Makarand Ghangrekar | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

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

Harish Kumar | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Mr. Harish Kumar | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Geological survey of India, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Harish Kumar’s academic journey laid a robust foundation for his career in geology. Earning his Master of Science in Geology from the University of Lucknow, he cultivated a deep understanding of earth sciences that has informed his professional expertise. This advanced training equipped him with the analytical and methodological skills essential for tackling complex geological challenges.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Over a distinguished 25-year tenure with the Geological Survey of India, Mr. Kumar has excelled in various capacities, ultimately ascending to the role of Director (Geology). His leadership in the Eastern Region office has driven impactful projects, particularly within the National Geochemical Mapping Program. His work has focused on engineering geology, environmental geology, natural hazards, and comprehensive geochemical mapping of sediments, surface water, and soils, thereby significantly influencing national geological policies and practices.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Kumar’s contributions center on advancing the understanding of geochemistry and geological mapping across India. He has spearheaded multiple geochemical mapping projects under the National Geochemical Mapping Program, covering diverse regions such as Uttarakhand, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and even expedition-based studies in Ladakh. His innovative approaches have enhanced analytical geochemistry methodologies, directly benefiting the exploration and management of natural resources while mitigating environmental risks.

📊 Impact and Influence

The work of Mr. Kumar has left a profound impact on the field of geology and environmental science in India. His leadership in geochemical mapping has provided critical data that informs regional development, resource management, and hazard assessment. By improving analytical techniques and expanding the scope of geochemical surveys, his contributions have influenced both policy-making and scientific research, positioning the Geological Survey of India as a leader in the domain of earth sciences.

🛠️ Technical Skills and Academic Citations

Mr. Kumar’s technical proficiency encompasses engineering geology, environmental assessments, and advanced geochemical mapping techniques. His ability to integrate geochemical data with spatial analysis has resulted in widely cited contributions within academic and government research circles. The robust methodologies he has developed have not only been applied in his projects but have also set benchmarks for future geochemical studies across India.

🎓 Teaching Experience & Mentorship

Although his primary role focuses on leadership and project execution, Mr. Kumar actively mentors emerging geologists and environmental scientists. His extensive field experience and strategic insights into geological mapping are frequently shared through workshops and seminars, where he emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and professional growth in the ever-evolving field of geoscience.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Mr. Harish Kumar remains committed to expanding the horizons of geochemical mapping and analytical geochemistry in India. His visionary work continues to inspire innovative approaches in geological research, with future projects poised to further enhance resource exploration, environmental management, and hazard mitigation. His enduring legacy is defined by a blend of practical expertise, academic rigor, and a relentless drive to advance the science of geology for national development and global environmental sustainability.

 

📖Notable Publications

  • Geoscientific studies of Bhimbetka Shelter Complex

    • Authors: D.V. Ganvir, H.Y. Bhai, Prem Babu, P.C.D. Mony, P.A. Gaffar, Harish Kumar, L.L. Vishvakarma, S.B. Telang

    • Journal: Abstract Volume of Workshop on Contribution of GSI towards Conservation of World/National Monuments

    • Year: 2010

  • Geotechnical assessment of landslide occurred in mid of September 2010 at different places of district Bageshwar, Uttarakhand

    • Authors: Harish Kumar, Anil Mehrotra

    • Journal: Applied Disaster Research: Proceedings of Disaster, Risk and Vulnerability Conference

    • Year: 2011

  • Geological assessment of slope instability of landslide-affected villages in Tehri and Uttarkashi Districts, Uttarakhand

    • Author: Harish Kumar

    • Journal: Abstract Volume of Seminar on 2nd India Disaster Management Congress

    • Year: 2009

  • Geological assessment of slope instability along the Atal-Tuini-Mori-Naitwar-Harkidun communication route in Tons Valley, Uttarakhand

    • Author: Harish Kumar

    • Journal: Abstract Volume of Seminar on 2nd India Disaster Management Congress

    • Year: 2009

Xuedong Wang | Toxicology of Metal Elements | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Wang | Toxicology of Metal Elements | Best Researcher Award

Capital Normal University, China

👨‍🎓Profile

📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Xuedong Wang began his academic journey at Hebei Agricultural University, where he completed his Bachelor's in Agricultural Science in 1982. His thesis, "The effect of water-fertilizer coupling on the growth of pakchoi," marked the beginning of his interest in agricultural science and environmental chemistry. His graduate studies continued with a Master’s in Soil Science at Hebei Agricultural University (2005), where he researched "Study on purification of phenol by root pores of wetland plants," combining his interest in environmental issues with soil science. In 2008, he earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Capital Normal University, Beijing, China. His doctoral research, "Development of biotic ligand models predicting copper and zinc toxicity to barley," showcased his focus on understanding environmental pollution and its impact on soil and plant health.

💼 Professional Endeavors

He has held various academic positions at Capital Normal University in Beijing. He started as a Lecturer in 2008, quickly advancing to Associate Professor in 2012. In 2021, he was promoted to Professor, focusing on Soil/Environment Chemistry. His work has expanded beyond teaching into research, having been involved in various projects related to soil health and environmental sustainability. Dr. Wang has also worked as a Senior Visiting Scholar at the Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE) at the University of Newcastle in Australia in both 2014 and 2019-2020, collaborating on global environmental issues.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research has had a significant impact on the field of soil/environment chemistry. He has developed predictive models to understand the ecological risk thresholds for heavy metals in soils, contributing to better environmental remediation practices. His machine learning model for element ecological risk threshold prediction (2024-2027) and other projects on soil microbial biomass, heavy metal pollution in farmland, and soil heavy metal contamination reflect his deep commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues. His work on the ecological toxicity prediction model of soil metal elements is crucial for understanding how soil quality can be influenced by metal pollution.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His influence extends beyond his university through his contributions to environmental monitoring and management projects, particularly in China. His research on the remediation of polluted water bodies and heavy metal pollution in soil has contributed to policy development and practical applications for environmental cleanup. His participation in global research, including his visiting scholar positions in Australia, has facilitated international collaboration on environmental issues. His work has helped raise awareness about the importance of soil health in maintaining ecological balance.

📚 Academic Cites and Recognition

Although specific citation numbers are not mentioned, His extensive involvement in research projects and collaborations suggests that his contributions are well-regarded within the field of environmental science and soil chemistry. His ongoing work on projects related to soil pollution, heavy metal toxicity, and machine learning applications will likely continue to garner academic attention and recognition.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a professor at Capital Normal University, He has shaped the next generation of environmental scientists. He has taught courses related to soil/environment chemistry, imparting knowledge on both the scientific fundamentals and their application in real-world environmental issues. His students benefit from his research expertise, which he integrates into his teaching, making his classes valuable for aspiring professionals in the field.

🌱 Technical Skills

He has developed a broad range of technical skills over his career, including expertise in environmental modeling, soil chemistry analysis, heavy metal contamination, and biological toxicity prediction. His work integrates advanced machine learning techniques with environmental science, showcasing his proficiency in modern computational tools for environmental analysis.

🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions

He legacy lies in his continued commitment to environmental protection and soil sustainability. His current and future projects, such as the development of ecological toxicity prediction models and the remediation of contaminated water bodies, will contribute to improving both local and global environmental health. As a professor, his impact will also be felt through his students, many of whom will carry his research insights into their professional careers.

🔮 Future Contributions

Looking ahead, His focus on using machine learning for environmental science will likely expand. The construction of predictive models for soil health and pollution thresholds has the potential to revolutionize environmental management practices. His future work will continue to focus on the intersection of ecological risk, sustainability, and technological innovation, potentially contributing to more effective global environmental strategies.

📖Notable Publications