Koziba Gaothobogwe | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

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Ms. Koziba Gaothobogwe | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

MSc Student. Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Botswana

Koziba Gaothobogwe is a dedicated MSc student in Environmental Science (Soil Science) at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). With a passion for addressing environmental contamination, particularly in agricultural land, her research focuses on mitigating potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in food crops. She has gained international exposure through the Sakura Exchange Program in Japan, where she presented her research on emerging pollutants and developed hands-on skills in advanced environmental analysis. Koziba’s academic journey is supported by her teaching assistantship at BIUST, where she mentors undergraduate students in soil science, environmental hazards, and waste management. Committed to sustainability, she aims to apply her knowledge to tackle soil and water contamination issues in Botswana and beyond.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Koziba Gaothobogwe earned her BSc in Environmental Science from Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in 2021, where her project focused on analyzing the physico-chemical characteristics of surface and groundwater near the Morupule Power Station. Currently, she is pursuing an MSc in Soil Science at BIUST, with a thesis dedicated to mitigating the impact of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in food crops grown near the BCL Cu-Ni mine using soil amendments. Throughout her studies, Koziba has developed a strong foundation in environmental science, particularly in soil chemistry, water quality analysis, and environmental remediation strategies. Additionally, she has completed various professional training courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), image classification, and spatial data science through the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), enhancing her research capabilities in environmental monitoring and analysis.

Experience

Koziba Gaothobogwe has diverse research and teaching experience in the field of environmental science. As a teaching assistant at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), she has been instrumental in supervising undergraduate laboratory sessions on environmental pollution, soil science, microbiology, and waste management. Her responsibilities include tutoring, grading, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies. As a research assistant, she assisted in designing experiments, performing soil and water sample analyses, and utilizing statistical tools to interpret environmental data. Her international exposure as a visiting scholar in the Sakura Exchange Program at Kyoto University, Japan, broadened her skills in environmental analysis techniques such as FTIR, ICP-MS, and SEM. Koziba has also contributed significantly to academic research through her project focused on mitigating contamination in agriculture, with her findings expected to influence sustainable farming practices in contaminated areas.

Research Focus

Koziba Gaothobogwe’s research focuses on the mitigation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in agricultural systems, particularly the impact of soil amendments on food crops grown in contaminated soils. Her MSc thesis explores how soil amendments can reduce the bioavailability of toxic elements like heavy metals in crops near mining areas, with a focus on BCL Cu-Ni mine in Botswana. Through her research, Koziba aims to develop practical, sustainable solutions to improve soil health and reduce the environmental risks posed by mining activities. Her interest extends to the broader field of environmental science, including water quality analysis, environmental impact assessments, and remediation strategies. Additionally, her work in environmental chemistry seeks to advance analytical methods for detecting and quantifying pollutants in soil, water, and plant matrices, making her research valuable for both environmental policy and agricultural sustainability.

Publications

  • Mitigation of Potentially Toxic Elements in Corn (Zea Mays) Grown in Farmlands Near Cu-Ni Mine in Central Botswana – Soil and Sediment Contamination (2025)

 

 

 

Altaf Hussain Lahori | Environmental Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Altaf Hussain Lahori | Environmental Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Pakistan

Dr. Altaf Hussain Lahori is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, Pakistan. With a profound commitment to environmental research, Dr. Lahori focuses on transforming organic waste into valuable agricultural resources. His expertise encompasses soil remediation, fertility enhancement, and sustainable waste management practices. An advocate for innovative technologies, he actively explores biochar and phytoremediation strategies. Dr. Lahori’s international experience includes advanced studies in China, enriching his academic perspective. He is recognized for his dedication to teaching and mentoring future scientists, significantly contributing to the field of environmental sciences.

Profile

Strengths for the Award

  1. Robust Academic Background: Dr. Lahori holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, complemented by a solid foundation in Soil Science through his M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees. His academic qualifications reflect a deep understanding of environmental and agricultural sciences.
  2. Diverse Research Interests: His research encompasses critical areas such as soil remediation, phytoremediation, waste management, and biochar technology. This breadth of focus demonstrates his commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges.
  3. Significant Contributions to Literature: Dr. Lahori has authored and co-authored multiple impactful publications, evidenced by high citation counts. His work on biochar and soil fertility has been influential in the field, showcasing his ability to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse.
  4. Mentorship and Student Production: As a HEC approved PhD supervisor, he has successfully guided multiple master’s students, fostering the next generation of researchers in environmental science. This highlights his dedication to education and research capacity building.
  5. International Recognition: His scholarships and collaborations, particularly in China, indicate his international standing and the global relevance of his research.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Increased Interdisciplinary Collaboration: While his research is robust, fostering partnerships across disciplines (e.g., economics, social sciences) could enhance the applicability and impact of his findings on policy-making and community engagement.
  2. Broader Outreach and Public Engagement: Developing outreach programs or workshops that communicate his research findings to local communities and stakeholders could help bridge the gap between research and practical application, particularly in sustainable practices.
  3. Diversification of Research Funding: Exploring diverse funding avenues, including grants from international organizations, could enhance the scope and scale of his research projects, allowing for larger studies and broader impacts.

Education  

Dr. Altaf Hussain Lahori earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Environmental Science from Northwest A&F University, China, in 2018, achieving an impressive 86.5% (3.86 CGPA). Prior to that, he completed his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Soil Science from Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, in 2013, securing 75.06% (3.00 CGPA). His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Soil Science from the Z.A.B.A.C. Dokri campus of Sindh Agriculture University, where he excelled with 91.50% (3.66 CGPA) in 2010. Dr. Lahori’s educational background is marked by a strong emphasis on environmental and agricultural sciences, laying a solid foundation for his research and teaching career.

Experience 

Since August 2019, Dr. Altaf Hussain Lahori has served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Sindh Madressatul Islam University. His responsibilities include delivering lectures, conducting research, and supervising graduate students. Dr. Lahori has produced three master’s theses, guiding students in various environmental science topics. He has taught a wide range of courses, including Health, Safety and Environmental Management, Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, and Sustainable Agriculture. His teaching methodology integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, fostering critical thinking among students. Dr. Lahori’s research has been published in reputable journals, demonstrating his commitment to advancing knowledge in environmental science. His international exposure and collaborations further enrich his experience, making him a valuable asset to the academic community.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Altaf Hussain Lahori has received several prestigious awards throughout his academic career. He was granted a USAID Scholarship from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for his Master’s degree at Sindh Agriculture University (2010-2012), which reflects his academic excellence. Furthermore, he was awarded the “President’s Scholarship” for foreign students during his Ph.D. studies at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University in China for the academic year 2017-2018. Dr. Lahori is also an HEC-approved Ph.D. supervisor, a recognition that underscores his expertise in the field of Soil and Environmental Sciences. His contributions to academia and research have positioned him as a respected figure in his field, and he continues to inspire future scholars through his work.

Research Focus 

Dr. Altaf Hussain Lahori’s research focuses on environmental sustainability and soil health. He is particularly interested in converting organic waste into value-added resources for plant nutrition, enhancing soil fertility, and exploring innovative soil remediation techniques. His work with biochar and mineral additives aims to reclaim salt-affected soils and improve nutrient availability for crops. Dr. Lahori emphasizes the environment-friendly utilization of waste resources and effective solid waste management strategies. He actively investigates smart biochar technologies and phytoremediation methods to address heavy metal contamination in soils. His dedication to compost technology and fertilizer innovation further demonstrates his commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. Through his research, Dr. Lahori aims to contribute to solving critical environmental issues while promoting sustainable development in agriculture.

Publication Top Notes

  • Challenges and opportunities in the phytoremediation of heavy metals contaminated soils: A review 🌍
  • Enhancing phosphate adsorption by Mg/Al layered double hydroxide functionalized biochar with different Mg/Al ratios ⚗️
  • Recovery of phosphate from aqueous solution by magnesium oxide decorated magnetic biochar and its potential as phosphate-based fertilizer substitute 🧪
  • Role of biochar amendment in mitigation of nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emission during sewage sludge composting 🌱
  • Influence of zeolite and lime as additives on greenhouse gas emissions and maturity evolution during sewage sludge composting 🌿
  • Use of biochar as an amendment for remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils: prospects and challenges ⚖️
  • Effect of biochar amendment on greenhouse gas emission and bio-availability of heavy metals during sewage sludge co-composting 🔄
  • Potential use of lime combined with additives on (im) mobilization and phytoavailability of heavy metals from Pb/Zn smelter contaminated soils 💧
  • Heterogeneity of zeolite combined with biochar properties as a function of sewage sludge composting and production of nutrient-rich compost 🔬
  • EDTA and organic acids assisted phytoextraction of Cd and Zn from a smelter contaminated soil by potherb mustard (Brassica juncea, Coss) and evaluation of its bioindicators 🌼
  • Impact of CaO, fly ash, sulfur and Na2S on the (im) mobilization and phytoavailability of Cd, Cu and Pb in contaminated soil 🚧
  • Evaluation of orange peel waste and its biochar on greenhouse gas emissions and soil biochemical properties within a loess soil 🍊
  • Influence of biochar on volatile fatty acids accumulation and microbial community succession during biosolids composting 🦠
  • Nitrate removal by combined heterotrophic and autotrophic denitrification processes: impact of coexistent ions 💡
  • Screening of native plants from wasteland surrounding a Zn smelter in Feng County China, for phytoremediation 🌱

Conclusion

Dr. Altaf Hussain Lahori stands out as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional academic achievements, influential research contributions, and commitment to mentorship. His work is not only relevant but crucial in addressing the challenges posed by environmental degradation and soil health. With some enhancements in collaborative efforts and public engagement, Dr. Lahori could further amplify the impact of his research, making him an even more formidable force in the field of environmental science. His dedication to innovation and sustainability positions him as an exemplary candidate for this prestigious recognition.