Alisher Alibekov

B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nazarbayev University,2022

E-mail: alisher.alibekov@nu.edu.kz

Research Interest: It is widely acknowledged that the main cause of global warming is an anthropogenic factor – emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The construction sector (building and operation) is responsible for 38% of global carbon emissions, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are one of the major contributors to those emissions due to the variety and scales of biochemical reactions involving carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of the methods of identifying the sources and quantifying the emissions. So, I am currently involved in performing an LCA analysis of Nur-Sultan WWTP, which may give a solid background for taking effective measures for GHGs mitigation. 

Meiirzhan Nurmyrza

B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nazarbayev University,2022

E-mail: meiirzhan.nurmyrza@nu.edu.kz

Research Interest: Contamination of water sources by Hg(II) is a huge environmental problem. There are conventional techniques for the removal of this chemical such as membrane filtration, bioremediation and sorption. The catalytic reduction technologies have addressed many of the concerns and limitations of Hg(II) removal approaches: operating cost, efficiency and durability. So, there is a need for the development of synthesis approaches. Then, the synthesized materials should be tested for the efficient removal of aqueous Hg.

Mira Meirambayeva

B.S. in Environmental Science, American University, Washington DC, USA, 2013

E-mail: mira.meirambayeva@nu.edu.kz

Research Interest: Microplastics (small plastic particles <5mm) are an emerging pollutant of concern, especially in freshwater environments where they are relatively understudied in comparison to marine environments. It is recognized that the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are mainly blamed for being the main sources of plastic contamination in the water. If the wastewater treatment is inadequate, it can be a source of major environmental pollutions. Particularly, I am interested in the field of life cycle assessment (LCA, a tool used in environmental decision-making). Hence, I am conducting a research on LCA analysis of WWTP with inclusion of microplastic. These findings suggest for the governments to take actions in the microplastic removal regulations as there are no guidelines or any restrictions in microplastic contamination.

Perizat Abdirova

B.Sc. in Chemistry,  Nazarbayev University, 2023

E-mail: perizat.abdirova@nu.edu.kz

Research Interest: The advancement of human society is introducing more and more new contaminants to the environment. The primary cause of this phenomenon is the discharge of wastewater (industrial and municipal) into water bodies without sufficient treatment. The accumulated contaminants threaten public health and excess nitrate ions stimulate eutrophication disrupting whole ecosystems. Through my research, I aspire to contribute to building a sustainable, efficient, and environmentally benign water treatment system. Currently, I am working on the development of a large-scale applicable ZIF-67-supported metal catalyst for nitrate reduction.