This study understands the transformation of soybean straw, an abundant yet recalcitrant agricultural residue, into clean energy through integrated pretreatment and anaerobic digestion pathways. Conventionally subjected to open burning due to its complex lignocellulosic structure, soybean straw poses serious environmental and health risks.

The study further highlights how mechanical, thermal, chemical, and biological pretreatments disrupt lignin and hemicellulose, enhancing cellulose accessibility. Improved hydrolysis leads to higher soluble sugar release and reduced inhibitory by-products, ultimately boosting biomethane potential. By linking waste management, advanced pretreatment, and bioenergy recovery, the research underscores a sustainable alternative aligned with circular economy principles and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

This integrated framework presents a circular approach to organic waste management by linking biochar production, composting, and enhanced biomethanation. Diverse organic wastes are routed through complementary pathways such as anaerobic digestion, vermicomposting, biofuel generation, and pyrolysis.

Biochar acts as a structural enhancer, microbial habitat, and adsorbent, leading to improved compost quality and higher biomethane yields. By combining material recovery, energy generation, and soil amendment strategies, the system demonstrates a sustainable waste-to-resource pathway within a circular economy framework.

The STWUTEE–EEL 1C 402 laboratory showcases end-to-end experimental validation of the circular organic waste valorization framework, from biochar synthesis via muffle furnace pyrolysis at 150–950°C, to field-scale composting, vermicomposting, and Parthenium-based composting applications.

(a) Adarsh Singh — PhD Scholar: Focuses on river health assessment with an integrated focus on surface/ground water and sediment quality, heavy metal contamination, and surface-groundwater interactions across multiple water bodies in the Narmada River Basin. Funded by the Center for Narmada River Basin Management Studies (cNarmada, IIT Indore), Ministry of Jal Shakti, the research employs physicochemical and hydrochemical analysis, sediment geochemistry, and multivariate statistical tools to characterize pollution sources, metal transport pathways, and ecological stress. The work supports the Nirmal Dhara initiative and contributes to District River Management Plans (DRMP) through scientifically robust indicators and policy-relevant recommendations for sustainable basin management.

(b & c) Research Advances: The research advances integrated water and wastewater management through a comprehensive assessment of physicochemical, biological, heavy-metal, and emerging-contaminant parameters, coupled with nature-based treatment systems that enable safe reuse, carbon-aware operations, and climate-resilient planning. Using advanced analytical tools, water quality indices, and decision-support models, the work aims to quantify pollution, optimize treatment, and evaluate human-health risks across urban and peri-urban settings, delivering scalable, SDG-aligned solutions that promote circular resource recovery, informed policy, and sustainable infrastructure for rapidly developing regions.

This research focuses on monitoring and improving river and wetland water quality using field sampling, laboratory analysis, and remote sensing. Water samples are analyzed for physicochemical, biological, heavy metals, and microplastic contamination using advanced tools such as FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM. Remote sensing and GIS are used to understand spatial and temporal variations, land use impacts, and pollution sources. The work also involves developing water quality index maps, dashboards, and pollution hotspot identification to support better management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems.

Advanced treatment technologies for wastewater including nature-based solutions, removal of emerging pollutants, and safe water reuse.

This research focuses on monitoring and improving river and wetland water quality using a combination of field sampling, laboratory analysis, and remote sensing techniques. Water samples are analyzed for physicochemical, biological, heavy metals, and microplastic contamination using advanced tools such as FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM. Remote sensing and GIS are used to understand spatial and temporal variations, land use impacts, and pollution sources. The work also involves developing water quality index maps, dashboards, and pollution hotspot identification to support better management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems and promote sustainable water resource planning.

Key focus areas include terrestrial microplastics as emerging aquatic pollutants, assessment and mitigation of contaminants of emerging concern in surface and groundwater systems, and development of cost-effective remediation strategies applicable at rural and peri-urban scales across central India.