Dr. Nyambane Clive Ontita | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award
Central South University, China
Profiles
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Nyambane Clive Ontita began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Education (Biology/Agriculture) from Bugema University in Uganda. Driven by a passion for microbiology and environmental science, he pursued a Master of Science in Microbiology at Kenyatta University in Kenya. He later advanced to doctoral studies at Central South University in China, where he has focused his research on microbe–mineral interactions, biological resource recovery, and bioelectrochemical systems. His educational background reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied microbiology, aligning with his career-long commitment to solving environmental problems through scientific innovation.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Ontita has held several academic positions, serving as a Part-time Lecturer in microbiology at Kisii University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). In these roles, he taught microbiology and environmental physiology, guiding students through hands-on laboratory training and research supervision. His teaching was complemented by work at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he conducted clinical microbiology research involving microbial ecology and antibiotic resistance profiling. These positions allowed him to bridge academia and applied science in service of both education and community health.
Contributions and Research Focus
At Central South University, Dr. Ontita has worked as a Doctoral Researcher in the lab of Prof. Weimin Zeng, contributing significantly to the development of microbial electrochemical systems (BES) for the recovery of rare earth elements and wastewater treatment. He has successfully engineered BES reactors to remove and recover Ce(III), La(III), Y(III), and Gd(III) from industrial and mining effluents. His research integrates microbial community analysis, reactor design, and surface chemistry to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of metal recovery processes. His additional focus on biofilm dynamics, metal resistance, and mine waste biostabilization illustrates his comprehensive approach to sustainable environmental solutions.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Ontita’s work aligns with global efforts to address industrial pollution, metal toxicity, and sustainable resource use. His BES systems provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to traditional chemical treatments. Internationally recognized for his innovation, he has been honored with awards such as Best Research Student and Best Group Presenter at Central South University. He has also contributed to international discussions on sustainability through forums and training programs on carbon neutrality and green development, positioning him as an influential voice in environmental microbiology and bioengineering.
Academic Citations and Publications
Dr. Ontita is the author of several high-impact publications in journals such as Journal of Hazardous Materials, Journal of Water Process Engineering, Bioresource Technology, and Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. His articles focus on anode optimization, microbial stress responses, substrate enhancement, and metal recovery mechanisms in BES systems. These works are frequently cited in research on bioelectrochemical technologies, making him a valued contributor to the academic and scientific communities engaged in wastewater treatment, metal biorecovery, and microbial electrochemistry.
Technical Skills
Dr. Ontita brings a diverse skill set that includes:
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Molecular Biology: DNA extraction, 16S rRNA sequencing, qPCR
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Instrumentation and Surface Analysis: XPS, FTIR, SEM, XRD, ICP-OES
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Process Engineering: BES reactor design, pollutant degradation kinetics, resource recovery system development
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Data Analysis Tools: OriginLab, SPSS, GraphPad Prism, PICRUSt for microbial pathway prediction
These skills enable him to independently manage interdisciplinary research projects from design through to data interpretation.
Teaching Experience
Dr. Ontita’s teaching experience spans undergraduate and postgraduate instruction. At Kisii University and JKUAT, he delivered lectures in medical microbiology, general microbiology, and environmental physiology. He designed and supervised laboratory exercises, focusing on microbial culturing, contaminant analysis, and molecular techniques. His efforts in mentorship and academic supervision reflect his commitment to nurturing future scientists, especially in underrepresented regions.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Ontita aims to advance microbial technologies for sustainable industrial applications. His future plans include the scaling of BES reactors for real-world deployment in wastewater treatment and the conversion of mining residues into reusable materials. He is committed to promoting bio-based environmental engineering across academic, industrial, and governmental sectors, and actively supports the development of African scientific capacity through mentorship and collaboration. His legacy lies in his dedication to innovation, sustainability, and education through microbiology.
Notable Publications
Insights into anode substrate optimization in bioelectrochemical systems for efficient cathodic lanthanum recovery during wastewater treatment
Authors: NC Ontita, EK Sarkodie, R Anaman, TY Hui, W Zeng
Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering, 66, 106003
Year: 2024
Electrochemically active biofilms responses to gadolinium stress during wastewater treatment in bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: NC Ontita, R Anaman, EK Sarkodie, Y Wang, AH Bichi, X Shanshan, …
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials, 491, 137941
Year: 2025
Isolation and Whole-genome analysis of Desmodesmus sp. SZ-1: Novel acid-tolerant carbon-fixing microalga
Authors: Y Wang, A Liu, C Amanze, NC Ontita, W Zeng
Journal: Bioresource Technology, 414, 131572
Year: 2024
Prevalence and susceptibility profiles of bacterial pathogens associated with urinary tract infections in children presenting at Kisii level 5 hospital, Kisii County, Kenya
Author: OC Nyambane
Institution/Publisher: Kenyatta University
Year: 2015
Mechanistic Insights into Biphasic Effects of Ce (III) on Anode Biofilms in Bioelectrochemical Systems during Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Authors: NC Ontita, C Amanze, R Anaman, X Shanshan, F Kwofie, PA Tetteh, …
Journal: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 236 (8), 1–25
Year: 2025