1

Synthesis, application and life cycle analysis of magnetic biochar for removal of emerging and legacy compounds

A doctoral student joined the project in January 2024. Three organic feedstocks were selected, and biochar was synthesized and initially characterized. Preliminary adsorption studies using methylene blue have been completed. The next phase will involve biochar functionalization and magnetic nanoparticle impregnation, followed by experiments targeting the removal of antibiotics such as tetracycline and carbamazepine.

IIT Bombay Seed Grant

03 Years

Ongoing

2

Biochar augmented anaerobically active biomass-based electro-fermentation for enhanced resource recovery

This project utilizes biochar-based electrodes in a bio-electro-fermentation setup to enhance methane recovery. Equipment procurement has been completed in the first year, and staff hiring and training are underway. A Ph.D. student was onboarded in January 2026. Initial experiments will begin in April 2026 using anaerobic serum bottle setups to evaluate the efficacy of biochar in improving methane yield.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Govt. of India

03 Years

Ongoing

3

Integrating Biotechnological interventions to capture and utilization of CO2 from biogas: Harnessing Algal Cultivation, photocatalytic CO2 conversion to mixed alcohol

This project builds on work conducted by an Institute Postdoctoral Fellow on microalgae-based carbon sequestration under autotrophic and heterotrophic conditions. It involves the design and operation of a 15 L bench-scale photobioreactor followed by a 150 L pilot-scale system. The reactors will utilize CO2 from biogas generated in a 1000 L anaerobic digester. The study focuses on technology integration and pilot-scale demonstration in collaboration with Organic Recycling Private Limited.

DBT-BIRAC, Govt. of India

NA

Awarded, Grant-Letter-Agreement signing in process

4

Danish-Thai-Indian Circular Bioeconomy Network for Mango Waste Valorization

A tri-party collaboration has been established between Denmark, India (IIT Bombay and Organic Recycling Private Limited) and Thailand Academic and Industrial partner. The objective of this project is to foster collaboration of research for agricultural and food waste valorization.

Denmark Government through Global Innovation Network Program

NA

Awarded, joint meetings done, visits and workshops planned

5

Studies on Fungi-Biochar growth interactions and myco-remediation of contaminants

The project explored the synergistic role of fungi and biochar for wastewater treatment. Initial experiments using Agaricus bisporus successfully degraded lignin, demonstrating promising removal efficiency and validating fungi-based bioremediation as an effective approach. Based on these outcomes, future work will focus on developing a fungi-biochar bioreactor and proposing advanced studies to funding agencies.

IRCC Internship, IIT Bombay

06 months (January 2025 - June 2025)

Completed

6

Investigating the efficacy of modified biochar for removal of target emerging contaminants

The project explored the synthesis, characterization, activation, and application of biochar for dye removal from water. Alkali-activated biochar derived from spent tea leaves successfully removed methylene blue and tetracycline hydrochloride, demonstrating effective contaminant removal. Based on these outcomes, future work will focus on conducting column studies for continuous wastewater treatment applications.

IRCC Internship, IIT Bombay

06 months (January 2024 - June 2024)

Completed