DS

Dr. Varun Shukla

IIT (BHU), Varanasi, Banaras Hindu University, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute

ORCID iD 0000-0002-6305-7931
Follow

About

Current Position- Research Associate-III, IIT-BHU Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology (Sept-2025 to Present)
Previous Work Experience-Research Associate-I, Institute of Science, Department of Chemistry -BHU Varanasi (Aug-2024 to Sept-2025)
I hold a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Chemistry from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from CSJM University, Kanpur, where I focused on "Wasteland Change Detection through Satellite Image Mapping Utilizing GIS Tools" as part of a project supported by RSAC-ISRO. Following my master’s, I successfully qualified for the UGC NET examination.
I recently awarded my PhD dissertation at CSIR-NEERI in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. My doctoral research focuses on the “Synthesis of Biomass-based Functionalized Materials for Potential Applications in Water Treatment.” As part of this research, I have functionalized biomass-based materials and explored their effectiveness in removing contaminants of emerging concern from aqueous media. For instance, I synthesized activated carbon from peat-based biomass, sulfurized it to incorporate S-groups, thereby enhancing its surface area, and engineered it to be magnetic. This magnetization facilitates easy separation of the materials after use, with additional Fe-mediated adsorption improving the removal of pharmaceutical residues.
I successfully published my findings in the high-impact journal Bioresource Technology (2023, 369, 128399). Additionally, I conjugated pine biochar with photocatalytic semiconductors to achieve a synergistic adsorptive-photocatalytic dual modality for the removal of emerging contaminants. Apart from my doctoral research, I was also involved in other project work of the institute. I analyzed water, sediments and Biomet from different segments of Ganga stretches and established a relationship between microbial biodiversity with nutrient cycles. I was also instrumental in the monitoring of real-time status of sewage drains directly discharging into Ganga River post implementation of CSIR- NEERI-developed “In-situ nallah treatment”. I was also involved in monitoring of lake waterbodies and their rejuvenation. Study of river ecology and wasteland change detection were also part of my work in CSIR-NEERI.

Employment

  • IIT (BHU), Varanasi Emerging Contaminants profiling & Remediation
    2025 - Present
  • Banaras Hindu University “Emission Inventory, Source Apportionment and Carrying Capacity Studies of Extended Patna Urban Area.” 2. “Monitoring and Characterization for Sources of Air Pollutants for Implementation and Air Quality Improvement of Prayagraj City.” and
    2024 - 2025
  • National Environmental Engineering Research Institute Ph.D. & Various Project work- AOPs, Microplastics, Environmental Status Report, In-situ Nallah Treatment & Ganga Rejuvenation ,
    2019 - 2025

Education

Education history is unavailable.

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (8)