Tarun Kumar Lohani | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Best Academic Researcher Award

Prof. Tarun Kumar Lohani | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Best Academic Researcher Award

Professor | Arba Minch University | India

Prof.  Tarun Kumar Lohani is a distinguished Professor at the Arba Minch Water Technology Institute (AWTI), Arba Minch University, Ethiopia, specializing in Water Technology, hydrological modelling, groundwater systems, climate-change–induced water challenges, GIS–based environmental analysis, and machine-learning applications in hydrology. With an extensive research portfolio comprising 119 scholarly documents, 1063 citations, an h-index of 16, and 31 i10-index publications, he has established himself as a leading contributor to contemporary water resource science and sustainability research.Prof. Lohani’s early work on construction materials, particularly the highly cited study on the optimum utilization of quarry dust as a partial replacement of sand in concrete 143 citations demonstrated his ability to bridge engineering materials research with green and cost-efficient construction practices. Over the years, his scholarship has evolved toward advanced hydrological systems climate resilience and watershed modelling. His research contributions span critical themes such as flood susceptibility mapping using multi-criteria decision-making and machine learning 70 citations groundwater quality assessment in Ethiopia’s major basins sediment transport modelling using HEC-RAS and the application of the WetSpass and SWAT models for surface–subsurface water balance and sediment yield simulations.A hallmark of his career is his strong interdisciplinary and international collaboration reflected in joint publications with researchers across India Ethiopia China and multiple global institutions. His work intersects water resource engineering environmental science remote sensing and emerging computational techniques. Notable contributions include hydrodynamic modelling of climate-change scenarios reservoir operation optimization MIKE11-NAM streamflow simulations for data-scarce regions LULC change detection using SVM and ANN models and the integration of metaheuristic and machine-learning approaches in agricultural and environmental systems.Through his research Prof. Lohani has significantly advanced understanding of sustainable water management climate-induced hydrological risks and water security in vulnerable regions. His work supports government agencies local communities and international stakeholders in improving disaster preparedness groundwater sustainability and environmental planning. Recognized for scientific rigor collaborative leadership and societal impact Prof. Lohani continues to contribute meaningfully to global water research and capacity building in the Horn of Africa.

Profiles : ORCID | Scopus | Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1.Lohani, T. K., Padhi, M., Dash, K. P., & Jena, S. (2012). Optimum utilization of quarry dust as partial replacement of sand in concrete. International Journal of Applied Science and Engineering Research, 1(2), 391–404. Cited by : 143

2.Rakhra, M., Singh, R., Lohani, T. K., & Shabaz, M. (2021). Metaheuristic and machine learning-based smart engine for renting and sharing of agriculture equipment. Cited by : 82

3.Sharma, C., Amandeep, B., Sobti, R., Lohani, T. K., & Shabaz, M. (2021). A secured frame selection based video watermarking technique to address quality loss of data: Combining graph-based transform, singular value decomposition, and hyperchaotic. Cited By : 57

4.Yao, Q., Shabaz, M., Lohani, T. K., Bhatt, M. W., Panesar, G. S., & Singh, R. K. (2021). 3D modelling and visualization for vision-based vibration signal processing and measurement. Cited By : 57

5.Ukumo, T. Y., Abebe, A., Lohani, T. K., & Edamo, M. L. (2023). Flood hazard mapping and analysis under climate change using hydro-dynamic model and RCPs emission scenario in Woybo River catchment of Ethiopia.
Cited By : 32

Prof. Lohani’s work advances hydrological modelling and climate-resilient water management, providing scientifically robust tools that strengthen water security, disaster preparedness, and sustainable resource planning for vulnerable regions.

Ebrahim Sepehr | Soil and Water Pollution | Best Researcher Award

Prof Ebrahim Sepehr | Soil and Water Pollution | Best Researcher Award

Professor in Environmental Soil Chemistry at the Department of Soil Science at Urmia University , Iran

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Orcid

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ebrahim Sepehr’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in soil chemistry and fertility. He pursued advanced education in these disciplines, which culminated in his role as a professor at Urmia University, Iran. His passion for understanding soil’s intricate properties laid the groundwork for his future contributions to agriculture and environmental science.

🌟 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Sepehr has held several prestigious positions, showcasing his leadership in academia and the agricultural sector. Since 2021, he has served as the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Urmia University. He also presides over the Soil Science Society of West Azerbaijan, Iran, since 2016, and chairs the Agriculture & Environment Committee of the region. His tenure as Head of the Soil Science Department (2014-2016) solidified his reputation as a dedicated educator and administrator.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Sepehr’s research spans critical areas such as soil and water pollution, remediation of contaminated soils, and advanced plant nutrition. His work has significantly influenced sustainable agriculture, particularly in the realm of nutrient use efficiency and organic matter management. Beyond journal articles, he has co-authored influential books like Soil and Water Chemistry: An Integrative Approach and contributed to seminal works on soil fertility in Iran.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Sepehr’s excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Best University Teacher (2023) and Best Researcher (2024) in West Azerbaijan. These accolades underscore his dedication to advancing soil science education and research.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Sepehr’s studies on eco-friendly solutions, such as using biochar and sustainable fertilizers, have contributed to global efforts to combat soil degradation and pollution. His innovative approaches, such as employing artificial neural networks for detecting nutrient deficiencies, reflect his forward-thinking methodology.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a leader in soil science, Dr. Sepehr continues to inspire future generations through his teaching and research. His enduring focus on integrating modern technology with traditional agricultural practices positions him as a pioneer in sustainable soil management. With his ongoing work in combating salinity and enhancing nutrient recovery, his contributions are poised to leave a lasting impact on both local and global agricultural ecosystems.

Publication Top Notes 

Esmaillou, Z., Asghari, M., Zaare-Nahandi, F., & Sepehr, E. (2024). Effect of rootstock and magnetized water on apple saplings under salinity stress. 🌱 Plant Productions.

Piri, M., Sepehr, E., & Sharifmand, M. (2024). Combined phosphorus-organic matter fertilizer effects on Moldavian Balm. 🌸 Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 55(3), 401–413.

Mirbolook, A., Rasouli-Sadaghiani, M., Sepehr, E., et al. (2024). Responses of bread wheat to Zn-Glycine and Zn-Alanine fertilizers under saline soil. 🌾 Journal of Plant Nutrition, 1–19.

Ashrafi-Saiedlou, S., Rasouli-Sadaghiani, M., Samadi, A., Barin, M., & Sepehr, E. (2024). Aspergillus niger for eco-friendly potassium release. 🍄 Heliyon, 10(7).

Hajizadeh, N., Sepehr, E., Maleki, R., & Imani, A. (2024). Detecting iron deficiency in peaches using AI. 🍑 Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 55(1), 69–81.

Miran, N., Rasouli-Sadaghiani, M., Feiziasl, V., Sepehr, E., et al. (2024). Nutritional status of dryland wheat via DRIS method. 🌾 Applied Soil Research, 11(4), 18–29.

Piri, M., & Sepehr, E. (2024). Struvite/biochar composites as phosphorus fertilizers for maize. 🌽 Journal of Plant Nutrition, 47(3), 433–447.

Azimzadeh, Z., Hassani, A., Mandoulakani, B. A., & Sepehr, E. (2024). Oregano responses to salinity stress. 🌿 Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 46(2), 14.

Sharifmand, M., Sepehr, E., Rasouli-Sadaghiani, M., & Asri-Rezaei, S. (2023). Study of ciprofloxacin hysteresis in soil. 🌍 Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 54(10), 1597–1608.

Piri, M., Sepehr, E., & Ghavidel, S. Z. (2023). Leonardite/struvite phosphorus fertilizers for calcareous soils. 🌾 Journal of Cleaner Production, 430, 139723.