Research Group - BITS Pilani

Prof. Sankar Ganesh Palani

Professor (Research Track)
Department of Biological Sciences

Anaerobic digestion, Composting, Environment and energy, Nano(eco)toxicology, Solid waste management, Technology for Pedagogy, Termigradation, Vermicomposting

Room number A119,
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Hyderabad Campus
Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal
Dist.-Medchal-500 078
Telangana, India

sangan@hyderabad.bits-pilani.ac.in

psg.bits@gmail.com

040-66303547

https://www.linkedin.com/in/linksangan/

BITS Environmental Science & Technology (BEST) Lab

BEST Lab is a dynamic research group primarily focusing on environmental biotechnology and sustainable waste management. Their collective expertise includes anaerobic digestion, waste-to-energy conversion, wastewater treatment, and environmental remediation. The group focuses on advancing scientific understanding and developing innovative strategies to tackle environmental challenges.

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Research Team

Our research group is dedicated to creating practical, field-ready solutions that make a tangible impact. We aim to develop innovations that not only advance scientific knowledge but also bring meaningful value to society and contribute to environmental protection. With a vision of a world where science-based solutions are seamlessly integrated into everyday life, we are committed to building a healthier, more sustainable planet for future generations

In the Process of Creating a Sustainable Tomorrow, Today

Current PhD Scholars

Ms. Sandhya Kumari Gupta

Evaluates strategies to mitigate the negative effects of microplastics on environmental sustainability using anaerobic digestion and concomitant resource recovery in treatment processes

Completed Master's and Bachelor's in Botany (Hons.) from Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Deemed University, Agra.

Ms. Hemapriya S

Explores the optimization of total soluble product concentrations during biomethanation to enhance energy recovery in waste-to-energy systems through reactor design optimization and adsorption techniques, alongside developing innovative processes for efficient biomethanation, aiming to improve the overall performance and sustainability of waste-to-energy systems

Completed Master's in Pharmaceutical Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dhanbad (MHRD Fellowship) and a Bachelor's in Industrial Biotechnology from Anna University, Chennai.

Ms. Pavithra Pari

Focuses on the enhancement of organic waste valorization to promote a circular economy, along with exploring nature-based solutions for environmental remediation.

Completed Master's in Environmental Engineering & Management from Pondicherry (Central) University, Puducherry, and Bachelor's in Environmental Engineering from Anna University, Chennai.

Mr. Loganathan A

Explores the chemical composition and reactivity of coal to enhance its biomethanation potential and also investigates the microbial interactions, metabolic pathways, and process optimization for biogas generation.

Completed Master's in Chemistry from Bishop Heber College, affiliated with Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, and Bachelor's in Chemistry from Government Arts College, Karur, affiliated with Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli.

Ms. Shyamala Diwakaruni

Focuses on leachate treatment technologies, exploring innovative methods for contaminant removal, toxicity reduction, and improvement of effluent quality to mitigate environmental risks from landfills leachate

Completed Master's in Environmental Engineering from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, USA, and Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Nagarjuna University, India.

Ms. Pallavi Vadla

Explores the potential of macro and microalgae for nutrient removal, pollutant degradation, and biomass production, as well as integrating environmental biotechnology into waste management systems for resource recovery and environmental sustainability

Completed Master's in Agricultural Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (MHRD Fellowship) and Master's in Science from Sri Padmavathi Mahila Visva Vidyalayam, Tirupati (JNU DBT Fellowship) and Bachelor's in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad.

Mr. Gantala Sarva Sai Nikhilesh

Focuses on electrobiomethanation for enhancing methane production and resource recovery and explores the synergy between microbial electrochemical systems and anaerobic digestion

Completed Master's in Biotechnology from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, and Bachelor's in Biotechnology from GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam.

Ms. Marina Nandyal

Focuses on advanced wastewater treatment technologies, resource recovery from wastewater, sustainable water management, biological and physicochemical treatment processes, and wastewater reuse strategies for environmental sustainability

Completed Master's in Environmental Engineering from Mysore University and Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Sri Venkateshwara University.

Mr. Keitumetse Ngaka

Explores Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for environmental monitoring and integrating natural resource management strategies for sustainable ecosystem conservation

Completed M. Phil. in Natural Resource Management from the Okavango Research Institute (ORI), University of Botswana, and B.Sc. in Environmental Science from the University of Botswana.

Ms. Dimple K

Engaged in biomarker-based monitoring of biomethanation with the aim of enhancing process control and improving product yield.

Completed Master’s in Biotechnology at Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai and completed Bachelor’s in Biotechnology at Anna University, Trichy.

Mr. Balamanikandan R

Working on biohythane generation with a focus on process optimization to enhance yield and efficiency

Completed Master’s in Biotechnology at Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering & Technology, and completed Bachelor’s in Biotechnology at Anna University, Sree Sastha Institute of Engineering & Technology

Alumni

Dr. Siva Prasad Bitragunta

Thesis Title: Toxicity Evaluation of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Earthworm (Eisenia fedita)

Head, Environmental Surveillance Lab, Centre For Environment, Urban Governance And Infrastructure Development (CEUG&ID) @ Administrative Staff College Of India

27988079-E50E-400E-A095-0D1149E26ADF_1_201_a

Dr. Anand N

Thesis Title: Bioprocessing of Leachate Emanated from Municipal Solid Waste Landfill and Concomitant Recovery of Value-added Products.

Research Associate @ Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute, Gujarat

Dr. Atun RoyChoudhury

Thesis Title: Co-Digestion of Organic Municipal Solid Waste and Slaughterhouse Waste Through Triphasic Dry Biomethanation and Concomitant Recovery of Value- Added Products

Technical Head @ Ideation 3X

Dr. Harsha Barwani

Thesis Title: Development of a Field-Operable Testing System for Ensuring the Quality of Cow-Milk

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