such sites. He has served as a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Technical Committee on Water Resources Systems; served as a member in the high power committee for clearance of large scale river basin projects in India; and also served as an Expert in World Bank funded projects in Water Resources Area.

Recent Book Chapter

Datta, B., &Dhar, A. (2011). Density Dependent Flows, Saltwater intrusion and Management (Ch 10),in: Groundwater Quantity and Quality Management, published by American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), (eds.: Aral, M.M.,& Taylor, S.W.) .

Peer Reviewed Journal Publications

  1. Jha, M., & Datta,B. (2012). Three dimensional groundwater contamination source identification using adaptive simulated annealing, to appear in: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering (A SCE), doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000624.

  2. Chadalavada, S., Datta, B. & Naidu, R. (2012). Optimal groundwater pollution sources identification using feedback monitoring information: A case study,Environmental Forensics, (to appear in Vol. 13),DOI:10.1080/15275922.2012.676147.

  3. Sreekanth,J. &Datta, B.(2012). Comment on “Artificial neural network model as a potential alternative for groundwater salinity forecasting” by Pallavi . Banerjee et. al., Journal of Hydrology, 420-421.

  4. Datta, B., Chakrabarty, D., & Dhar, A. (2011). Identification of unknown groundwater pollution sources using classical optimization with linked simulation, Journal of Hydro-Environment Research, 5(1), 25-36.

  5. Sreekanth, J., & Datta, B. (2011). Coupled simulation-optimization model for coastal aquifer management using genetic programming-based ensemble surrogate models and multiple-realization optimization, Water Resources Research, 47 (4), W04516, doi: 10.1029/2010WR009683.

  6. Chadalavada, S., Datta, B., and Naidu, R. (2011). Optimization approach for pollution source identification in groundwater: an overview, International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, Vol. 8 (1-2), 40-61.

  7. Chadalavada, S., Datta, B., &Naidu, R. (2011). Optimisation approach for pollution source identification in groundwater: An overview. International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 8(1-2), 40-61.

  8. Chadalavada, S., Datta, B., & Naidu, R. (2011). Uncertainty based optimal monitoring network design for a chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminated site,Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 173(1-4), 929-940.

  9. Jha, M., and Datta, B. (2011). Simulated annealing based simulation-optimization approach for identification of unknown contaminant sources in groundwater aquifers, Desalination and Water Treatment, Volume 32 (2011) 79-85.

  10. Sreekanth J., and Datta, B. (2011). Optimal combined operation of production and barrier wells for the control of saltwater intrusion in coastal groundwater well fields, Desalination and Water Treatment, Volume 32 (2011) 72-78.

  11. Sreekanth, J., and Datta, B. (2011). Comparative evaluation of Genetic Programming and Neural Network as potential Surrogate Models for Coastal aquifer Management, Water Reources Management, DOI 10.1007/ s11269-011-9852-8.

  12. Sreekanth, J., and Datta, B. (2011). Artificial intelligence based models for the optimal and sustainable use of groundwater in coastal aquifers, Journal of Advances in Geosciences, Journal of Advances in Geosciences, Volume 23: Hydrological Sciences (HS), pp. 211 – 222.

  13. Sreekanth, J., andDatta, B. (2010). Multi-objective management of saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers using genetic programming and modular neural network based surrogate models, Journal of Hydrology, 393 (3-4), 245-256.

  14. Dhar, A., and Datta,Bithin, (2009).Saltwater intrusion management of coastal aquifers-I: linked simulation-optimization, Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, ASCE, Vol 14 (12), 1263-1272.

  15. Bhattacharjya, R.K., &Datta,Bithin, (2009).ANN-GA Based Multiple Objective Management of Coastal Aquifers, Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, ASCE, 135 (5). pp. 314-322.

  16. Bhattacharjya, R. K., Datta, B., and Satish, Mysore, G. (2009). Artificial Neural Network Model for Simulating Saltwater Intrusion Process in Coastal Aquifers with Noisy Training Data, KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 13(3), 205-215.

  17. Dhar, A. andDatta, B. (2009). “Global Optimal Design of Ground Water Monitoring Network Using Embedded Kriging, Ground Water, Vol 47(6) 806-815.

  18. Datta, B., Chakrabarty, D.,and A. Dhar(2009). Simultaneous identification of unknown groundwater pollution sources and estimation of aquifer parameters, Journal of Hydrology,376 (1-2). pp. 48-57

  19. Dhar, A.,and Datta, B. (2009).Logic based design Of groundwater monitoringnetwork for redundancy reduction,Journal of Water Resources Planningand Management (ASCE), Vol 136 (1), 88-94.

  20. Datta, Bithin, Chakrabarti, D., & Dhar, A. )2008). Optimal Dynamic Monitoring Network Design and Identification of Unknown Groundwater Pollution Sources , Water Resources Management, DOI: 0.1007/s11269-008-9368-z, 2008.

  21. Datta, B., Chakrabarti, D., and Dhar, A. (2008), Optimal Dynamic Monitoring Network Design and Identification of Unknown Groundwater Pollution Sources , Water Resources Management, DOI: 0.1007/s11269-008-9368-z.

  22. Dhar, A. and Datta, B. (2007). Dynamic MonitoringNetworks forDetection of Groundwater Pollution, Journal of Water Resources Plang and Mgmt, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 133(4),329-338.

  23. Bhattacharya, R. K., Datta, B., and Satish, M. G.(2007). Artificial Neural Networks Approximation of Density Dependent Saltwater Intrusion Process in Coastal Aquifers”, Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE),12(3), 273-282.

  24. Singh, R.M., and Datta, B., (2007). Artificial neural network modeling for identification of unknown pollution sources in groundwater with partially missing concentration observation data”, Water Resources Management, 21(3), 557-572.

  25. Dhar, A., and Datta, B.(2007). Optimal operation of reservoirs for downstream water quality control using linked simulation optimization, Hydrological Processes, DOI: 10.1002/hyp.6651.

  26. Sreenivasulu, C., and Datta, B. (2007).Dynamic optimal monitoring network design for transient transport of pollutants in groundwater aquifers, Water Resources Management, DOI: 10.1007/s11269-007-9184-x.

  27. Singh, R.M., and Datta, B. (2006). Identification of groundwater pollution sources using GA based linked simulation optimization, Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE),Vol. 11, No.2, 101-109.

  28. Dhar, A. and Datta, Bithin. (2007). Dynamic MonitoringNetworks forDetection of Groundwater Pollution, Journal of WaterResources Plang and Mgmt, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 133(4), 329-338, 2007.

  29. Bhattacharya, R. K., Datta,B. & Satish,M.G.(2007). Artificial Neural Networks Approximation of Density Dependent Saltwater Intrusion Process in Coastal Aquifers, Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE),12(3), 273-282.

  30. Singh, R.M., and Datta, Bithin (2007). Artificial neural network modeling for identification of unknown pollution sources in groundwater with partially missing concentration observation data, Water Resources Management, 21(3), 557-572.

  31. Dhar, A., and Datta, Bithin. (2007) “Optimal operation of reservoirs for downstream water quality control using linked simulation optimization”, Hydrological Processes, DOI: 10.1002/hyp.6651.

  32. Sreenivasulu, C., and Datta, B. (2007). Dynamic optimal monitoring network design for transient transport of pollutants in groundwater aquifers, Water Resources Management, DOI: 10.1007/s11269-007-9184-x.

  33. Singh, R.M., and Datta, B. (2006). Identification of groundwater pollutionsources using GAbased linked simulation optimization, Journal ofHydrologic Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE),Vol. 11, No.2, 101-109.

  34. Bhattacharya, R. K. andDatta, B. (2005). Optimal Management of Coastal Aquifers Using Linked Simulation Optimization Approach,Water Resources Management, Vol 19, 295-320.

  35. Singh, R.M. and Datta B. (2004). Groundwater pollution source identification and simultaneous parameter estimation using pattern matching by artificial neural network, EnvironmentalForensics, Vol.5,No.3,143-159,2004.

  36. Singh, R.M. and DattaB.and Jain, A. (2004). Identification of Unknown groundwater pollution sources using artificial neural networks, Journal of Water Resources Planningand Mgmt, ASCE, Vol.130,No.6,506-514.

  37. Datta, B. (2002).Discussion on: Identification of Contaminant Source Location and Release History in Aquifers, by M. M. Aral, J. Guam, and M. L. Maslia”, Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, ASCE, 7(5), 399-400.

  38. Keshari, A. K., and Datta, B. (2002). A Combined Use of Direct Search and Exterior Penalty Function Method for Groundwater Pollution Management, Journal of Porous Media, 4(3), 259-270.

  39. Mahar P.S., and Datta, B. (2001). Optimal Identification of Groundwater Pollution Sources and Parameter Estimation, Journal of water Resources Planning and Management, ASCE, 127(1), 20-29.

  40. Das, A. and Datta, B. (2000). Optimization Based Solution of Density Dependent Seawater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers, Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, ASCE, Jan, 5(1).

  41. Ramesh, R., Datta, B.,Bhallamudi,S.M., & Narayana A. (2000). Optimal Estimation of Roughness in Open-Channel Flows, (T.N.),Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, ASCE,126(4).

  42. Das, A. and Datta, B. (2000). Simulation of Transient Sea Water Intrusion in CoastalAquifers Using Optimization Technique, Institution of Engineers (India) Journal, Vol.81.

  43. Mahar, P.S. and Datta, B. (2000). Identification of Pollution Sources in Transient Groundwater Systems. Water Resources Management, 14(3):209-227.

  44. Das, A. and Datta, B. (1999). Development of Multiobjective Management Models for Coastal Aquifers, Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, ASCE, Mar-Apr, 125(2).

  45. Das, A. and Datta, B. (1999). Development of Management Models for Sustainable Use of Coastal Aquifers, Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, ASCE, May-Jun, 125(3).

  46. Mahar P.S. and Datta, Bithin (1997). Optimal Monitoring Network and Groundwater Pollution Source Identification, Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, ASCE, Jul-Aug, 123(4).

  47. Datta, Bithin and Dhiman, S.D.(1996). Chance Constrained Optimal Monitoring Network Design for Pollutants in Groundwater, Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, ASCE, May-June.

  48. Keshari, A.K. andDatta, Bithin (1996). Multiobjective Management of a Contaminated Aquifer for Agricultural use,Water Resources Management, Vol. 10.

  49. Keshari, A.K. andDatta, Bithin (1995). Integrated Optimal Management of Groundwater Pollution and Withdrawal, Groundwater, September 1995.

  50. Datta, Bithin (1993). Operation Model for Single and Multipurpose Reservoirs – A Review (Invited Paper,Jalvygyan Samicksha (Review of Water Science)(INCH), Vol. VIII, No.1.

  51. Banerjee, S. and Datta, B. (1991). Reliability Analysis of Thaw Induced Pore Pressure”, Journal of Cold Region Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 5, No.3.

  52. Peralta, R.C. and Datta, Bithin (1990). Reconnaissance Level Alternative Optimal Groundwater use Strategies, Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, American Society of Civil Engineers, (ASCE), September/ October issue.

  53. Datta, Bithin and Peralta, Richard C. (1986) Interactive Computer Graphics Based Multiobjective Decision Making for Regional Groundwater Management, Agricultural Water Management,Vol. 11.

  54. Datta, Bithin and Peralta, R.C. (1986). Optimal Modification of Regional Potentiometric Surface Design for Groundwater Contaminant Containment”, Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 29 (6) 1611-1623.

  55. Datta, Bithin and Houck,MarkH. (1985). Transfer of Optimization Techniques from Water Reservoirs to National Grain Reservoir Systems; Issues in Economic Modeling”, Civil Engineering Systems, Vol. 2.

  56. Datta, Bithin and Lettenmaier,DennisP. (1995). A Non-Linear Time Variant Constrained Model for Rainfall-Runoff, Journal of Hydrology, (77).

  57. Datta, Bithin and Stephen J. Burges. (1984). Short- Term single, Multi-purpose Reservoir Operation: Importance of Loss Functions and Forecast Errors, Water Resources Research,20(9).

  58. Datta, Bithin and Houck, Mark H. (1984). A Stochastic Optimization Model for Real – Time Operation of Reservoirs Incorporating Forecast Errors”, Water Resources Research, 20 (8).

  59. Houck, Mark H. and Datta, Bithin (1981). Performance Evaluation Of A Stochastic Optimization Model For Reservoir Design And Management With Explicit Reliability Criteria”, Water Resources Research, 17 (4).