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.