Md. Tushar Ali | Environmental Chemistry | Young Scientist Award -1966

Mr. Md. Tushar Ali | Environmental Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Md. Tushar Ali began his academic journey in Civil Engineering at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Bangladesh, majoring in Structural Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering. From January 2019 to March 2024, he maintained a strong academic record, graduating with a CGPA of 3.47 out of 4.00, peaking at an impressive 3.94 in a single term. His undergraduate foundation laid a solid groundwork in structural systems, sustainability, and environmental dynamics, which became the springboard for his transition into multidisciplinary research. Early exposure to complex environmental problems inspired Tushar to explore intersections between engineering, atmospheric science, and ecological resilience.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently, Tushar serves as a Research Assistant in the SCIP Plastics Project—an international collaboration between KUET and Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, funded by the German Government. In this role, he engages in diverse tasks ranging from field surveys and lab analyses to advanced modeling and scientific reporting. His work focuses on real-world issues like landfill gas emissions, plastic pollution, and ecological risk assessments. Tushar applies sophisticated tools such as MATLAB, Fuzzy Logic systems, and statistical modeling to analyze landfill impacts. In parallel, he contributes to atmospheric research alongside Dr. Towfiqul Islam and Dr. Hamidul Bari, exploring urban air quality, greenhouse gas trends, and climate behavior through satellite remote sensing and analytical models like PCA and GAM. His dual involvement in waste and climate research marks him as a rare multidisciplinary asset.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Tushar’s research contributions span across several pivotal areas in environmental science and engineering. His field measurements of landfill gases across various waste compositions and seasons offer critical insights into emission patterns. He has developed environmental risk models integrating PCA, DEA, and Fuzzy Logic in MATLAB, enhancing the precision of hazard prediction. His research also explores how plastics escape from landfills via wind, floods, and human interaction, supporting data-driven plastic waste mitigation strategies. A noteworthy technical endeavor includes using LiDAR drone-based Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) to estimate landfill capacity and predict operational lifespan. Furthermore, his satellite-based work investigates air pollution trends, GHG dynamics, and meteorological variables before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Tushar has also delved into Atmospheric River (AR) behavior using ERA5 and GrADS, highlighting links between rainfall surges and atmospheric circulation. His seasonal studies on GHG trends and their interaction with urban heat island effects demonstrate a mature understanding of urban climate interactions.

🌱 Undergraduate Research Highlights

Even during his undergraduate years, Tushar was deeply involved in both computational and experimental research. He carried out comparative studies on the thermal performance of traditional vs. pervious concrete pavements using embedded thermocouples, which later resulted in a Q2 journal publication. He further explored the mechanical and thermal behavior of pervious concrete systems and studied cement grout behavior under temperature variations—research that he presented at a national conference. Additionally, his work on using recycled aggregates in sustainable construction is currently under review in a prestigious Q1 journal. These early achievements reflect his commitment to sustainability and innovative material use in civil engineering.

💡 Impact and Influence

Tushar’s interdisciplinary approach enables him to address critical environmental challenges in both urban and rural contexts. His work provides valuable data for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental scientists tackling the pressing issues of waste management, air quality, and climate adaptation. Through high-impact research and modeling, Tushar is influencing conversations around landfill safety, urban emissions, and infrastructure planning. His Bangladesh-centered studies are equally relevant to other rapidly urbanizing regions across the globe. By combining engineering rigor with environmental awareness, he serves as a bridge between academia and real-world climate solutions.

📚 Academic Recognition and Publications

Md. Tushar Ali has published several journal articles and conference papers in Q1 and Q2 indexed journals—an impressive achievement for a researcher at this early stage. His work in landfill gas modeling, satellite climate analytics, and sustainable construction materials has already been recognized in professional and academic forums. Several of his studies are under peer review, indicating a consistent research pipeline. His early academic and research excellence positions him as a rising star in environmental engineering and climate science.

🧠 Technical Skills

Tushar possesses a wide-ranging technical skillset that enhances his research versatility. In programming and modeling, he is proficient in MATLAB, Python, and Google Earth Engine. His mapping and remote sensing capabilities include ArcGIS, GrADS, and satellite image analysis. From a civil engineering perspective, he is skilled in ETABS and AutoCAD for structural modeling. He also excels in data visualization and analysis using OriginPro, Microsoft Excel, and scientific presentation tools such as MS Word and PowerPoint.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

Though not formally appointed as an instructor, Tushar has played an active mentorship role within his academic and research teams. He has guided junior peers in lab experiments, environmental modeling, software tools, and research methodologies. His collaborative style and ability to simplify complex tools have made him an informal but impactful mentor, laying the groundwork for future academic leadership and teaching roles.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Md. Tushar Ali is crafting a legacy built on research excellence, cross-disciplinary integration, and commitment to solving real-world environmental problems. His work in landfill management, urban climate studies, and sustainable construction is already contributing to both national and global sustainability goals. As he moves forward, Tushar aims to expand his impact through international collaboration, higher academic pursuits, and climate policy engagement. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, he is well-positioned to become a key figure in shaping resilient and sustainable environmental infrastructures for the future.

📖Notable Publications

  • mpact of brick dust addition on the physical and mechanical performance of pervious concrete
    Authors: Md. Tushar Ali; Muhammad Harunur Rashid
    Journal: Innovative Infrastructure Solutions
    Year: 2025

  • Environmental risks of plastic losses from landfills: A comparative study of divisional cities in Bangladesh
    Authors: Md. Tushar Ali; Islam M. Rafizul
    Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances
    Year: 2024

  • Dynamics of atmospheric emissions and meteorological variables in Bangladesh from pre-to post-COVID-19 lockdown
    Authors: Md. Tushar Ali; Islam M. Rafizul; Quazi Hamidul Bari
    Journal: Heliyon
    Year: 2024

  • The effects of coarser sand addition on thermal properties of pervious concrete
    Authors: Md. Tushar Ali; Muhammad Harunur Rashid
    Journal: Innovative Infrastructure Solutions
    Year: 2024

 

Makarand Ghangrekar | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Makarand Ghangrekar | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Technology Puducherry, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Makarand Ghangrekar’s academic foundation in civil and environmental engineering has been both distinguished and impactful. He earned his B.E. in Civil Engineering (with Distinction) from the Government College of Engineering, Karad, Maharashtra, in 1989. With a growing interest in environmental sustainability, he pursued a M.Tech. in Environmental Engineering from VNIT (then Visvesvaraya Regional College of Engineering), Nagpur, completing it in 1992. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in January 1998, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to water and wastewater management research.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

With over 33 years of research experience, Prof. Ghangrekar has served in pivotal academic and research roles. He is currently affiliated with the National Institute of Technology Puducherry, where he continues to mentor students, guide doctoral research, and lead innovations in environmental engineering. Notably, he was the first Indian researcher to initiate studies in microbial fuel cells (MFCs)—a cutting-edge domain in bioelectrochemistry focusing on simultaneous wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Ghangrekar has made foundational contributions in environmental biotechnology and sustainable water treatment. His work on Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactors includes advancements in their design, operation, and maintenance, as well as in granulation and startup techniques. He has also been instrumental in developing low-cost sewage treatment methods using high-rate anaerobic technologies, such as anaerobic filters and baffled reactors. His research portfolio extends to microbial fuel cells, bio-energy recovery, desalination, and reuse of treated wastewater, all contributing significantly to decentralized and sustainable sanitation systems.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Prof. Ghangrekar’s impact transcends academic boundaries. As a pioneer in bioelectrochemical systems in India, he has shaped national dialogue on wastewater reuse, energy recovery, and cost-effective water treatment. His expertise has influenced public policy, industrial practices, and academic curricula. By integrating engineering with ecological and socio-economic considerations, he has fostered interdisciplinary approaches to solving real-world environmental challenges.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

Though specific citation data is not included here, Prof. Ghangrekar’s pioneering status and three-decade-long contributions suggest a significant academic footprint. His early adoption and promotion of microbial fuel cell research in India, alongside publications and collaborations, have positioned him as a highly respected figure in environmental and civil engineering communities.

🛠️ Technical Skills and Research Expertise

Prof. Ghangrekar is equipped with an exceptional array of technical competencies:

  • Design and operation of UASB and anaerobic treatment systems

  • Microbial fuel cell technology for electricity generation from waste

  • Wastewater desalination techniques

  • Integration of anaerobic-aerobic package systems for decentralized sewage treatment

  • Systems for treated wastewater reuse and public water supply optimization

His practical research has resulted in real-world applications, especially in low-income or rural areas where resource-efficient treatment systems are essential.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

Throughout his academic tenure, Prof. Ghangrekar has been a guiding force for students, researchers, and young professionals. His mentorship has been critical in producing new leaders in environmental engineering. He is known for blending rigorous theoretical instruction with hands-on experimentation, especially in designing bio-treatment systems and evaluating their socio-technical impact.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

As an innovator, educator, and policy influencer, Prof. Makarand Ghangrekar leaves a lasting legacy in India’s environmental engineering landscape. His commitment to sustainable wastewater treatment, bioenergy recovery, and reuse technologies continues to inspire the next generation of scientists. Looking forward, his research is poised to contribute to smart city infrastructure, eco-sanitation models, and carbon-neutral wastewater systems, ensuring cleaner, energy-efficient, and resilient urban and rural water management for the future.

📖Notable Publications

Performance evaluation of hybrid electrochemical oxidation and ultraviolet light-based persulfate process for the abatement of sodium dodecyl sulfate from wastewater
Authors: A. Ahmad, M. Priyadarshini, M.M. Ghangrekar, R.Y. Surampalli
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year: 2025

3D g‑C₃N₄/WS₂/Agarose Aerogel Photocatalyst for Near-Complete Degradation of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics in Batch and Continuous Flow Modes
Authors: M.V.L. Gnanaguru, D. Dey, M.M. Ghangrekar, R.K. Sen, S. Chowdhury
Journal: ACS ES&T Engineering
Year: 2025

Catalysing holistic wastewater treatment, electricity generation, and emerging contaminant removal in a pre-pilot Fenton-microbial fuel cell
Authors: A. Dhanda, L.P. Thulluru, R. Raj, B.K. Dubey, M.M. Ghangrekar
Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Year: 2025

Improving algae-assisted bioelectrochemical system with the integration of advanced cell disruption process for lipid recovery: A mini-review
Authors: A. Tripathi, S. Das, M.M. Ghangrekar, B.K. Dubey
Journal: [No source information available]
Year: 2025

Sulfonated titanium nanotubes-modified clayware membranes for enhanced performance and cost-effective microbial fuel cell applications
Authors: A. Dhanda, L.P. Thulluru, S. Chowdhury, B.K. Dubey, M.M. Ghangrekar
Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Year: 2025