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

Elena Kayukova | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 05/04/202505/04/2025 by sciencefather

Dr. Elena Kayukova | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Saint Petersburg State University, Russia

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Elena Kayukova began her academic journey with a strong foundation in geology. In 1983, she graduated from Leningrad State University (now St. Petersburg State University) as an engineer and geologist. Her passion for the Earth sciences led her to pursue advanced research, culminating in the award of a Ph.D. in Geology and Mineralogy in 2018. Her academic background laid the groundwork for a lifelong career in hydrogeology and environmental geosciences.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Kayukova’s career spans both industry and academia. From 1984 to 1993, she worked as a geologist at the All-Russia Petroleum Research Exploration Institute (VNIGRI), contributing to national-scale energy and resource exploration. Since 1993, she has been a dedicated academic at St. Petersburg State University, where she has served as a Senior Lecturer and currently holds the title of Associate Professor in the Department of Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology. Her professional roles have allowed her to mentor future geoscientists while continuing her impactful research.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kayukova is a prominent researcher in the fields of hydrogeochemistry, groundwater quality, hydrochemical modeling, and environmental monitoring. Her primary focus areas include the Crimean Peninsula and the St. Petersburg region, where she has conducted extensive studies on mineral waters, salt lakes, mud volcanoes, and isotopic hydrogeology. She closely monitors springs and atmospheric precipitation in Mountainous Crimea, particularly in the Bodrak River basin, examining chemical and isotopic changes that indicate environmental trends and challenges. Her work is vital due to Crimea’s acute freshwater scarcity.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With over 25 years of fieldwork and research, Dr. Kayukova has made significant contributions to the understanding and protection of water resources in environmentally sensitive areas. Her studies on the Kerch Peninsula’s mud volcanoes and salt lakes offer critical insight into geochemical processes, while her groundwater monitoring projects help identify pollution sources and safeguard public health. Her dedication to environmental education and resource sustainability underscores her influence in shaping water policy and management in the region.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

Dr. Kayukova’s research is widely recognized in the academic community, especially for its practical applications in environmental monitoring and water quality assessment. Her scientific publications and collaborations have contributed to the growing body of knowledge in hydrogeology and isotope geochemistry, earning citations that reflect her contributions to solving real-world water issues in geopolitically significant regions like Crimea.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Kayukova is skilled in hydrochemical analysis, environmental monitoring techniques, hydrogeological modeling, and the application of isotope geochemistry. Her technical capabilities also include managing long-term field studies, interpreting hydrological data, and designing environmental education programs. Her multidisciplinary expertise bridges geological sciences with environmental stewardship.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As an Associate Professor at St. Petersburg State University, Dr. Kayukova has mentored numerous students in hydrogeology and environmental geoscience. She has played a pivotal role in developing academic curricula, guiding fieldwork, and fostering scientific inquiry among young scholars. Her teaching emphasizes the practical importance of geological sciences in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Kayukova’s legacy is rooted in her unwavering commitment to protecting freshwater resources through research, education, and community engagement. Her long-standing work in Crimea is not only of academic value but also of profound social and environmental importance. Looking ahead, she aims to expand her studies on groundwater radioactivity and climate-related hydrochemical changes, contributing further to the sustainability of vital water ecosystems.

📖Notable Publications

Clinical case of malignant endometrioid-associated neoplasia of a postoperative scar

Author: E. V. Kayukova
Journal: MD-Onco
Year: 2025

The factors of the low iodine concentration in soil cover and drinking waters of the second ridge of the Mountain Crimea

Authors: Victor Yu. Berezkin, Victor V. Glebov, Elena P. Kayukova
Journal: RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety
Year: 2023

Geological controls and the impact of human society on the composition of peloids of present-day salt lakes (coastal zones of the Black, Azov, and Dead Seas)

Authors: S. Kotov, I. Kotova, E. Kayukova
Journal: Journal of Coastal Conservation
Year: 2019

Characteristics of formation of chemical composition of groundwater of active water exchange zone of the Bodrak catchment area (South-Western Crimea)

Author: Elena Kayukova
Journal: Vestnik Sankt-Peterburgskogo Universiteta, Seriya 7. Geologiya i Geografiya
Year: 2017

The impact of environmental and anthropogenic factors on composition of peloids in modern salt lakes

Authors: I.K. Kotova, S.R. Kotov, E.P. Kayukova, L.V. Mordukhai-Boltovskaya
Journal: Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University. Earth Sciences
Year: 2017

Obinna Chigoziem Akakuru | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 19/03/202519/03/2025 by sciencefather

Assist. Prof. Dr. Obinna Chigoziem Akakuru | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Technology – Owerri, Nigeria

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Assist. Prof. Dr. Obinna Chigoziem Akakuru began his academic journey with a strong foundation in the geosciences, focusing on hydrogeology and hydrology during his formative years. His early academic success was marked by securing the prestigious TETFund Full Ph.D. Scholarship in 2014, enabling him to pursue advanced research in groundwater systems and environmental studies. His commitment to academic excellence was further reinforced through the Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Grant for Ph.D. studies (2015), which supported his doctoral research in hydrogeochemistry and water resource management.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Federal University of Technology – Owerri, Nigeria, Dr. Akakuru has established himself as a key figure in the geosciences community. His role involves conducting cutting-edge research, mentoring students, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in water resources and environmental sustainability. His professional career is also marked by collaborations on national and international projects, emphasizing hydrogeological modeling, pollution assessment, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in solving complex environmental problems.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Akakuru’s research portfolio is interdisciplinary, bridging hydrogeology, hydrology, hydrogeochemistry, and pollution modeling with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. His work addresses pressing issues such as sustainable groundwater management, environmental contamination, and geostatistical modeling for optimal resource utilization. He is particularly renowned for his contributions to groundwater exploitation and management in southeastern Nigeria, a project that secured him a $63,000 grant from the TETFund National Research Fund (2023).

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Akakuru’s research has far-reaching impacts, particularly in regions facing water scarcity and environmental degradation. His models for pollution control and petroleum geology have informed both academic discussions and policy-making decisions. By integrating AI and machine learning techniques into geoscience applications, he has introduced innovative methodologies for groundwater modeling, water quality prediction, and environmental risk assessment, positioning himself as a forward-thinking scholar in the global geoscience community.

📚 Academic Citations

With numerous peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Akakuru’s research is widely cited in hydrogeology, environmental science, and geoinformatics literature. His work is contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable water resource management and pollution modeling, making significant academic contributions to both theoretical and applied research domains.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Akakuru possesses a diverse technical skill set, including hydrogeological mapping, geostatistical analysis, AI/ML-based environmental modeling, and pollution risk assessment. His expertise extends to the application of software tools for spatial analysis and modeling, such as GIS platforms, statistical software, and machine learning frameworks, enabling data-driven insights into environmental processes.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Akakuru is actively involved in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students in areas such as hydrogeology, water resources management, geostatistics, and environmental science. His pedagogical approach emphasizes critical thinking, research-based learning, and the practical application of geoscientific principles. Many of his students have gone on to make notable contributions in academia and the water resources industry.

🏆 Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Akakuru’s dedication to research excellence has earned him prestigious awards and funding, including the NCIPC Grant (2024) valued at $125,000 annually for five years, for his role in the Fairfield Heritage Prevention Coalition. These recognitions underscore his commitment to community-centered research and public health initiatives.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Akakuru aims to expand his research on climate-resilient groundwater management, AI-powered hydrogeological modeling, and environmental pollution mitigation strategies. He aspires to influence water policy formulation and environmental sustainability practices both in Nigeria and globally. Through his academic and professional journey, Dr. Akakuru continues to inspire the next generation of scientists while driving forward innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

📖Notable Publications

Publication: Hydrogeochemical facies and pollution status of groundwater resources of Owerri and environs, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: OC Akakuru, B Akudinobi, AI Opara, SO Onyekuru, OU Akakuru
Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 193, 1-26
Year: 2021

Publication: The chemistry of chitin and chitosan justifying their nanomedical utilities
Authors: OU Akakuru, H Louis, PI Amos, OC Akakuru, EI Nosike, EF Ogulewe
Journal: Biochem Pharmacol (Los Angel) 7 (241), 2167-0501.1000241
Year: 2018

Publication: Hydrogeochemical evolution, water quality indices, irrigation suitability and pollution index of groundwater (PIG) around Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: OC Akakuru, CU Eze, OC Okeke, AI Opara, AO Usman, O Iheme, …
Journal: International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 1-23
Year: 2022

Publication: Hydrochemical characterization of abandoned quarry and mine water for domestic and irrigation uses in Abakaliki, southeast Nigeria
Authors: MO Eyankware, PN Obasi, OO Omo-Irabor, OC Akakuru
Journal: Modeling Earth Systems and Environment 6, 2465-2485
Year: 2020

Publication: Appraisal of groundwater to risk contamination near an abandoned limestone quarry pit in Nkalagu, Nigeria, using enrichment factor and statistical approaches
Authors: MO Eyankware, OC Akakuru
Journal: International Journal of Energy and Water Resources 7 (4), 603-621
Year: 2023

Saerom Park Remediation Technology Best Researcher Award

Posted on 12/10/202422/10/2024 by sciencefather

Dr. Saerom Park | Remediation Technology | Best Researcher Award

Korea Institute of Civil engineering building Technology, South Korea

👨‍🎓 Profile

Scopus Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Saerom Park earned her B.S. in Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering from Korea University, Seoul, in 2009, achieving an impressive GPA of 3.96/4.5. She continued her studies at Purdue University, where she completed both her M.S. (2013) and Ph.D. (2017) in Environmental Science, specializing in Environmental Chemistry within the Interdisciplinary Ecological Science and Engineering Program, both with a GPA of 3.89/4.0. Her early academic endeavors laid a strong foundation for her expertise in environmental issues and analytical chemistry.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Park currently serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Science and Technology in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department since March 2023. She is also a Senior Researcher at the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, where she has been contributing to environmental research since December 2019. Her previous roles include postdoctoral positions at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology and The University of Georgia, as well as research and teaching positions at Purdue University.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Park’s research primarily revolves around micropollutants, focusing on developing analytical technologies for contaminants such as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and microplastics (MPs). Her current projects include: Investigating the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in various water systems, Developing advanced treatment technologies for micropollutant destruction in groundwater and wastewater, Implementing AI-based technologies for optimization and automation in micropollutant management.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Park’s research addresses critical environmental challenges posed by micropollutants, particularly PFAAs, which are known for their persistence and potential health risks. Her work contributes significantly to understanding and mitigating the impact of these contaminants on ecosystems and human health, particularly in groundwater resources. Her interdisciplinary approach positions her as a key figure in environmental science and engineering.

📚 Academic Cites

Dr. Park has a commendable record of scholarly contributions and presentations, which has garnered recognition within the scientific community. Her work has led to several awards, including the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (2018-2020) and the Purdue Bilsland Dissertation Fellowship (2017). These accolades underscore her contributions to the field and the impact of her research.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Park possesses a diverse set of technical skills essential for her research, including: Analytical Techniques: FT-IR microscopy, Pyr-GC/MS, LC/MS/MS, qTOF/MS/MS, GC/ECD/TCD/FID/MS, ICP/MS, and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, Laboratory Proficiency: Ion Chromatography, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Total Organic Analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis, Specialized Equipment: Anaerobic Chamber, Fluoride Ion Selective Electrode, and Zetasizer nano ZSA.

📖 Teaching Experience

As an educator, Dr. Park has imparted her knowledge through various teaching roles. She is currently teaching Water Quality Management of Rivers and Lakes as an Associate Professor and has served as a lab instructor for Environmental Soil Chemistry at Purdue University. Her teaching approach emphasizes hands-on experience and real-world applications of environmental science.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Saerom Park’s commitment to environmental science and engineering continues to drive her research and teaching. Her efforts in developing innovative analytical technologies and treatment methods for micropollutants have the potential to significantly improve water quality management practices. Looking ahead, she aims to expand her research on AI applications in environmental monitoring and remediation, further solidifying her legacy in the field.