Mudhar Al-Obaidi | Solar Desalination | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Mudhar Al-Obaidi | Solar Desalination | Research Excellence Award

Middle Technical University | Iraq

Mudhar A. Al-Obaidi is a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the Middle Technical University, Iraq. He received his BSc and MSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Baghdad and the University of Technology, Iraq, and his PhD from the University of Bradford, UK. His research focuses on reverse osmosis–based wastewater treatment, desalination, and process modelling, simulation, and optimisation. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, with an h-index of 31, 19 indexed documents, and over 2935 citations. He is also the author of a CRC Press book on reverse osmosis wastewater treatment.

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Featured Publications

Dharmendra Kumar | Environmental Pollution Assessment| Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Dharmendra Kumar | Environmental Pollution Assessment | Editorial Board Member

Miranda House, University of Delhi | India

Dr. Dharmendra Kumar, Ph.D., is a researcher in the Department of Botany, University of Delhi, specializing in algal biotechnology, phycoremediation, environmental pollution assessment, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. With a strong academic foundation holding M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in Botany, he has developed significant expertise in bioremediation technologies for polluted freshwater systems, particularly the Yamuna River. Dr. Kumar has authored 64 scientific documents, with an h-index of 26 and 2595 citations, reflecting his impactful contributions to environmental and phycological research. His work explores metabolic plasticity in algae, heavy-metal bioremediation, freshwater ecology, and sustainable blue-economy applications. He has presented at numerous national and international conferences, receiving multiple awards including Best Poster and Best Oral Presentation recognitions. Dr. Kumar has also played a leadership role as Organizing Secretary of the National Conference on Restoring River Health: Yamuna as a Model System (2025). His research interests include micro- and macroalgal cultivation, wastewater treatment, seaweed-derived biofertilizers, and the development of eco-innovative solutions for climate-resilient urban water ecosystems. With several peer-reviewed publications, ongoing manuscripts, and active research projects, Dr. Kumar aims to advance environmentally sustainable strategies for ecosystem restoration and conservation through algae-based approaches.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Kumar, D., Agrawal, S., Sahoo, S., & Sahoo, D. (2025). Native algal consortia as a bioremediation tool for polluted freshwater ecosystems: A case study from the Yamuna River. Phycology, 5(4), 70.

Kumar, D., Agrawal, S., Sahoo, S., Geetanjali, E., & Sahoo, D. (2025). Metabolic plasticity and abiotic stress adaptation in freshwater algae during phycoremediation of polluted river water. Plant-Environment Interactions, 6(5), e70093.

Kumar, D., Qureshi, S., & Sahoo, D. (2024). Bioremediation of complex contaminated Yamuna River India by using selected cyanobacteria. Bioremediation Journal, 1–18.

Kumar, D., & Sahoo, D. (2024). Assessment of physiochemical parameters and bioremediation of complex contaminated Yamuna River, India: An algal-based approach. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 235(2), 90.

Kumar, D., Agrawal, S., & Sahoo, D. (2024). Environmental contamination by heavy metals and assessing the impact of inhabitant microalgae in bioremediation: A case study of urban water of Yamuna River, India. Urban Water Journal, 21(3), 308–322.

Hugang Li | Sustainable Metallurgy | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Hugang Li | Sustainable Metallurgy | Research Excellence Award

Taiyuan University of Technology | China

Dr. Hugang Li is a Lecturer at Taiyuan University of Technology, specializing in environmental and ecological engineering, with a Ph.D. in Engineering from China Agricultural University (2021). He has held postdoctoral and visiting scholar positions at Tsinghua University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, focusing on the thermochemical conversion of biomass, phosphorus recovery, and nano-biochar development for sustainable environmental applications. His research addresses the coupled transformation of phosphorus and arsenic in sewage sludge via Fe(III)-catalyzed hydrothermal treatments, providing insights into hydrochar formation, vivianite crystallization, and As(III) immobilization. Dr. Li has led major research projects funded by the Shanxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology and Education, contributing to both fundamental understanding and practical applications of P-rich biochar and environmental remediation. He has published 13 articles in high-impact journals, including Separation and Purification Technology, Journal of Hazardous Materials, and Bioresource Technology, with an h-index of 11 and 675 citations the 23 documents, reflecting his influence in the field. He also serves on the youth editorial board of Energy & Environment Nexus. Dr. Li’s work has advanced knowledge in solid waste valorization, ecological restoration, and sustainable material design, earning recognition for research excellence. His contributions offer practical strategies for phosphorus management, heavy metal mitigation, and environmental sustainability.

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Featured Publications

Li, H., Gao, Y., Chen, H., Zhou, H., Qin, Y., & Niu, S. (2025). Acidic Fe(III)-driven hydrothermal co-transformation of phosphorus and arsenic in sewage sludge: Vivianite crystallization coupled with amorphous ferric arsenate formation for phosphorus-enriched hydrochar. Separation and Purification Technology, 373, 133617.

Li, H., Cao, M., Watson, J., Zhang, Y., & Liu, Z. (2021). In situ hydrochar regulates Cu fate and speciation: Insights into transformation mechanisms. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 410, 124616.

Li, H., Cao, M., Zhang, Y., & Liu, Z. (2021). Hydrothermal liquefaction accelerates the toxicity and solubility of arsenic in biowaste. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 418, 126314.

Li, H., Watson, J., Zhang, Y., Lu, H., & Liu, Z. (2020). Environment-enhancing process for algal wastewater treatment, heavy metal control, and hydrothermal biofuel production: A critical review. Bioresource Technology, 298, 122421.

Li, H., Zhou, H., Qin, Y., & Gao, Y. (2025). Fe(III)-catalyzed phosphorus and arsenic co-transformation in sewage sludge under hydrothermal conditions: Morphological and crystallization mechanisms. Environmental Science & Technology, 59, 11234–11245.

Hugang Li | Sustainable Metallurgy | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Hugang Li | Sustainable Metallurgy | Research Excellence Award

Taiyuan University of Technology | China

Hugang Li is an engineer with a Ph.D. in Engineering from China Agricultural University College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering. He currently serves as Lecturer at the School of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, and previously completed a joint-PhD training at the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, followed by a postdoctoral research position at the “Solid Waste and Carbon Recycling Center,” Shanxi Clean Energy Research Institute, Tsinghua University. His research focuses on thermochemical conversion of biomass and solid waste for environmental functional materials, phosphorus resource recovery from sewage sludge, nano-biochar production, and ecological restoration. As principal investigator on projects such as the “Multi-Scale Structural Coordination of Iron-Manganese SpinelActivated Carbon for Dioxin Supercritical Oxidation Enhancement” and “FeCl₃-Coordinated Hydrothermal Phosphorus Recovery and Cyanide Inhibition in Biochar”, he advances sustainable waste-to-resource transformation. His recent peer-reviewed publications address hydrothermal phosphorus/arsenic co-transformation in sewage sludge, vacuum fractional distillation of biocrude oils, heavy-metal immobilization in hydrochar, wastewater treatment via hydrothermal biofuel production, and hydrothermal liquefaction effects on heavy metal and arsenic behavior. Having achieved 23 publications and 675 citations, with an h-index of  11, his work demonstrates both productivity and impact in environmental and waste-resource engineering. He has earned recognition through  national-level natural-science award, a overseas-training scholarship, and invitations to present at major international conferences. He remains dedicated to innovating sustainable waste and bio-material technologies, training the next generation of researchers, and contributing to circular bioeconomy and environmental health.

Profiles: Scopus |  Orcid

Featured Publications

Li, H., Gao, Y., Chen, H., Zhou, H., Qin, Y., & Niu, S. (2025). Acidic Fe(III)-driven hydrothermal co-transformation of phosphorus and arsenic in sewage sludge: Vivianite crystallization coupled with amorphous ferric arsenate formation for phosphorus-enriched hydrochar. Separation and Purification Technology, 373, 133617.

Li, H., Tian, C., Lu, J., & He, C. (2022). Vacuum fractional distillation of biocrude oil and the immobilization of harmful metals. Fuel, 326, 125013.

Li, H., Cao, M., Watson, J., Zhang, Y., & Liu, Z. (2021). In situ hydrochar regulates Cu fate and speciation: Insights into transformation mechanisms. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 410, 124616.

Li, H., Cao, M., Zhang, Y., & Liu, Z. (2021). Hydrothermal liquefaction accelerates the toxicity and solubility of arsenic in biowaste. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 418, 126314.

Li, H., Watson, J., Zhang, Y., Lu, H., & Liu, Z. (2020). Environment-enhancing process for algal wastewater treatment, heavy metal control, and hydrothermal biofuel production: A critical review. Bioresource Technology, 298, 122421.

Yerik Merkibayev | Metallurgical Research | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Yerik Merkibayev | Metallurgical Research | Editorial Board Member

Satbayev University | Kazakhstan

Dr. Merkibayev is a distinguished materials scientist and metallurgical engineer with extensive experience in research, teaching, and technology development in the field of metallurgy and materials science. He holds advanced degrees in Materials Science and Metallurgy and has contributed to numerous national and institutional research projects focused on the modernization of mining and metallurgical processes. His work encompasses the development of nanosized metallic powders, processing of refractory and oxidized ores, hybrid pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical systems, and sustainable recycling of industrial and mining wastes. He has served in various academic and technical positions, including research engineering, laboratory leadership, and senior lecturing, fostering innovation and practical applications in metallurgical technologies. Dr. Merkibayev has published multiple scientific papers, authored monographs, and holds several patents in metallurgical process design. His research interests include powder metallurgy, mineral beneficiation, ore processing, resource-efficient technologies, and environmental sustainability in the metallurgical sector. His academic record includes an h-index of 4, over 20 scientific documents, and more than 37 citations, reflecting his growing impact in the field. He continues to contribute to the advancement of environmentally responsible metallurgical and materials engineering practices through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Merkibayev, Y. S., & Luganov, V. A. (2024). Development of integrated technology for reducing ore formation during liquid copper extraction. Journal of Metallurgical Research and Innovation, 12(3), 155–168.

Merkibayev, Y. S., Bekturov, K. M., & Zhumabayev, D. T. (2023). Processing of oxidized lead-zinc ores through hybrid pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. International Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, 9(4), 201–215.

Merkibayev, Y. S., Nurmukhanov, A. R., & Akhmetov, T. B. (2022). Technological modernization in mining and metallurgical industries: Case study of Kazakhstan. Mining and Metallurgy Journal, 7(2), 95–109.

Merkibayev, Y. S., & Satpayev, K. I. (2021). Synthesis of nanosized metallic and oxidized iron powders using powder metallurgy techniques. Materials Engineering and Applications, 8(1), 44–58.

Merkibayev, Y. S., & Alimov, R. S. (2020). Environmental aspects of ore beneficiation and sustainable waste utilization in metallurgical production. Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy, 6(3), 179–192.

Sharath Kumar | Extractive Metallurgy | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Sharath Kumar | Extractive Metallurgy | Editorial Board Member

Vijayanagara Sri Krishandevaraya University Ballari, Karnataka India

Dr. P. Sharath Kumar is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Mineral Processing, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Karnataka, with over nine years of teaching and research experience. He holds a Ph.D. in Mineral Processing, an M.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering from NIT Karnataka, Surathkal, and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from VTU Belagavi. His research interests include iron ore beneficiation, magnetic separation, reduction roasting, pelletization of iron ore concentrates, and modeling and simulation of beneficiation plants. . He has successfully guided several postgraduate students and led multiple government-funded and industrial consultancy projects in mineral beneficiation and metallurgical applications. He is a life member of the Indian Institute of Mineral Engineers, Mining Engineering Association of India, and the Institution of Engineers (India). Recognized for his professional excellence, Dr. Kumar has received the Prof. C. Mahadevan Award (Young Mineral Engineer) and the Young Engineer Award from the Institution of Engineers, Kolkata. His work continues to promote innovation and sustainability in mineral and metallurgical engineering.

Profile: Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Swamy, A. K., Nikkam, S., & Palthur, S. K. (2022). Recovery of hematite from banded hematite quartzite of southern India by magnetic separation and reverse flotation. Minerals, 12(9), 1095.

Kumara Swamy, A., Suresh, N., & Sharath Kumar, P. (2022). Resource management and utilization of lean grade iron ore resources of Karnataka, India. Journal of Mines, Metals and Fuels, 70(5), 171–181.

Kumar, P. S., Ravi, B. P., Sivrikaya, O., & Nanda, R. K. (2019). The study of pelletizing of mixed hematite and magnetite ores. Science of Sintering, 51(1–3), 1–12.

Kumar, P. S., Ravi, B. P., Sreedhar, G. E., & Naganoor, P. C. (2016). Modeling and optimization of vertical pulsating high gradient magnetic separator for iron ore slime processing using response surface methodology. International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy, 1(2), 19–27.

Ayyakkannu, A., Kumar, P. S., Naganoor, P. C., & Hatti, B. (2020). Eco-efficiency of metallurgical value-added process facilities for sustainable production. Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 8(6), 505–508.