Lelethu Mdoda | Climate change | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Lelethu Mdoda | Climate change | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at  University of KwaZulu-Natal,  South Africa

Dr. Lelethu Mdoda is a Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, specializing in Agricultural Economics. He earned his PhD at 25 from the University of Fort Hare, focusing on market participation and value chain integration among smallholder farmers in South Africa.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • PhD in Agriculture – Agricultural Economics (2017) – University of Fort Hare
    • Thesis: Market participation and value chain integration among smallholder farmers in Eastern Cape
  • MSc in Agriculture – Agricultural Economics (2015) – University of Fort Hare
    • Dissertation: Farmers’ awareness of climate change and its effects on productivity
  • BSc in Agriculture – Agricultural Economics/Economics (2013) – University of Fort Hare

🔬 Research Focus & Expertise:

Dr. Mdoda specializes in agricultural policy, climate change adaptation, smallholder economies, food security, and rural development. His expertise extends to agribusiness, value chains, sustainability, and resource economics. He has extensive experience in applied econometric modeling, data analysis, and market research.

📚 Professional Career & Contributions:

  • Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Published over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles
  • NRF Rating: Y2
  • Active in mentoring, research, and project management

🌍 Professional Memberships & Leadership:

  • President of the African Farm Management Association (AFMA)
  • Member of AEASA, IAAE, and IFAMA

🏆 Awards & Recognitions:

  • DAAD German Scholarship (2016)
  • NRF Bursary for MSc (2015)
  • Best Agricultural Student Award (2007)
  • Travel Grants from IFAMA (2016, 2017)

🤝 Community Engagement & Projects:

  • Founder & Executive Director of #HaySureLesner Foundation – Youth mentorship, drug abuse awareness, and career guidance
  • Nguni Project – Market coordination for livestock farming
  • Keiskamahoek Market Day – Supporting smallholder farmers with market access
  • WRC Project – Enhancing smallholder irrigation farming in Eastern Cape

Publication Top Notes:

  • Factors affecting the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by livestock farmers in the Eastern Cape province
    L Mdoda, L Mdiya
    Cogent Social Science 8 (1), 2026017 (43 citations, 2022)

  • Factors affecting subsistence farming in rural areas of Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province
    S Qange, L Mdoda
    South African Journal of Agricultural Extension 48 (2), 92-105 (43 citations, 2020)

  • The direct and indirect economic contribution of small-scale black agriculture in South Africa
    M Aliber, L Mdoda
    Agrekon 54 (2), 18-37 (36 citations, 2015)

  • RETRACTED: Factors impacting sugarcane production by small-scale farmers in KwaZulu-Natal Province-South Africa
    Z Thibane, S Soni, L Phali, L Mdoda
    Heliyon 9 (1) (30 citations, 2023)

  • Analysis of profitability of smallholder irrigated food plots in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
    L Mdoda, A Obi
    Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development 3 (53), 225–232 (23 citations, 2019)

  • Socio-economic factors affecting home gardens as a livelihood strategy in rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
    L Mdiya, L Mdoda
    South African Journal of Agricultural Extension 49 (3), 1-15 (21 citations, 2021)

  • Adoption drivers of improved open-pollinated (OPVs) maize varieties by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
    M Sigigaba, L Mdoda, A Mditshwa
    Sustainability (20 citations, 2021)

  • Profit efficiency in family-owned crop farms in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: A translog profit function approach
    N Mujuru, A Obi, S Mishi, L Mdoda
    Agriculture & Food Security 11 (20), 2-9 (18 citations, 2022)

  • Determinants of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies adoption by smallholder food crop farmers in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Free State
    A Makamane, J Van Niekerk, O Loki, L Mdoda
    South African Journal of Agricultural Extension 51 (4), 52-74 (14 citations, 2023)

  • Use of information systems (Mobile phone app) for enhancing smallholder farmers’ productivity in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: Implications on food security
    L Mdoda, M Christian, I Agbugba
    Journal of the Knowledge Economy 15 (1), 1993-2009 (13 citations, 2024)

 

Saurabh Shekhar | Fertilizer Production | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Saurabh Shekhar | Fertilizer Production | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at  CSIR-NML,  India

Dr. Saurabh Shekhar is a Senior Scientist in the Metal Extraction & Recycling Division at the CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), Jamshedpur, India. With over a decade of experience in metallurgical research, he specializes in metal extraction, material synthesis, and waste management.

 

Publication Profile

Education:

  • Ph.D.: Materials and Metallurgical Engineering (CSIR-NML, AcSIR, 2023).
  • M.Tech: Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, specializing in Mineral Processing (CSIR-NML, AcSIR, 2014).
  • B.E.: Chemical Engineering (Haldia Institute of Technology, 2011).

Professional Achievements:

  • Research Funding: Successfully led 34 projects (18 completed, 16 ongoing) with a cumulative budget exceeding ₹10 crore.
  • Publications: Authored 13 SCI-indexed publications and over 10 conference proceedings.
  • Patents: Holder of 13 patents, including 4 granted.
  • Technology Transfer: Successfully transferred one innovative technology.

Awards and Recognition:

  • National Innovation Award (NRDC, 2020): Recognized for technology transfer with a ₹5 lakh prize.
  • S. Banerjee Award (2020): For excellence in in-house projects.
  • Additional Honors: Nine paper and poster awards at prestigious conferences such as NMD, MPT, and MetWaste.

Dr. Saurabh’s groundbreaking contributions to metallurgical science and his focus on sustainable practices make him a leader in his field.

Citation Metrics:

  • Publications: 13 SCI-indexed papers with 171 citations (156 since 2019).
  • h-index: 7 (since 2019: 7)
  • i10-index: 6 (since 2019: 6)
  • Patents: Filed 13 patents, with 4 granted.

Publication Top Note:

  • Physical and chemical characterization and recovery of potash fertilizer from glauconitic clay for agricultural application
    Applied Clay Science, 143, 50-56, 2017. (Citations: 55)
  • Physico-chemical treatment of glauconitic sandstone to recover potash and magnetite
    Journal of Cleaner Production, 147, 681-693, 2017. (Citations: 41)
  • A sustainable process for recovery of potash fertilizer from glauconite through simultaneous production of pigment grade red oxide
    Sustainable Materials and Technologies, 23, e00129, 2020. (Citations: 19)
  • Phosphonomethyl iminodiacetic acid functionalized metal organic framework supported PAN composite beads for selective removal of La(III) from wastewater: Adsorptive study
    Journal of Hazardous Materials, 425, 127802, 2022. (Citations: 18)
  • Valorisation of waste galvanizing dross: Emphasis on recovery of zinc with zero effluent strategy
    Journal of Environmental Management, 256, 109985, 2020. (Citations: 11)
  • Study of process efficiency for high-ash fine coal cleaning in a Kelsey centrifugal jig
    International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization, 38(5), 250-259, 2018. (Citations: 11)
  • Extraction of manganese through baking-leaching technique from high iron containing manganese sludge
    Materials Today: Proceedings, 46(3), 1499-1504, 2021. (Citations: 7)
  • Simultaneous extraction of copper and iron from chalcopyrite concentrate via surfactant-assisted chlorination leaching
    Materials Today: Proceedings, 2023. (Citations: 3)
  • Petro-Mineralogical and Geochemical Evaluation of Glauconitic Rocks of the Ukra Member (Bhuj Formation), Kutch Basin, India
    Clays and Clay Minerals, 70(1), 135-153, 2022. (Citations: 3)
  • Recovery of zinc as zinc phosphate and by-products from hydrometallurgical treatment of hot-dip galvanizing (Zn-Al) dross
    Materials Today: Proceedings, 46, 1532-1536, 2021. (Citations: 3)
  • A Clean Process for the Recovery of Potash Fertilizer from Glauconitic Rock via Hydrogen Gas Pre-treatment and Mild Acid Leaching
    JOM, 76(7), 3343-3353, 2024.
  • A clean process for the recovery of iron as value-added product from highly acidic chloride leach solution
    Materials Today: Proceedings, 2023.
  • Emulsion Mediated Low Temperature Pressure Leaching of Base Metals from Mixed Sulfide Minerals Through Enhanced Oxygen Mass Transfer
    Extraction 2018: Proceedings of the First Global Conference on Extractive Metallurgy, 2018.

 

Lyndon Sackey | Environmental Protection | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Lyndon Sackey |  Environmental Protection |  Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at  Kwame Nkrumah University of Science ,  Ghana

 

Lyndon Nii Adjiri Sackey is a dedicated Environmental Scientist with a strong commitment to ethical and professional standards. Combining expertise in laboratory technology and environmental management, he integrates practical experience with rigorous academic research.

Profile:

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry and Technology (Ecotoxicology), University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic (2017-2020)
  • MSc. in Public Administration (Regional Development and Governance), University of Pardubice, Pardubice, Czech Republic (2015-2017)
  • MSc. in Environmental Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana (2010-2013)
  • BSc. (Hons) in Environmental Science, University of Cape Coast (UCC), Cape Coast, Ghana (2003-2007)

Professional Experience:

  • Lecturer, Department of Environmental Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Accra, Ghana (July 2021-Present)
    • Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students
    • Research on waste management, ecotoxicology, water quality assessment, risk management, and bioremediation
    • Community service
  • PhD Student and Research Assistant, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (Feb 2017-Dec 2020)
    • Assisted in teaching and research on ecotoxicology, focusing on wood leachates and constructional waste
    • Managed the ecotoxicity laboratory and prepared project proposals
  • Guest PhD Student, Vrije University, Amsterdam, Netherlands (June-Sep 2018)
    • Studied the toxicity of microplastics on soil invertebrates
  • Assistant Operations Manager, Waste Landfills Company Ltd, Accra, Ghana (Mar 2015-Nov 2015)
    • Managed operations and prepared tender documents
  • Landfill Supervisor, Zoomlion Ghana Ltd, Accra, Ghana (Nov 2008-Feb 2015)
    • Monitored landfill operations and leachate quality
  • Laboratory Analyst, Ghana Water Company Ltd and Kinapharma Ghana Ltd (2004-2003)
    • Conducted water and drug analyses and managed laboratory operations

Research Experience:

  • 2023-Present: Feasibility study and value chain assessment of recyclables in the solid waste stream in Ashanti Region
  • 2022: Quality assessment of sewage sludge and the use of plant powders on maize weevil
  • 2020: Ecotoxicological impact of wood leachates
  • Ph.D. Research: Ecotoxicological impact of wood leachates on aquatic environments

Research Focus:

Lyndon Nii Adjiri Sackey, Ph.D., focuses on several critical areas within environmental protection, including:

  1. Ecotoxicology: Dr. Sackey’s research investigates the toxic effects of environmental pollutants, such as wood leachates and microplastics, on aquatic and soil organisms. His work aims to understand how these contaminants impact ecosystems and to develop strategies for mitigating their effects.
  2. Waste Management: He explores various aspects of waste management, including the assessment of waste quality, recycling processes, and the environmental impact of waste materials. His studies involve evaluating the effectiveness of waste treatment methods and improving waste management practices.
  3. Water Quality Assessment: Dr. Sackey assesses the quality of water in different environments, such as wastewater treatment plants and natural water bodies. His research focuses on identifying contaminants and evaluating their effects on water ecosystems.
  4. Bioremediation: He investigates the use of biological processes to remove or neutralize contaminants from the environment. This includes studying the potential of plant powders and other natural agents to control pests and improve soil health.
  5. Risk Assessment and Management: Dr. Sackey assesses environmental risks associated with various pollutants and waste products. His work aims to develop strategies for managing and mitigating these risks to protect human health and the environment.

Dr. Sackey’s research contributes to advancing knowledge in environmental protection and developing effective solutions for managing environmental challenges.

 

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 247
  • Citations Since 2019: 241
  • h-index: 7
  • h-index Since 2019: 7
  • i10-index: 7
  • i10-index Since 2019: 6

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Exploring the impacts of microplastics and associated chemicals in the terrestrial environment–Exposure of soil invertebrates to tire particles”
    • Authors: S. Selonen, A. Dolar, A.J. Kokalj, L.N.A. Sackey, T. Skalar, V.C. Fernandes, et al.
    • Journal: Environmental Research
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 58
    • Summary: This study investigates the effects of microplastics and tire particles on soil invertebrates, highlighting the broader implications of microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems.
  • “Ecotoxicological effects on Lemna minor and Daphnia magna of leachates from differently aged landfills of Ghana”
    • Authors: L.N.A. Sackey, V. Kočí, C.A.M. van Gestel
    • Journal: Science of the Total Environment
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 50
    • Summary: This research evaluates the ecotoxicological impacts of leachates from landfills of various ages on aquatic plants and organisms, providing insights into the long-term effects of landfill leachates on the environment.
  • “A review of the principles of composting: understanding the processes, methods, merits, and demerits”
    • Authors: E.E.Y. Amuah, B. Fei-Baffoe, L.N.A. Sackey, N.B. Douti, R.W. Kazapoe
    • Journal: Organic Agriculture
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 27
    • Summary: This review article explores composting principles, including processes, methods, advantages, and disadvantages, contributing to a better understanding of composting as a waste management technique.
  • “Environmental impact of concrete and concrete-based construction waste leachates”
    • Authors: K.A. Mocová, L.N.A. Sackey, P. Renkerová
    • Journal: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 23
    • Summary: This paper assesses the environmental impacts of leachates from concrete and construction waste, focusing on their effects on the environment.
  • “Assessment of the quality of leachate at Sarbah landfill site at Weija in Accra”
    • Authors: L.N.A. Sackey, K. Meizah
    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 18
    • Summary: The study examines the quality of leachate from a specific landfill site, providing data on the contamination levels and potential environmental risks.
  • “Multivariate studies and heavy metal pollution in soil from gold mining area”
    • Authors: O. Akoto, S. Yakubu, L.A. Ofori, N. Bortey-Sam, N.O. Boadi, J. Horgah, et al.
    • Journal: Heliyon
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 14
    • Summary: This research uses multivariate analysis to study heavy metal pollution in soil from gold mining areas, contributing to the understanding of mining’s environmental impact.
  • “Risk assessment of heavy metals concentration in cereals and legumes sold in the Tamale Aboabo market, Ghana”
    • Authors: A.A. Adam, L.N.A. Sackey, L.A. Ofori
    • Journal: Heliyon
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 10
    • Summary: This study assesses the concentration of heavy metals in food sold in a Ghanaian market, evaluating potential health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in agricultural products.