Collaborative Research Projects

Research Projects on Water treatment
Lovely Professional University, Phagwara promotes the use of clean water and treatment of waste water by carrying out collaborative and research projects. In this endeavor University provides required support to faculty and students involved in the projects. In this pursuit University has been awarded with many such national as well international projects. Some of the recently completed projects along with their outcome are given below.

Project Title:
Digital Twin Inspired Hybrid System (DTHS) for Real-Time Water Quality Assessment

Investigators:
1. Dr. Ankush Manocha, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
2. Dr. Sandeep Kumar Sood, National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra
3. Dr. Munish Bhatia, National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra

About Project:
This project addresses the challenges in traditional water quality assessment methodologies, which often rely on static, time-invariant models. These methods can overlook the significance of randomness and contingency factors in water quality variations, leading to potential inaccuracies. To overcome this, the project proposes a Digital Twin-inspired Hybrid System (DTHS) that enables real-time water quality assessment. By employing sequential parametric values and real-time observational data, DTHS provides an advanced, reliable mechanism for accurately assessing water quality. The system has been implemented using data from a monitoring station in Chaheru, Phagwara, Punjab, to validate its effectiveness. The project offers a quantitative indication of water health risk, facilitating a better understanding of water quality dynamics and the impacts of pollution on human health.

Notable Achievements:
1. Achieved high prediction accuracy in water quality assessment with a score of 94.14%.
2. Demonstrated superior sensitivity (93.74%), specificity (91.47%), and f-measure (92.37%), underscoring the reliability of the DTHS framework.
3. Reduced computational delay, improving the system's efficiency in real-time applications.
4. Enhanced stability and reliability, proving its capability to provide timely and accurate water quality predictions.
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Project Title:
Magnesium ferrites and their composites based photocatalysts: Synthesis approaches, effect of doping, and operational parameters on photocatalytic performance for wastewater remediation

Investigators:
1. Dr. M. Ramya, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
2. Dr. Rohit Jasrotia, Shoolini University, Solan, India
3. Dr. Suman, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab

About Project:
This project reviews the potential of magnesium ferrite (MgFe₂O₄) and its composites as efficient photocatalysts for wastewater treatment. With properties such as small band gap, spherical shape, magnetic responsivity, stability, reusability, cost-effectiveness, and nanoscale crystallite size, magnesium ferrite nanoparticles (MFNPs) offer an eco-friendly and sustainable approach for degrading organic and inorganic pollutants.

Notable Achievements:
1. Comprehensive review of synthesis approaches and operational factors influencing MgFe₂O₄-based photocatalysts.
2. Identification of techniques to overcome limitations of MFNPs through doping, composites, and surface modifications.
3. Demonstrated >90% degradation efficiency for a wide range of organic pollutants (dyes, antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides) and inorganic pollutants (Cr VI).
4. Highlighted pathways for enhancing photocatalytic efficiency (>95% degradation) via improved crystallite size, band gap tuning, and magnetic properties.
5. Addressed recovery, reusability, and industrial relevance of MFNPs, positioning them as sustainable alternatives for large-scale wastewater treatment.
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Project Title:
Holistic Insight Mechanism of Ozone-Based Oxidation Process for Wastewater Treatment

Investigators:
1. Satesh Kumar Devrajani, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
2. Sundus Saeed Qureshi, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
3. Gnanasambandam Anbuchezhiyan,Saveetha School of Engineering, Chennai, India
4. Nabisab Mujawar Mubarak, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara.

About Project:
This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of ozone-based Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) as sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment. With the growing global water crisis driven by population expansion, industrialization, and agricultural demands, conventional treatment methods are proving insufficient. Ozone (O₃)-based AOPs are highlighted as effective approaches for degrading complex pollutants such as recalcitrant organics, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial toxins.
The study examines ozone alone and in synergistic combinations such as O₃/UV and O₃/H₂O₂, detailing their mechanisms, advantages, and limitations. Ozone acts as a powerful oxidizing agent, breaking down pollutants into simpler, stable, and less harmful compounds, while producing minimal sludge. The review also emphasizes the role of ozonation as an essential pre-treatment step that enhances the efficiency of subsequent conventional methods.

Notable Achievements:
1. Presented a holistic insight into ozone-based oxidation mechanisms and their operational efficiency.
2. Demonstrated the superior treatment efficiency of O₃-based AOPs compared to conventional methods.
3. Showcased economic advantages of merged techniques such as O₃/UV and O₃/H₂O₂ combinations.
4. Highlighted the sustainability of ozone treatment with minimal sludge generation and improved pollutant degradation.
5. Addressed practical solutions for tackling wastewater contamination from industrial, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sources.
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Project Title:
Water Quality Prediction of Salton Sea Using Machine Learning and Big Data Techniques

Investigators:
1. Priyanka Chawla, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
2. Xiyu Cao, San Jose State University, San Jose, USA
3. Yichen Fu, San Jose State University, San Jose, USA

About Project:
The Salton Sea, a critical water body, has experienced significant water quality degradation due to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, posing serious risks to biodiversity, human health, and the regional economy. This project investigates machine learning and big data techniques to assess and predict water quality, focusing on salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and other chemical and physical parameters.
The study employs regression and advanced machine learning models such as Linear Regression, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and Radial Basis Function (RBF) to forecast water quality trends. Additionally, spatial mapping using the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) method and fuzzy logic-based water quality mapping provide accurate representations of water dynamics. By exploring correlations between water indices and environmental factors, the research offers policymakers a reliable tool to mitigate salinity and ensure sustainable water management for long-term development.

Notable Achievements:
1. Developed predictive models (LSTM, SVR, MLP, RBF) with improved accuracy over traditional statistical methods.
2. Integrated fuzzy logic and IDW spatial mapping for generating water quality maps of the Salton Sea.
3. Established correlations between water quality indices and surrounding environmental indices for better forecasting.
4. Demonstrated machine learning’s flexibility and reliability in predicting key water quality parameters such as salinity, total suspended solids (TSS), sodium (Na), and chlorophyll.
5. Provided a comprehensive interdisciplinary framework combining spatial analysis, fuzzy methods, and machine learning for sustainable water resources management.
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Project Title:
Digital Twin Inspired Hybrid System (DTHS) for Real-Time Water Quality Assessment

Investigators:
1. Dr. Ankush Manocha, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
2. Dr. Sandeep Kumar Sood, National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra
3. Dr. Munish Bhatia, National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra

About Project:
This project addresses the challenges in traditional water quality assessment methodologies, which often rely on static, time-invariant models. These methods can overlook the significance of randomness and contingency factors in water quality variations, leading to potential inaccuracies. To overcome this, the project proposes a Digital Twin-inspired Hybrid System (DTHS) that enables real-time water quality assessment. By employing sequential parametric values and real-time observational data, DTHS provides an advanced, reliable mechanism for accurately assessing water quality. The system has been implemented using data from a monitoring station in Chaheru, Phagwara, Punjab, to validate its effectiveness. The project offers a quantitative indication of water health risk, facilitating a better understanding of water quality dynamics and the impacts of pollution on human health.

Notable Achievements:
1. Achieved high prediction accuracy in water quality assessment with a score of 94.14%.
2. Demonstrated superior sensitivity (93.74%), specificity (91.47%), and f-measure (92.37%), underscoring the reliability of the DTHS framework.
3. Reduced computational delay, improving the system's efficiency in real-time applications.
4. Enhanced stability and reliability, proving its capability to provide timely and accurate water quality predictions.
Read More on Weblink Click Here


Project Title:
Development and Functionalization of Aerogels for Enhanced Wastewater Contaminant Removal

Investigators:
1. Dr. Shashank Garg, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
2. Dr. Jastin Samuel, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara

About Project:
This project focuses on the synthesis and functionalization of aerogels using natural, synthetic, and hybrid materials to improve wastewater treatment efficiency. By incorporating functional nanoparticles and employing chemical surface modifications, the aerogels' contaminant adsorption capabilities are significantly enhanced. The research investigates how various factors—including solution pH, initial adsorbate concentration, and adsorbent surface characteristics like pH value at zero charges and specific surface area—influence adsorption efficiency. The adsorption mechanism largely follows the Langmuir isotherm model and is governed by pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics, with chemisorption and ion exchange playing key roles. The project also explores the potential of using waste materials in aerogel production, aiming to reduce costs and boost sustainability.

Notable Achievements:
1. Successfully synthesized cellulose and graphene oxide-based aerogels with high efficacy in removing emerging pollutants from wastewater.
2. Demonstrated chemisorption and ion exchange as the primary mechanisms, with adsorption rates sensitive to pH and adsorbate concentration.
3. Showcased advanced surface engineering techniques to enhance aerogel adsorption properties and improve stability.
4. Proposed sustainable aerogel production methods using waste materials, contributing to cost reduction and environmental sustainability in wastewater treatment.
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Project Title:
Innovative Approaches in Wastewater Treatment: Assessing Conventional and Emerging Techniques

Investigators:
1. Dr. Chander Prakash, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
2. Dr. Hussameldin Ibrahim, University of Regina, Canada

About Project:
This project reviews current wastewater treatment technologies addressing the critical issue of water pollution due to population growth and unsustainable urbanization. As industrial, agricultural, and household waste streams contribute to contamination, it is essential to identify effective treatment methods for removing hazardous pollutants, including toxic heavy metals and non-biodegradable emerging contaminants (ECs). The study critically examines various physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment methods and their respective strengths and limitations. Additionally, contemporary trends and novel techniques, such as the use of MXenes, biomass, nano-sized metal oxides, and advanced membranes, are evaluated for their potential in wastewater treatment applications. The research highlights how adsorbent types (e.g., activated carbon, NMOs, and agricultural waste) can enhance pollutant removal based on variables like pH, temperature, and adsorbate concentration. The project aims to find optimal solutions that maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and support environmental sustainability by integrating traditional and advanced treatment methods.

Notable Achievements:
1. Conducted a comprehensive analysis of physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment methods, highlighting limitations and current trends.
2. Identified membrane filtration as a highly effective method due to its simplicity, low sludge production, and ability to produce stable treated water without chemical additives.
3. Showcased adsorption as an economical and versatile treatment technique, particularly effective against metal ions, dyes, and other pollutants.
4. Highlighted MXenes as promising 2D nanomaterials for wastewater treatment due to their high surface area and adsorption efficiency.
5. Proposed integrated treatment strategies combining conventional and advanced methods (e.g., biological treatment with adsorption) to improve pollutant removal efficiency across various wastewater types.
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Project Title:
Development and Functionalization of Aerogels for Enhanced Wastewater Contaminant Removal

Investigators:
1. Dr. Shashank Garg, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
2. Dr. Jastin Samuel, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara

About Project:
This project focuses on the synthesis and functionalization of aerogels using natural, synthetic, and hybrid materials to improve wastewater treatment efficiency. By incorporating functional nanoparticles and employing chemical surface modifications, the aerogels' contaminant adsorption capabilities are significantly enhanced. The research investigates how various factors—including solution pH, initial adsorbate concentration, and adsorbent surface characteristics like pH value at zero charges and specific surface area—influence adsorption efficiency. The adsorption mechanism largely follows the Langmuir isotherm model and is governed by pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics, with chemisorption and ion exchange playing key roles. The project also explores the potential of using waste materials in aerogel production, aiming to reduce costs and boost sustainability.

Notable Achievements:
1. Successfully synthesized cellulose and graphene oxide-based aerogels with high efficacy in removing emerging pollutants from wastewater.
2. Demonstrated chemisorption and ion exchange as the primary mechanisms, with adsorption rates sensitive to pH and adsorbate concentration.
3. Showcased advanced surface engineering techniques to enhance aerogel adsorption properties and improve stability.
4. Proposed sustainable aerogel production methods using waste materials, contributing to cost reduction and environmental sustainability in wastewater treatment.
Read More on Weblink Click Here


Project Title:
Innovative Approaches in Wastewater Treatment: Assessing Conventional and Emerging Techniques

Investigators:
1. Dr. Chander Prakash, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
2. Dr. Hussameldin Ibrahim, University of Regina, Canada

About Project:
This project reviews current wastewater treatment technologies addressing the critical issue of water pollution due to population growth and unsustainable urbanization. As industrial, agricultural, and household waste streams contribute to contamination, it is essential to identify effective treatment methods for removing hazardous pollutants, including toxic heavy metals and non-biodegradable emerging contaminants (ECs). The study critically examines various physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment methods and their respective strengths and limitations. Additionally, contemporary trends and novel techniques, such as the use of MXenes, biomass, nano-sized metal oxides, and advanced membranes, are evaluated for their potential in wastewater treatment applications. The research highlights how adsorbent types (e.g., activated carbon, NMOs, and agricultural waste) can enhance pollutant removal based on variables like pH, temperature, and adsorbate concentration. The project aims to find optimal solutions that maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and support environmental sustainability by integrating traditional and advanced treatment methods.

Notable Achievements:
1. Conducted a comprehensive analysis of physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment methods, highlighting limitations and current trends.
2. Identified membrane filtration as a highly effective method due to its simplicity, low sludge production, and ability to produce stable treated water without chemical additives.
3. Showcased adsorption as an economical and versatile treatment technique, particularly effective against metal ions, dyes, and other pollutants.
4. Highlighted MXenes as promising 2D nanomaterials for wastewater treatment due to their high surface area and adsorption efficiency.
5. Proposed integrated treatment strategies combining conventional and advanced methods (e.g., biological treatment with adsorption) to improve pollutant removal efficiency across various wastewater types.

Read More on Weblink Click Here