NIT Rourkela, India

Author Profiles

🎓 Educational Background

Mr. Akash Balakrishnan is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering (2025) at the prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, Odisha, India. His doctoral research, supervised by Dr. Mahendra Chinthala, focuses on the development of surface-engineered g-C₃N₄-based hybrid catalysts for advanced oxidation processes, targeting energy and environmental remediation. Prior to this, he completed his Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Chemical Engineering from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, in 2020 with an outstanding CGPA of 9.74/10, securing the first rank at the university level. His M.Tech thesis, guided by Dr. G. Keerthiga and Dr. A. Sowmya, explored photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid using catalyst impregnated chitosan. He earned his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Chemical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, in 2018 with a CGPA of 8.31/10, where he worked on the design of a benzene column in the aromatic refinery unit at Kochi Refinery under Prof. K. Rajasekaran.

🧪 Research Interests

Mr. Akash’s research is deeply rooted in heterogeneous catalysis for energy and environmental applications. His expertise spans across advanced oxidation processes, wastewater treatment, and photocatalysis, with emerging interest in edible food coatings and sustainable packaging technologies. His work aims at creating eco-efficient solutions to address pollution control and green engineering challenges.

🏅 Fellowships & Recognitions

Akash has been the recipient of several prestigious fellowships and accolades. Notably, he was awarded the AICTE-INAE travel grant to present his research at the 8th Asia-Pacific Catalysis Congress, held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2019. He also received doctoral and master’s degree fellowships from the Ministry of Education, Government of India and SRM IST, respectively. His academic excellence has been further recognized with gold medals and first-place ranks, including the Best Research Project Award on Research Day 2020 at SRM IST.

🏆 Awards & Achievements

Akash has consistently demonstrated leadership and innovation. In 2025, he won both South Zone and National level awards in the National Green Earth Challenge, hosted by the Prem Jain Memorial Trust, New Delhi. He also earned the Third Prize under the Water Theme in the Ideas4Life competition, organized by the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India. Additionally, he received the Best Presentation Award at INDACON 2025, co-hosted by Dalhousie University, Canada, and HBTU Kanpur.

✍️ Editorial and Reviewer Roles

Mr. Akash contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for numerous high-impact international journals, including Chemosphere, Chemical Engineering Journal, Carbohydrate Polymers, Applied Surface Science, Journal of Environmental Management, Environmental Pollution, Journal of Cleaner Production, Environmental Chemistry Letters, and more. His involvement reflects both expertise and scholarly commitment in the field of environmental and chemical engineering.

🌱 Leadership & Co-curricular Excellence

In his early academic years, Akash demonstrated leadership by serving as General Secretary of the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) at the college level in 2017. His consistent academic performance earned him the Best Student Award by ISTE in 2018 and a second-place rank in his B.Tech examinations at Anna University.

Notable Publications📝

📝Chitosan-based beads as sustainable adsorbents for wastewater remediation: a review

Authors: Balakrishnan, Akash; Appunni, Sowmya; Chinthala, Mahendra; Jacob, Meenu Mariam; Vo, Dai-Viet N.; Reddy, Soreddy Sainath; Kunnel, Emmanuel Sebastian

Journal: Environmental Chemistry Letters

Year: 2023

📝Global impact of COVID-19 on agriculture: role of sustainable agriculture and digital farming

Authors: Sridhar, Adithya; Balakrishnan, Akash; Jacob, Meenu Mariam; Sillanpaa, Mika; Dayanandan, Nanditha

Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Year: 2023

📝Heterojunction photocatalysts for the removal of nitrophenol: A systematic review

Authors: Balakrishnan, Akash; Gaware, Ghanghor Jayant; Chinthala, Mahendra

Journal: Chemosphere

Year: 2023

📝Photocatalytic degradation of nitro phenol: A continuous study in a TiO2 film coated photo reactor

Authors: G. Keerthiga; K. Avinash; Rishav Saha; Akash Balakrishnan; Ikshit Jain

Journal: INSTRUMENTATION ENGINEERING, ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS – 2021 (IEET-2021)

Year: 2023

📝Removal of tetracycline from wastewater using g-C3N4 based photocatalysts: A review

Authors: Balakrishnan, Akash; Chinthala, Mahendra; Polagani, Rajesh Kumar; Vo, Dai-Viet N.

Journal: Environmental Research

Year: 2023

📝3D black g-C3N4 isotype heterojunction hydrogels as a sustainable photocatalyst for tetracycline degradation and H2O2 production

Authors: Akash Balakrishnan; Emmanuel Sebastian Kunnel; Roshini Sasidharan; Mahendra Chinthala; Arvind Kumar

Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal

Year: 2023

Dr. Ruijuan Qu | Environmental Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 08/11/2024 by sciencefather

Dr. Ruijuan Qu | Environmental Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Nanjing University | China

Dr. Ruijuan Qu, an Associate Professor at the School of Environment, Nanjing University, has emerged as a leader in environmental analytical chemistry. Her pioneering research on the environmental transformation of organic pollutants and the development of green degradation technologies has earned her recognition as one of the world’s top scientists. With a strong academic background and a robust publication record, Dr. Qu’s innovative contributions have had a significant impact on both environmental chemistry and sustainability.

Professional Profiles

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🎓Academic and Professional Background

Ruijuan Qu serves as an Associate Professor at the School of Environment at Nanjing University, China. She earned her PhD in 2015 from the same institution and subsequently held positions as an assistant researcher (2015-2018) and associate researcher (2018-2019) before becoming an Associate Professor in December 2019. Her expertise centers on quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies, with a focus on the transformation mechanisms of organic pollutants and the development of green, efficient degradation technologies. Her remarkable impact in environmental science earned her a place on Stanford University’s 2023 World’s Top 2% Scientists List.

🔍 Research Focus

Dr. Qu specializes in quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) for studying the transformation mechanisms of organic pollutants. Her research is dedicated to the environmental transformation of pollutants and the development of green, efficient degradation technologies.

🧪 Key Research Areas

Environmental Transformation and Fate of Organic Pollutants
Dr. Qu investigates how organic pollutants change and decompose in environmental contexts.
Chemical Oxidation Processes in Water and Wastewater Treatment
She develops innovative oxidation technologies for cleaner water treatment.
Environmental Computational Chemistry
Using computational tools, she models pollutant behavior to inform safer, effective treatments.

🌐 Collaborative Research and Breakthroughs

In collaboration with Prof. Virender K. Sharma of Texas A&M University, Dr. Qu explored the Ferrate (Fe(VI)) oxidation treatment of organic pollutants. Their work uncovered the dihydroxylation mechanism of phenols and highlighted the catalytic role of bismuth hydroxide through a Bi(III)-Bi(V) valence cycle.

🚀 Pioneering Innovations in Environmental Chemistry

Dr. Qu has introduced a novel method for pollutant transformation analysis: non-target mass spectrometry – preparative separation-characterization – simplified transition state calculation. This innovative approach enhances intermediate product identification. Key achievements include:

Addressing particle effects on photodegradation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in river systems.

Revealing polymerization occurrences in chemical oxidation of phenols and proposing strategies for low-carbon deep oxidation.

Modifying silica materials for enhanced catalytic activity under visible and infrared light, advancing adsorption-photocatalytic degradation of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons.

Publications Top Noted📝

Degradation of 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-pentylphenol (UV328) in soil by FeS activated persulfate: Kinetics, mechanism, and theoretical calculations

Authors: Li, X.; Bu, Y.; Xu, J.; Wang, Z.; Qu, R.

Journal: Environmental Pollution

Year: 2024

Photodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on suspended particles from the Yellow River under sunlight irradiation: QSAR model and mechanism analysis

Authors: Xu, J.; Wei, J.; Wei, X.; Wang, Z.; Qu, R.

Journal: Water Research

Year: 2024

Adsorption and migration behaviors of heavy metals (As, Cd, and Cr) in single and binary systems in typical Chinese soils

Authors: Cao, W.; Qin, C.; Zhang, Y.; Xian, Q.; Wang, Z.

Journal: Science of the Total Environment

Year: 2024

Efficient degradation of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) by zero-valent iron activated persulfate: Kinetics, reaction mechanisms, theoretical calculations and toxicity evolution

Authors: Qi, Y.; Cao, W.; Zhang, Y.; Huo, Z.; Zhu, F.

Journal: Environmental Pollution

Year: 2024

Promoted electrochemical degradation of triclosan with persulfate on Fe-Ni oxide modified graphite felt cathode

Authors: Teng, X.; Wang, Z.; Abukhadra, M.R.; Khaled Mahmoud, R.; Qu, R.

Journal: Separation and Purification Technology

Year: 2024

Prof. Ali Alghamdi, Analytical Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Posted on 21/09/2024 by sciencefather

Prof. Ali Alghamdi, Analytical Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Professor at Taibah University, Saudi Arabia

Professional Profiles

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📝 Summary

Prof. Ali Falah Alghamdi is a distinguished academic with a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from King Saud University, KSA (2008). He is currently a full Professor at Taibah University, Madina, and has held various key administrative roles, including head of the Chemistry Department. Prof. Alghamdi has published over 50 research papers, participated in 30+ international conferences, and is actively involved in editorial work for several renowned journals. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Arabian Journal of Chemical and Environmental Research and has spearheaded numerous initiatives in the field of chemistry.

🎓 Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry – King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2008)

🧪 Professional Experience

Full Professor, Department of Chemistry, Taibah University

Visiting Professor at University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK (2009-2010)

Head of Chemistry Department at Taibah University (2011-2015)

Head, Saudi Chemical Society (Medina Branch)

Editor-in-Chief, Arabian Journal of Chemical and Environmental Research

🔬 Research Interests

Electrochemistry

Bioelectrochemistry

HPLC & Spectrophotometry

Pharmaceutical & Dyes Analysis

Metal-Drug Analysis

Water & Environmental Analysis

Energy & Food Research

Publications Top Noted📝

Validation and application of the square wave voltammetry method for the electrochemical determination of eszopiclone in pharmaceutical formulations and human biological fluids using glassy carbon electrode

Authors: Alghamdi, A.F.
Journal: Journal of King Saud University – Science
Year: 2024

Highly crystalline hexagonal PbI2 sheets on polyaniline/antimony tin oxide surface as a novel and highly efficient photodetector in UV, Vis, and near IR regions

Authors: Hadia, N.M.A., Shaban, M., Mohamed, S.H., Abdelazeez, A.A.A., Rabia, M.
Journal: Polymers for Advanced Technologies
Year: 2022

Square wave-adsorptive stripping voltammetric technique development and validation for the determination of budesonide in pharmaceuticals and biological fluids using graphite working electrode

Authors: Alghamdi, A.F.
Journal: Journal of Taibah University for Science
Year: 2022

Development and validation of anodic stripping voltammetry method for the determination of tretinoin in human urine and plasma using glassy carbon electrode

Authors: Alghamdi, A.F.
Journal: Journal of King Saud University – Science
Year: 2020

Development and validation of electrochemical method for quantification of palbociclib (anticancer agent) in biological matrices using square wave-adsorptive stripping voltammetry

Authors: Alghamdi, A.F., Hefnawy, M., Al-Rashood, S.
Journal: International Journal of Electrochemical Science
Year: 2020

Determination of atorvastatin at pharmaceutical tablet using cyclic voltammetry technique

Authors: Alghamdi, A.F., Alsaleemi, M.S.
Journal: Moroccan Journal of Chemistry
Year: 2019

Prof Dr. stella Girousi, Analytical Chemistry, Women Researcher Award

Posted on 06/08/202406/08/2024 by sciencefather

Prof Dr. stella Girousi, Analytical Chemistry, Women Researcher Award

Prof Dr. stella Girousi, AUTh, Greece

Profiles

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🌟Summary

Dr. Stella Girousi is a renowned researcher in the field of analytical chemistry, specializing in the development and application of electroanalytical methods. Her work focuses on voltammetric determination of metals, electrochemical biosensors, and the study of biologically and environmentally significant compounds. With numerous publications and book chapters, she contributes significantly to advancements in bioanalytical tools and nanomaterial-based electrode surfaces.

🎓Education

B.Sc. in Chemistry – Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry – Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry – Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

👩‍🔬Professional Experience

Professor – Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Researcher – Specializing in electrochemical biosensors, voltammetric methods, and nanomaterials

🔬Research Interests

Electroanalytical Methods: Developing voltammetric techniques using mercury, carbon, and mercury/bismuth thin film electrodes

Electrochemical Biosensors: Creating DNA biosensors for studying drug-DNA interactions, detecting micromolar compounds, and epigenetic control

Nanomaterials: Innovating electrode surfaces with nanomaterials and screen printing technology

Bioanalytical Applications: Applying electroanalytical methods to biological, environmental, and food samples, as well as pharmacologically active compounds

Publications📚

Bismuth Film along with dsDNA-Modified Electrode Surfaces as Promising (bio)Sensors in the Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soils

Authors: Keramari, V.; Papadimou, S.G.; Golia, E.E.; Girousi, S.

Journal: Biosensors

Year: 2024

Preparation of a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Saffron Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles for the Sensitive and Selective Electroanalytical Determination of Amoxicillin in Urine Samples

Authors: Sarakatsanou, C.; Karastogianni, S.; Girousi, S.

Journal: Analytical Methods

Year: 2023

New Prospects in the Electroanalysis of Heavy Metal Ions (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu): Development and Application of Novel Electrode Surfaces

Authors: Keramari, V.; Karastogianni, S.; Girousi, S.

Journal: Methods and Protocols

Year: 2023

Different Aspects of the Voltammetric Detection of Vitamins: A Review

Authors: Kiamiloglou, D.; Girousi, S.

Journal: Biosensors

Year: 2023

Promising Electrode Surfaces, Modified with Nanoparticles, in the Sensitive and Selective Electroanalytical Determination of Antibiotics: A Review

Authors: Sarakatsanou, C.; Karastogianni, S.; Girousi, S.

Journal: Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

Year: 2023

Applications of Sensitive Electrode Surfaces; Determination of Different Classes of Antibiotics

Authors: Girousi, S.; Sarakatsanou, C.

Journal: Nanosensors

Year: 2023