Pankaj Indurkar | Water Treatment | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Pankaj Indurkar | Water Treatment | Research Excellence Award

Senior Scientist | Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute | India

Mr. Pankaj Indurkar is a researcher in membrane science, separation technology, and water purification, recognized for contributions that integrate advanced materials engineering with data-driven modeling. His work spans the development of high-performance ion-exchange membranes, mixed-matrix membranes, and polymeric frameworks designed for desalination, pollutant remediation, and industrial water processing. He has played key roles in designing electrodialysis, membrane distillation, and electro-deionization systems, contributing to indigenous technology development for saline water treatment, brackish water desalination, and ultrapure water generation. His research portfolio demonstrates strong expertise in synthesizing functional materials such as MOF-incorporated membranes, porous polymeric networks, nanocomposites, and metal-doped aerogels, complemented by extensive use of statistical modeling, multivariate optimization, response surface methodology, and machine learning for predicting membrane performance and enhancing process efficiency. He has published widely in high-impact journals on topics including heavy-metal remediation, fluoride and arsenic removal, electrodialysis modeling, neural-network-guided membrane design, and nanomaterial-based water purification strategies. His work also includes book chapters on MOF-based membranes for water and wastewater remediation and contributions to the development of computational frameworks for chemicals recovery from brines, integrating optimization, techno-economic analysis, and data analytics. Through collaborative and multidisciplinary projects, he has contributed to the fabrication, testing, and field deployment of membrane-based and adsorbent-based treatment units for industry and research institutions. His expertise reflects a blend of experimental innovation and computational intelligence aimed at advancing sustainable and energy-efficient water treatment technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publication

Pankaj, D. I., & Kulshrestha, V. (2025). Electrochemical informed machine learning models for prediction of electrodialysis desalination performance. Separation Science and Technology.

Kumar, P., Suhag, S., Indurkar, P. D., Shahi, V. K., & Kulshrestha, V.* (2025). Synthesis of polyacrylonitrile-based terpolymer cation exchange membrane for efficient brackish water desalination via electrodialysis with neural network prediction. Desalination.

Mishra, S., Upadhyay, P., Indurkar, P. D., & Kulshrestha, V.* (2025). Designing of PVDF-based cation exchange membranes with improved electrochemical properties for energy-efficient brackish water desalination. ACS ES&T Engineering.

Shukla, S., Gupta, A. R., Ratnakar, S. B., Ganguly, B., Indurkar, P. D., & Sharma, S. (2025). A revolutionizing polymeric framework with integrated aluminium fragment for superior water decontamination empowered by a statistical modeling approach. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 13.

Sutariya, B., Sarkar, P., Indurkar, P. D., & Karan, S.* (2024). Machine learning-assisted performance prediction from the synthesis conditions of nanofiltration membranes. Separation and Purification Technology.

Abdol Mohammad Ghaedi | environmental science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdol Mohammad Ghaedi | environmental science | Best Researcher Award

Supervisor | Islamic Azad University | Iran

Abdol Mohammad Ghaedi is a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at the Islamic Azad University, Gachsaran Branch, where he has developed extensive expertise in applied chemistry, particularly in the areas of membrane technology, adsorption processes, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and chemical cleaning of membranes. His academic background includes advanced studies in pure and applied chemistry, with research focusing on the preparation and application of membranes for separation and concentration processes, as well as the utilization of chemometric and artificial intelligence methods for modeling and optimization of chemical systems. He has contributed significantly to the fields of industrial chemistry and separation science through teaching courses such as Industrial Chemistry, Corrosion, and Physical and Chemical Methods of Separation, alongside supervising laboratory work in general and industrial chemistry. His research output is reflected in numerous publications in high-impact international journals, addressing topics such as adsorption of dyes and heavy metals, development of nanocomposites and nanoparticles, and predictive modeling using artificial neural networks, random forest methods, and support vector machines. His collaborative work with international scholars demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach bridging chemistry, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering. In addition, he has presented research at national and international conferences, showcasing his work on ultrafiltration membranes, adsorption systems, and predictive modeling for thermodynamic and transport properties of chemical solutions. His sustained research productivity and contributions highlight his role in advancing innovative methods for environmental remediation, water treatment, and industrial applications of chemical and nanomaterials. His research profile includes 4,161 citations by 3,061 documents, with 76 published documents indexed internationally.

Profile : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Ebrahimpoor, S., Kiarostami, V., Khosravi, M., Davallo, M., & Ghaedi, A. (2021). Optimization of tartrazine adsorption onto polypyrrole/SrFe₁₂O₁₉/graphene oxide nanocomposite using central composite design and bat inspired algorithm with the aid of artificial neural networks. Fibers and Polymers, 22(6), 1569–1583.

  • Vafaei, A., Ghaedi, A. M., Avazzadeh, Z., Kiarostami, V., Agarwal, S., & Gupta, V. K. (2021). Removal of hydrochlorothiazide from molecular liquids using carbon nanotubes: Radial basis function neural network modeling and culture algorithm optimization. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 323, 114766.

  • Baneshi, M. M., Ghaedi, A. M., Vafaei, A., Emadzadeh, D., Lau, W. J., Marioryad, H., & Jamshidi, A. (2020). A high-flux P84 polyimide mixed matrix membranes incorporated with cadmium-based metal organic frameworks for enhanced simultaneous dyes removal: Response surface methodology. Environmental Research, 185, 109278.

  • Dehghani, M. H., Karri, R. R., Lima, E. C., Mahvi, A. H., Nazmara, S., Ghaedi, A. M., Fazlzadeh, M., & Gholami, S. (2020). Regression and mathematical modeling of fluoride ion adsorption from contaminated water using a magnetic versatile biomaterial & chelating agent: Insight on production & experimental approaches, mechanism and effects of potential interferers. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 309, 113653.

  • Agarwal, S., Tyagi, I., Gupta, V. K., Ghaedi, M., Masoomzade, M., Ghaedi, A. M., & Mirtamizdoust, B. (2020). Retraction notice to “Kinetics and thermodynamics of methyl orange adsorption from aqueous solutions—artificial neural network-particle swarm optimization modeling” [Journal of Molecular Liquids, 218, 354–362]. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 306, 112621.

 

Syeda Safina Ali | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Syeda Safina Ali | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Research Analyst at National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan

Ms. Syeda Safina Ali is a dedicated Environmental Scientist from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, with a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, and a strong academic background in climate adaptation, wastewater treatment, GIS, and sustainable energy. With professional experience as a Research Analyst at the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), she has contributed to national projects such as the PHCSP, BISP, and Pakistan’s Green Taxonomy.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Excellence:

  • MSc in Environmental Sciences (93%, CGPA 3.75/4) – NUST, Islamabad

  • BSc in Environmental Sciences (82%, CGPA 3.82/4) – IIUI, Islamabad

  • Specialized in climate adaptation, wastewater treatment, water management, and GIS.

📚 Research Contributions:

  • 5 Publications (Published/Accepted/In Progress) in Springer, MDPI, and national journals.

  • Topics include:

    • Photosynthetic microbial desalination cells

    • Strategic Environmental Assessment in infrastructure

    • Snowmelt runoff modelling for water resource management

  • Thesis work directly aligned with SDGs 6, 7, 9, 13 & 15.

🧪 Technical Expertise:

  • GIS/RS: ArcGIS, QGIS

  • Numerical Modelling: HEC-RAS, SRM

  • Data Analysis: R, OriginLab, MS Excel

  • Report Writing, Stakeholder Engagement, Policy Drafting

💼 Professional Roles:

  • Research Analyst (Climate Change) – NDRMF, Islamabad
    Supporting national & international climate projects (PHCSP, BISP, Green Taxonomy)

  • HSE Trainer (Part-Time) – Burj Al-Emarat Training Services

  • Internships with PepsiCo, NHA, PMD, NARC – Hands-on field and policy experience

🌱 Volunteer & Reviewer:

  • Peer Reviewer for Elsevier & Springer Nature journals

  • Volunteer with Ministry of Climate Change, Youth Campaigns & Plantation Drives

  • Freelance GIS/RS Specialist, Transcriber & Content Writer

🏆 Certifications & Training:

  • ✅ ISO 14001, 9001, 45001

  • ✅ OSHA 30-Hour General Industry

  • ✅ Risk Assessment, Environmental Sustainability

  • ✅ Courses by UN, World Bank, UNITAR, Oxford Climate Society

🌍 Conferences & Global Engagement:

  • Speaker/Participant at:

    • 8th Intl. Conf. on Water Sciences – MDPI

    • ADB Workshop on Women & Heat Stress

    • Virtual Summer School – Green Chemistry, Indonesia

    • Climate Action Fellowship, Oxford Climate Society School

Publication:

  1. Integration of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Motorway/Highway Planning and Construction: A Case Study for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Pakistan
    SS Ali, A Batool
    NUST Journal of Natural Sciences, 9(4), 1 (2024)

  2. Sugar Industry Wastewater Treatment Through Photosynthetic Microbial Desalination Cells: A Sustainable Approach
    SS Ali, Z Sheikh
    Environmental and Earth Sciences Proceedings, 32(1), 9 (2025)

 

Fereshteh Emami | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Fereshteh Emami | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor Southeastern Louisiana University United States

Dr. Fereshteh Emami is a tenured Associate Professor at Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU), where she serves in the Departments of Chemistry & Physics and Integrated Science and Technology. As the Director of both the Analytical-Environmental Chemistry Laboratory and the Chemometrics and Biomathematics Laboratory, she leads innovative research in AI-driven bioanalytical challenges and the development of VR environments for STEM education.

Profile

Scopus

Google scholar

Education 📚📜

Dr. Emami earned her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Bu-Ali Sina University in 2013, following her M.Sc. in the same field in 2007. She completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry at Razi University in 2005, establishing a strong foundation in analytical and computational chemistry.

Professional Experience 🏢💼

Her career includes tenure-track roles at SLU, Chief Data Scientist at Digital Factory, Inc., and research positions at Clarkson University and Bowling Green State University. She has applied advanced mathematical techniques to air quality data and explored innovative bioanalytical methods using AI and machine learning.

Research Interests 🔍💡

Dr. Emami’s research spans environmental chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, biomedical engineering, and data science. She focuses on pollutant degradation in water, AI-driven biosensors, VR-assisted molecular studies, and predictive modeling for environmental and biomedical data analysis.

Awards and Grants 🏆💰

Dr. Emami has been awarded substantial grants, including the Air Products-funded “Chemical Monitoring of Lake Maurepas” project phases, totaling over $12 million. Her contributions to research in AI-driven sensing and environmental monitoring reflect her dedication to scientific advancement.

Publications Top Notes:📖🔗

Gunawardhana, T., et al. “Spatial pattern assessment and prediction of water quality changes in Lake Maurepas.” Environments, 11(12), 2024. View Article

Rahman, M.A., et al. “Chemical variations in Lake Maurepas: vertical distribution and source identification.” Environmental Science & Technology, Submitted, 2024.

Rahman, M.A., et al. “Assessment of the vertical distribution of contaminants in Lake Maurepas,” Louisiana Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting, 2024.

Gunawardhana, T., et al. “Examining heavy metals in Lake Maurepas,” Louisiana Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting, 2024.

Milad Mirzaei Aminiyan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Milad Mirzaei Aminiyan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D. in Soil Science-Biophysics University of Tehran Iran

Dr. Milad Mirzaei Aminiyan is a distinguished researcher specializing in environmental sciences, with a focus on soil and water resources management. Based in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Tehran, Iran, Dr. Mirzaei has made significant contributions to understanding soil contamination, microplastic pollution, and environmental geochemistry, impacting both academic and practical fields of soil science.

Profile

Scopus.com

Google scholar.com

Education 🎓

  • 2023 – Guest Ph.D. Student, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Copenhagen, Denmark
    Research Project: Impact of polyethylene microplastics on willow growth.
  • 2018-2024 – Ph.D. in Environmental Soil Biophysics, University of Tehran, Iran
    Thesis: The effects of microplastic particles on soil and sunflower growth.
  • 2010-2013 – M.Sc. in Soil Physics and Conservation, Bu-Ali Sina University, Iran
    Thesis: Impact of nanozeolite on soil organic carbon.
  • 2006-2010 – B.Sc. in Environmental Soil Science, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Iran
    Project: Effects of pistachio waste on soil biophysical properties.

Professional Experience 👨‍🔬

Dr. Mirzaei served as the Technical and Commercial Manager at ABENEGAHDAR Organic Fertilizer Factory (2013-2018) and as an R&D Environmental Scientist in Rafsanjan’s Eco-industrial Zone. His work emphasizes environmental pollution analysis, sustainable soil management, and ecotoxicology of emerging contaminants.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Mirzaei’s research includes:

  • Environmental pollution and ecotoxicology (microplastics, PTEs, PFAS)
  • Soil organic carbon management
  • Hydrochemical and geochemical analysis for water quality assessment
  • Modeling contaminant transport and biodegradation in soil

Awards 🏆

  • 2022: Recognized as a top researcher among Ph.D. students in Soil Sciences at the University of Tehran.
  • 2018: Achieved 5th overall rank and 2nd in Soil Physics in Iran’s Ph.D. Entrance Exam.
  • 2013: Awarded for best M.Sc. thesis in Bu-Ali Sina University’s Agricultural Faculty.

Publications Top Notes: 📄

Dr. Mirzaei has published extensively in leading journals. Below are selected publications with citations:

2024: Mitigating the impacts of polyethylene microplastics using a microbial consortium.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. DOI.

2022: Contamination of potentially toxic elements around a copper smelter.
Environmental Geochemistry and Health. DOI.

2021: Source apportionment of PAHs in industrial city dust in Iran.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research. DOI.

2019: Pollution risk assessment in school dust in Shiraz, Iran.
Human and Ecological Risk Assessment. DOI.

2018: Risk assessment of heavy metals in road dust in Rafsanjan, Iran.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research. DOI.