Muhammad Rizwan | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Rizwan | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Researcher, Changsha University of Science & Technology, China

Dr. Muhammad Rizwan is a seasoned soil and environmental scientist from Pakistan, specializing in sustainable green materials and engineered biochars for environmental management. With over a decade of experience, he has led research in nanomaterial synthesis, environmental chemistry, resource recovery, and climate change mitigation. Currently, he is a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow at Changsha University of Science and Technology, China, where he leads independent and collaborative research projects, mentors students, and contributes significantly to environmental science literature. He has held positions at Central South University, China Agricultural University, and the University of Okara, Pakistan. His scientific contributions include numerous high-impact publications, editorial roles, and peer-review activities for leading journals. Dr. Rizwan is dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability through innovative research solutions and maintains strong international collaborations, aiming to tackle global environmental challenges and improve ecological health worldwide.

Professional Profile

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Education 

Dr. Muhammad Rizwan began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, between 2007 and 2011, where he excelled as a merit scholarship holder. He continued his studies at the same institution, completing a Master of Science in Soil and Environmental Sciences from 2011 to 2013, supported by the USAID Merit Scholarship. Eager to expand his expertise internationally, he pursued a Ph.D. in Soil and Environmental Sciences at China Agricultural University, Beijing, from 2015 to 2019, under a prestigious full scholarship from the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC). In addition to his scientific training, he undertook a Chinese language course at China Agricultural University in 2014-2015 to support his academic and professional integration in China. His educational journey has equipped him with a deep multidisciplinary understanding of soil science, environmental remediation, and sustainable resource management.

Experience 

Dr. Muhammad Rizwan’s professional experience spans academia and research across Pakistan and China. As a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow at Changsha University of Science and Technology since December 2024, he designs experiments, conducts data analysis, publishes research, and teaches undergraduate courses in Environmental Sciences. From June 2021 to November 2024, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Central South University, where he specialized in engineered biochars, experimental research, and student mentoring. Earlier, he worked as an IPFP Fellow (equivalent to Assistant Professor) at the University of Okara, Pakistan, teaching courses, securing research funding, and managing departmental responsibilities. His career began as a University Research Assistant at China Agricultural University from 2016 to 2019, focusing on biochar research and publication writing. He is also actively engaged in editorial roles for journals and peer-review activities, further strengthening his profile as a leading environmental scientist.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Muhammad Rizwan has earned multiple accolades reflecting his research excellence and academic commitment. He was selected as a Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow at Central South University in 2024, recognizing his impactful contributions to environmental science. During his doctoral studies, he held a full scholarship from the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) from 2015 to 2019, and he was honored with the “Excellent Research Achievement Award” by China Agricultural University for two consecutive years, 2015 and 2016. He won the Best Presentation Award at the 4th Asia Pacific Biochar Conference in Foshan, China, in 2018. Earlier in his academic journey, he consistently secured merit scholarships during his Bachelor’s and Master’s studies at PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, including the prestigious USAID Merit Scholarship between 2011 and 2013. These honors underscore his dedication, innovative research spirit, and contributions to sustainable environmental solutions.

Research Interests 

Dr. Muhammad Rizwan’s research interests span diverse yet interconnected fields within environmental science. His primary focus lies in the synthesis and engineering of advanced biochars for sustainable environmental management, addressing pollution remediation, soil health improvement, and resource recovery. He is deeply engaged in nanomaterial synthesis and exploring the environmental chemistry of pollutants and emerging contaminants. His work also emphasizes developing green materials and innovative sorbents for water and soil remediation, contributing to climate change mitigation strategies through carbon sequestration and circular economy approaches. He is keenly interested in using biochar-based composites and functional materials for removing heavy metals, organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants from ecosystems. His interdisciplinary research bridges environmental chemistry, materials science, sustainable agriculture, and environmental engineering, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable development goals. Dr. Rizwan aims to pioneer solutions that advance environmental sustainability while addressing pressing global ecological challenges.

Research Skills 

Dr. Muhammad Rizwan possesses extensive research skills in experimental design, nanomaterial synthesis, and the engineering of biochar-based materials for environmental applications. He excels in advanced techniques for synthesis and characterization of biochars, including surface functionalization, magnetic modification, and steam explosion pretreatments. His expertise covers analytical methods like spectroscopy, electron microscopy, adsorption analysis, and thermal analysis for evaluating material properties and pollutant interactions. Dr. Rizwan is adept at data analysis using statistical tools and machine learning approaches, contributing to predictive modeling in environmental studies. He is skilled in writing high-quality research publications, preparing project proposals, and delivering scientific presentations. His experience includes supervising students, leading collaborative research projects, and coordinating multi-institutional studies. Additionally, he actively contributes to scientific journals as an editor and reviewer, ensuring rigorous peer-review standards. His research skills uniquely position him to develop innovative solutions for environmental sustainability and pollution remediation.

Publication Top Notes

  • Synthesis, characterization and application of magnetic and acid modified biochars following alkaline pretreatment of rice and cotton straws

  • A review of mechanism and adsorption capacities of biochar-based engineered composites for removing aquatic pollutants from contaminated water

  • Biochar as a green sorbent for remediation of polluted soils and associated toxicity risks: a critical review

  • Recent trends and economic significance of modified/functionalized biochars for remediation of environmental pollutants

  • Steam explosion of crop straws improves the characteristics of biochar as a soil amendment

  • Machine learning-aided prediction of nitrogen heterocycles in bio-oil from the pyrolysis of biomass

  • Potential value of biochar as a soil amendment: A review

  • Sustainable manufacture and application of biochar to improve soil properties and remediate soil contaminated with organic impurities: a systematic review

  • Exogenously applied melatonin enhanced chromium tolerance in pepper by up-regulating the photosynthetic apparatus and antioxidant machinery

  • Tuning active sites on biochars for remediation of mercury-contaminated soil: A comprehensive review

  • Biochar enhances the growth and physiological characteristics of Medicago sativa, Amaranthus caudatus and Zea mays in saline soils

  • Manganese-modified biochar promotes Cd accumulation in Sedum alfredii in an intercropping system

  • Lead-Immobilization, transformation, and induced toxicity alleviation in sunflower using nanoscale Fe°/BC: Experimental insights with Mechanistic validations

  • Innovative dual-active sites in interfacially engineered interfaces for high-performance S-scheme solar-driven CO2 photoreduction

  • Interfacially Modulated S‐Scheme Van der Waals Heterojunctional Photocatalyst for Selective CO2 Photoreduction Coupled with Organic Pollutant Degradation

  • Simultaneous dopants and defects synergistically modulate the band structure of CN in Z-scheme heterojunctional photocatalysts for simultaneous HER and OER production

  • Rational Design Strategy for High‐Valence Metal‐Driven Electronically Modulated High‐Entropy Co–Ni–Fe–Cu–Mo (Oxy) Hydroxide as Superior Multifunctional Electrocatalysts

  • Characteristics of Cd2+ sorption/desorption of modified oilrape straw biochar

  • Synergistic effect of biochar and intercropping on lead phytoavailability in the rhizosphere of a vegetable-grass system

  • COMPARISON OF PB2+ ADSORPTION AND DESORPTION BY SEVERAL CHEMICALLY MODIFIED BIOCHARS DERIVED FROM STEAM EXPLODED OIL-RAPE

Mr. Seth Adusei | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Seth Adusei | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Seth Adusei , Environmental Chemistry , Graduate Research Assistant at Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

Seth Adusei is a passionate environmental and water resource management professional from Ghana, with a strong multidisciplinary background in aquaculture, project management, and materials engineering. With academic roots from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and certifications from European Business University, Luxembourg, Seth combines technical expertise with project execution skills. His professional journey spans research, data analysis, business development, and environmental monitoring roles across various reputable institutions. He has demonstrated excellence in academic research, stakeholder engagement, and technical coordination. Seth’s work, especially in heavy metal pollution and sustainable aquaculture, reflects his commitment to environmental resilience and data-driven problem-solving. Beyond academia, he has volunteered as a peer counselor and actively contributed to institutional growth through innovative solutions. He continues to seek opportunities to merge environmental science, community development, and data analytics to tackle pressing environmental chemistry and resource management challenges across Africa and beyond.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Seth Adusei is a promising early-career researcher whose multidisciplinary expertise in environmental resources management, aquaculture, and materials engineering positions him as a strong contender for the “Best Researcher Award”. His academic journey through KNUST and the European Business University reflects a commitment to both scientific excellence and practical project leadership. He has conducted impactful research on heavy metal pollution due to illegal mining and its effects on aquatic life, particularly Clarias gariepinus, addressing a major environmental chemistry concern in West Africa . As a Graduate Research Assistant, Seth has demonstrated excellence in literature review, experimental design, data analysis, and collaborative research. His voluntary peer counseling, professional trainings, and customer-centric achievements further highlight his balanced growth as a researcher and societal contributor. Seth Adusei is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award” in the early-career or emerging researcher category. His research tackles urgent regional environmental issues with global relevance, and his track record—though still growing—is marked by strong academic rigor, practical impact, and professional integrity. Recognizing him at this stage will not only honor his achievements but also inspire further contributions to sustainable environmental research and leadership in Africa.

🎓Education:

Seth Adusei holds an MPhil in Environmental Resources Management (Materials Engineering) and a BSc in Aquaculture and Water Resource Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana 🎓. His academic career is marked by excellence in environmental science, with strong competencies in sustainability, pollution control, and materials engineering. Additionally, he obtained a Master’s Certificate in Project Management and a CP100 Business Management credential from the European Business University, Luxembourg 🇱🇺. Seth also holds a Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française from Alliance Française 🇫🇷, showcasing his linguistic versatility. His multidisciplinary education has equipped him with a rare blend of environmental insight, technical management, business acumen, and cross-cultural communication. His strong academic foundation supports his dynamic career, helping him integrate scientific research with practical project implementation and business development.

🏢Work Experience:

Seth Adusei has held impactful roles across academia, government, and private sectors. As a Graduate Research Assistant at KNUST’s Department of Materials Engineering 🧪, he engaged in scientific investigations, research communication, and project coordination. He freelanced as a Data Analyst at the African Institute of Business and Leadership Excellence 📊, extracting insights and building dashboards for institutional growth. At Ama Duncan Consulting 💼, he excelled as a Business Development Executive, earning recognition for outstanding customer service and expanding the firm’s clientele through strategic initiatives. He also served the Ghana Cocoa Board 🌱 during his national service, where he co-supervised the production of over 2 million cocoa seedlings. In earlier roles with Ghana Water Company Limited 💧, he contributed to technical water distribution and administrative functions. Volunteering as a Peer Counselor at KNUST, Seth displayed leadership, empathy, and student engagement, demonstrating his dedication to community support and professional development.

🏅Awards: 

Seth Adusei has been recognized for his outstanding contributions in professional and academic settings. At Ama Duncan Consulting, he received accolades for being the Best Customer Service Personnel, reflecting his ability to blend client engagement with business growth 🌟. His role in producing over 2 million cocoa seedlings at the Ghana Cocoa Board is considered a milestone in environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity 🌱. His volunteer work as a Peer Counselor at KNUST was highly valued, as he provided emotional and academic support to students, strengthening student wellness and retention ❤️. His dedication to environmental research and technical support has earned him trust among peers, supervisors, and institutional partners. Through training programs such as the Project Management Masterclass and Customer Service Training for Professionals, Seth continually enhances his skill set and has become a well-rounded professional who contributes meaningfully to both institutional objectives and community impact.

🔬Research Focus:

Seth Adusei’s research focuses on environmental chemistry , particularly in the assessment of aquatic ecosystems, heavy metal pollution, and the impacts of illegal mining on water quality and aquatic life 🌍🐟. His interdisciplinary approach combines principles from aquaculture, environmental engineering, and data science to investigate pollution effects and propose remediation strategies. His work has emphasized the viability of Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) in polluted rivers, advancing scientific understanding of aquatic toxicity in mining-affected regions. At KNUST, Seth contributes to materials engineering research, incorporating resource management and sustainability analytics into project execution 🔎📈. He is also passionate about using data visualization and statistical modeling to communicate complex environmental data to diverse audiences. Seth’s goal is to influence sustainable development policies and enhance water resource governance in Ghana and across Africa. His research aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly clean water, responsible consumption, and life below water 🌐.

Publication Top Notes:

📘 Heavy Metal Pollution From Illegal Mining ‘Galamsey’ Activities on the Viability of Clarias gariepinus in the Oda River, Ghana

Authors: Seth Adusei; Emmanuel Gikunoo; Emmanuel Kwesi Arthur; William Amponsah; Frank Ofori Agyemang; Godfred Ohemeng‑Boahen scholar.google.co.uk+5sciety.org+5labs.sciety.org+5

Dr. Yan Xue | Environmental Chemistry | Sustainable Chemistry Award

Dr. Yan Xue | Environmental Chemistry | Sustainable Chemistry Award

Dr. Yan Xue , Nanjing Agricultural University , China

Dr. Yan Xue is a researcher at Nanjing Agricultural University, specializing in environmental nanomaterials. His research focuses on the high-value utilization of green composite nanomaterials derived from modified graphene/graphene-like biochar-based materials. Dr. Xue explores real-time environmental monitoring, remediation of complex environmental conditions, and the development of energy storage devices such as supercapacitors and ionic batteries. His work aligns with global sustainability goals, emphasizing waste-to-waste treatment strategies and eco-friendly material applications. He has contributed significantly to the fields of electrocatalysis, intelligent energy management, and lignocellulose conversion, publishing multiple high-impact research papers.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Yan Xue is an exceptional candidate for the “Sustainable Chemistry Award” due to his pioneering research in environmental nanomaterials and green chemistry applications. His work focuses on the high-value utilization of biomass-derived functional materials, aligning perfectly with the principles of sustainability, circular economy, and green chemistry. He has contributed significantly to waste-to-waste treatment strategies, converting agricultural and industrial biomass into high-performance materials for environmental remediation, electrochemical sensing, and energy storage applications. His research also supports carbon neutrality and sustainable energy solutions, making a strong impact on global environmental goals. Dr. Yan Xue’s contributions to sustainable chemistry, nanotechnology, and green energy solutions demonstrate scientific excellence and real-world impact. His research addresses critical environmental challenges through eco-friendly material synthesis, pollutant remediation, and sustainable energy storage. Given his innovative approach, interdisciplinary expertise, and commitment to green chemistry, he is a highly suitable candidate for the “Sustainable Chemistry Award”.

🎓Education:

Dr. Yan Xue pursued his academic journey with a strong focus on environmental sciences and materials chemistry. He obtained his doctoral degree from Nanjing Agricultural University, where he specialized in graphene-based biochar nanomaterials. His education was rooted in green chemistry, electrochemical energy storage, and sustainable material applications. His thesis emphasized the modification of biochar-derived nanomaterials for enhanced environmental performance and energy conversion efficiency. With a deep interest in sustainable chemistry and intelligent energy systems, Dr. Xue’s academic training laid a solid foundation for his ongoing research in eco-friendly functional materials.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Yan Xue has extensive research experience in high-value biomass utilization, electrocatalysis, and green energy applications. His expertise includes preparing and functionalizing graphene-based nanomaterials for energy storage and environmental monitoring. He has worked on tunable biochar modifications for real-time sensing and remediation of pollutants. Additionally, Dr. Xue has contributed to the development of bio-based energy devices, including supercapacitors and ionic batteries. His interdisciplinary approach integrates materials chemistry, nanotechnology, and environmental sciences to develop innovative solutions for sustainable energy and pollution control.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Yan Xue has been recognized for his contributions to green materials research and environmental nanotechnology. His work in waste-derived nanomaterials has received accolades in academic and industrial settings. He has been cited in high-impact journals, reflecting his significant contributions to sustainable chemistry and advanced materials. His research in biochar-based nanomaterials has positioned him among emerging leaders in eco-friendly energy storage solutions.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Yan Xue’s research primarily focuses on environmental nanomaterials, emphasizing the high-value utilization of biomass-derived functional materials for sustainable applications. His work explores the synthesis, modification, and application of graphene/graphene-like biochar-based nanomaterials to address critical environmental challenges. He specializes in the development of advanced electrochemical sensors, pollutant remediation systems, and green energy storage solutions, integrating principles of electrocatalysis, intelligent energy management, and nanotechnology. Dr. Xue is particularly interested in waste-to-waste treatment strategies, converting agricultural and industrial biomass into high-performance nanomaterials for supercapacitors, ionic batteries, and pollutant detection systems. His research also extends to functional nanocomposites, such as metallic-like boron-doped biochar, porphyrin-modified nanocatalysts, and hybrid carbon nanostructures, for enhanced electrocatalytic performance and environmental sensing. By merging materials chemistry, environmental science, and nanotechnology, Dr. Xue contributes to the development of eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable solutions for sustainable energy and pollution control.

Publication Top Notes:

Enhancing capacitive performance through solvent-coupled two-step carbonization of cotton stalk biochar with tunable melamine doping: Deciphering the redox activity of pyrrolic nitrogen

Authors: Yan Xue, [Additional authors not specified]

Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Publication Date: March 2025

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.02.057

New insights into temperature-induced mechanisms of copper adsorption enhancement on hydroxyapatite-in situ self-doped fluffy bread-like biochar

Authors: Yan Xue, [Additional authors not specified]

Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal

Publication Date: January 2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.147657

Efficiently catalytic degradation of tetracycline via persulfate activation with plant-based biochars: Insight into endogenous mineral self-template effect and pyrolysis catalysis

Authors: Yan Xue, [Additional authors not specified]

Journal: Chemosphere

Publication Date: October 2023

DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139309

Metallic-like boron-modified bio-carbon electrodes for simultaneous electroanalysis for Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺: Theoretical insight into the role of CxBOy(H)

Authors: Yan Xue, [Additional authors not specified]

Journal: Carbon

Publication Date: October 2023

DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2023.118350

Highly selective colorimetric platinum nanoparticle-modified core-shell molybdenum disulfide/silica platform for selectively detecting hydroquinone

Authors: Yan Xue, [Additional authors not specified]

Journal: Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials

Publication Date: August 2023

DOI: 10.1007/s42114-023-00719-z

Pt deposited on sea urchin-like CuCo₂O₄ nanowires: Preparation, the excellent peroxidase-like activity and the colorimetric detection of sulfide ions

Authors: Yan Xue, [Additional authors not specified]

Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Publication Date: April 2022

DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2022.107228

Porphyrin-Modified NiS₂ Nanoparticles Anchored on Graphene for the Specific Determination of Cholesterol

Authors: Yan Xue, [Additional authors not specified]

Journal: ACS Applied Nano Materials

Publication Date: November 26, 2021

DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.1c02318

V₂O₅-montmorillonite nanocomposites of peroxidase-like activity and their application in the detection of H₂O₂ and glutathione

Authors: Yan Xue, [Additional authors not specified]

Journal: Applied Clay Science

Publication Date: September 2020

DOI: 10.1016/j.clay.2020.105718