Dr. Nirmal Renuka

Contact Info
Dr. Nirmal Renuka
+919940390819
Department of Botany, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda Punjab-151001
Dr. Nirmal Renuka

Assistant Professor
Department of Botany
School of Basic Sciences

Qualification

PhD

Experience
Experience

Assistant Professor

Department of Botany, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda Punjab - 151001

21st January 2022 – Current Position

Researcher (Research-Associate)

Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa - 4001

May 2019 – January 2022

Postdoctoral Fellow (NRF-SARChI South Africa)

Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa - 4001

May 2016 – May 2019

 

Research Area

Algal Biotechnology/Applied Phycology

Research Interests
  • Development of technologies for the remediation of contaminated sites (Wastewater and soil) using algal systems
  • Resource recovery of waste streams using algae
  • Bioprospecting and mass cultivation of algae using open and closed cultivation systems for high-value metabolites
  • Algae-based product development (Biofuels, Bioinoculants, Nutraceuticals, Aquafeed) 
  • Biochemical and metabolic engineering of algae for industrial applications
Publications
List of Publications
  1. Reddy, K., Renuka, N., Kumari, S., Ratha, S.K., Moodley, B., Pillay, K., Bux, F. 2023. Assessing the potential for nevirapine removal and its ecotoxicological effects on Coelastrella tenuitheca and Tetradesmus obliquus in aqueous environment. Environmental Pollution 317:120736. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120736 (IF: 9.988)
  2. Ratha, S.K., Renuka, N., Ratha, S.K., Abunama, T., Rawat, I., Bux, F. 2022. Hydrothermal liquefaction of algal feedstocks: the effect of biomass characteristics and extraction solvents. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 156: 111973 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111973 (IF: 16.799)
  3. Renuka, N., Ratha, S.K., Kader, F., Rawat, I., Bux, F. 2021. Insights into the potential impact of algae-mediated wastewater beneficiation for the circular bioeconomy: A global perspective. Journal of Environmental Management 297: 113257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113257 (IF: 8.91)
  4. Musetsho, P.1, Renuka, N.1*, Guldhe, A., Singh, P., Pillay, K., Rawat, I., Bux, F. 2021. Valorization of poultry litter using Acutodesmus obliquus and its integrated application for lipids and fertilizer production. Science of The Total Environment 796: 149018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149018 (IF: 10.753)
  5. Ansari, F.A., Ratha, S.K., Renuka, N., Ramanna, L., Gupta, S.K., Rawat, I., Bux, F. 2021. Effect of microplastics on growth and biochemical composition of microalga Acutodesmus obliquus. Algal Research 56: 102296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2021.102296 (IF: 5.276)
  6. Reddy, K.1, Renuka, N.1*, Kumari, S., Bux, F. 2021. Algae-mediated processes for the treatment of antiretroviral drugs in wastewater: prospects and challenges. Chemosphere 280: 130674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130674 (IF: 8.943)
  7. Gusain, D., Renuka, N., Guldhe, A., Bux, F. 2021. Use of microalgal lipids and carbohydrates for the synthesis of carbon dots via hydrothermal microwave treatment. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 134: 109021 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2021.109021(IF: 3.428)
  8. Ratha, S.K., Renuka, N., Rawat, I. and Bux, F., 2021. Prospective options of algae-derived nutraceuticals as supplements to combat COVID-19 and human coronavirus diseases. Nutrition 83: 111089. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2020.111089 (IF: 4.893)
  9. Guldhe A., Renuka N., Singh P., Bux F. 2019. Effect of phytohormones from different classes on gene expression of Chlorella sorokiniana under nitrogen limitation for enhanced biomass and lipid production. Algal Research 40: 101518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2019.101518 (IF: 5.276)
  10. Guldhe A., Singh P., Renuka N., Bux, F. 2019. Biodiesel synthesis from wastewater grown microalgal feedstock using enzymatic conversion: A greener approach. Fuel 237: 1112-1118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2018.10.033 (IF: 8.035)
  11. Renuka N., Guldhe A., Prasanna R., Singh P., Bux F. 2018. Microalgae as multi-functional options in modern agriculture: current trends, prospects and challenges. Biotechnology Advances. 36(4): 1255-1273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.04.004 (IF: 17.681)
  12. Renuka N., Guldhe A., Singh P., Bux F. 2018. Combined effect of exogenous phytohormones on biomass and lipid production in Acutodesmus obliquus under nitrogen limitation. Energy Conversion and Management. 168: 522-528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2018.05.029 (IF – 11.533)
  13. Renuka, N., Singh, P., Guldhe, A., Ansari, F., Rawat, I. and Bux F. 2017. Evaluating the potential of cytokinins for biomass and lipid enhancement in microalga Acutodesmus obliquus under nitrogen stress. Energy Conversion and Management. 140: 14-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2017.02.065 (IF – 11.533)
  14. Renuka, N., Prasanna, R., Sood, A., Bansal, R., Bidyarani, N., Singh, R., Shivay, Y.S., Nain, L. and Ahluwalia, A.S. 2017. Wastewater grown microalgal biomass as inoculants for improving micronutrient availability in wheat. Rhizosphere. 3 (1): 150-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rhisph.2017.04.005 (IF: 3.437)
  15. Renuka, N., Prasanna, R., Sood, A., Ahluwalia, A.S., Bansal, R., Babu, S. Rajendra, S., Shivay, Y.S., Nain, L. 2016. Efficacy of sewage grown microalgal biomass as a biofertilizer for wheat. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 23(7): 6608–6620. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-015-5884-6 (IF - 5.190)
  16. Pranshuta, Ahluwalia, A.S., Renuka, N. (2016). Diatom diversity: A multifaceted approach. International journal of plant research (VEGETOS) 29: 114-128.  DOI: 10.5958/2229-4473.2016.00044.6
  17. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. (2015). Phycoremediation of wastewaters: a synergistic approach using microalgae for bioremediation and biomass generation. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 12(4): 1443-1460. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-014-0700-2 (IF – 3.519)
  18. Priya, H., Prasanna, R., Ramakrishnan, B., Bidyarani, N., Babu, S., Thapa, S. and Renuka, N. (2015). Influence of cyanobacterial inoculation on the culturable microbiome and growth of rice. Microbiological Research 171: 78-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2014.12.011 (IF: 5.07)
  19. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. (2014). Influence of seasonal variation in water quality on the microalgal diversity of sewage wastewater. South African Journal of Botany. 90: 137-145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2013.10.017 (IF: 3.111)
  20. Chinnasamy, S., Sood, A., Renuka, N., Prasanna, R., Ratha, S.K., Bhaskar, S., Rengasamy, R. and Lewis, D.M. (2014). Ecobiological aspects of algae cultivation in wastewaters for recycling of nutrients and biofuel applications. Biofuels. 5(2): 141-158. https://doi.org/10.4155/bfs.13.78 (IF: 2.731)
  21. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Ratha, S.K., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. (2013). Evaluation of microalgal consortia for treatment of primary treated sewage effluent and biomass production. Journal of Applied Phycology. 25(5): 1529-1537. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-013-9982-x (IF: 3.404)
  22. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Ratha, S.K., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. (2013). Nutrient sequestration, biomass production by microalgae and phytoremediation of sewage water. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 15(8): 789-800. https://doi.org/10.1080/15226514.2012.736436 (IF: 4.003)
  23. Ratha, S.K., Babu, S., Renuka, N., Prasanna, R. and Saxena, A.K. (2012). Exploring nutritional modes of cultivation for enhancing lipid accumulation in microalgae. Journal of Basic Microbiology. 53(5): 440-450. https://doi.org/10.1002/jobm.201200001 (IF: 2.650)
 
Book Chapters
  1. Renuka, N., Ratha, S.K., Bhola, V., Kokila, V., Nain, L., Bux, F., Prasanna, R. 2022. Exploring the potential of cyanobacterial biomass for bioethanol production. In Saini, J.K., Singh, S. and Nain, L. (Eds.) Sustainable Microbial Technologies for Valorization of Agro-Industrial Wastes. CRC Press USA. ISBN- 9781032042695
  2. Prasanna R., Renuka N., Nain L., Ramakrishnan B. (2021) Natural and constructed cyanobacteria-based consortia for enhancing crop growth and soil fertility. In: Seneviratne G., Zavahir J.S. (eds) Role of microbial communities for sustainability. Microorganisms for Sustainability, vol 29. Springer, Singapore. ISBN (print) 978-981-15-9911-8, ISBN (online) 978-981-15-9912-5. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9912-5_13
  3. Musetsho, P., Renuka, N., Ratha, S.K., Rawat, I., Bux, F. 2021). Valorization of wastewater via nutrient recovery using algae-based processes. In: Mandotra S.K., Upadhyay A.K., Ahluwalia A.S. (Eds.) Algae. Springer, Singapore. ISBN (print) 978-981-15-7517-4, ISBN (online) 978-981-15-7518-1. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7518-1_1
  4. Guldhe, A, Singh, B, Renuka, N., Singh, P, Misra R. and Bux, F. (2017). Bioenergy: A sustainable approach for cleaner environment. In: “Phytoremediation Potential of Bioenergy Plants” Bauddh K, Singh B, Korstad J. (Eds.). Springer Publication, Singapore pp. 47-62. ISBN (print) 978-981-10-3083-3. ISBN (online) 978-981-10-3084-0. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-3084-0_2
  5. Sood, A., Renuka, N., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. (2015). Cyanobacteria as potential options for wastewater treatment. In: Phytoremediation: Management of Environmental Contaminants Volume–2. Ansari, A.A., Gill, S.S., Gill, R., Lanza, G.R., Newman, L. (Eds.), Springer, New York, USA, pp. 83-93. ISBN 978-3-319-10968-8. ISBN (print) 978-3-319-10968-8. ISBN (online) 978-3-319-10969-5. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10969-5_8

 

Research Guidance

Research guidance completed 

Masters Students:

1. Ms Pfano Musetsho (Student Number: 21752075) (Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, South Africa) Title: An integrated approach for biofuel and fertilizer production using microalgae grown in wastewater (Awarded)

Undergraduate students:

1. Auriel Naidoo (Student number: 21554713); Title: Assessment of the heavy metal remediation potential of cyanobacteria isolated from waste activated sludge (2020) Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

2. Mikayla Raman (Student number: 21415873); Title: Screening for antioxidant compounds from indigenous microalgae (2019)  Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

3. Brett Pillay (Student number: 21536116); Title: Cultivation and optimization of biomass and lipid productivity of microalgae in wastewater (2018) Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

4. Sivuyisiwe Solala (Student number: 20803168); Title: The potential of selected microalgae and cyanobacteria as biofertilizers for enhanced plant growth and soil fertility (2017) Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

5. Keith Chetty (Student number: 21325295); Title: Antagonistic effects of cyanobacteria against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2017) Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

 

 

 

Conference/ Workshops/Seminars Attended
Professional Development:

Renuka, N. 2020. Continuing Professional Development Validation Certificate, Water Institute of Southern Africa NPC, (In: WISA2020 Biennial Online Conference), Number of credits: 4 credits / 32 hrs. Validation number: WISA / ECSA / SACNASP, WISA2021-0079-001620; Period of Validation: 04 - 11 December 2020

International:
  1. Renuka N., Musetsho P., Guldhe G., Rawat I., Bux F. 2020. Nutrient recovery from wastewater using microalga Acutodesmus Obliquus for biofuels and fertilizer production. WISA conference (December 7-11, 2020) (Paper presentation – Speaker)
  2. Renuka N., Bux, F. 2019. Microalgae cultivation using wastewater at demonstrate scale for various commercial applications. 4th SAJU Conference South Africa, Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria May 23-24, 2019 (Paper presentation – Speaker)
  3. Renuka N., Guldhe A., Singh P., Bux, F. 2018. Collective Effect of phytohormones on biomass and lipid Production in Acutodesmus obliquus under nitrogen limitation for biofuel Application. In: Algae Biomass Summit, The 12th annual Summit will be held from October 14-17, 2018 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in The Woodlands, Texas, the United States. (Paper presentation)
  4. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. (2013). Assessing microalgal diversity and water quality of sewage wastewater: implications in bioremediation. In: 2nd Water Research Conference, Singapore Expo, Singapore, January 20th – 23rd 2013, p. 141. (Paper Presentation)
  5. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. (2011). Microalgal diversity of sewage wastewater and its evaluation as a growth medium for nutrient sequestration. In: International conference on microbial biotechnology for sustainable development, 52nd Annual Conference of Association of Microbiologists of India, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, November 3rd - 6th, 2011, p. 131. (Paper Presentation)
National:
  1. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Singh, G., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. (2013). Assessing the quality of sewage grown microalgal biomass for potential use as a biofertilizer. In: National Conference on Frontiers in Algology and Algal Biotechnology. Visva-Bharti University, Santiniketan, West Bengal. November 14th - 17th, 2013, p. 47. (Awarded Best Poster)
  2. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. (2013). Exploring the microalgal diversity in sewage wastewater and their role in nutrient sequestration. In: National Symposium on Fundamental and Applied Phycology. Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala, March 25th - 26th, 2013, p. 56. (Awarded Best Poster)
  3. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. (2013). Assessing microalgal diversity and water quality of sewage wastewater: implications in bioremediation. In: 2nd Water Research Conference, Singapore Expo, Singapore, January 20th – 23rd 2013, p. 141. (Paper Presentation)
  4. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Ratha, S.K., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. (2012). Evaluating the potential of microalgae-sewage wastewater interactions in nutrient sequestration and water quality improvement. In: National Conference on “Plant & Microbial Biodiversity, Present Scenario, Threats and Conservation Strategies”, Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh - 160014, March 1st - 2nd, 2012, p. 33. (Awarded Best Poster)
  5. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Ratha, S.K., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. (2012). Seasonal variation of microalgal diversity in wastewater and their implications in eutrophication. In: National Seminar on Biotechnological intervention for the benefits of mankind, Department of Biotechnology, Anand Engineering College, Agra, Feburary 2nd - 4th, 2012, p. 41. (Paper Presentation)
  6. Participation in National Conference on “Marine Bioresources of East Coast of India and their Bioprospecting” at Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha, on 9th – 10th February, 2016.
  7. Participation in National Symposium on “Algae for Human Welfare (AFHW - 2015)” at Department of Botany and Microbiology, Pithapur Rajah’s Government College, Kakinada - 533001 on 19th - 21st August, 2015.
  8. Participation in symposium on “Biotechnology for Biofuels: A Regulatory Perspective” organised by “Society for Promotion of Science and Technology in India” at ICSSR Complex, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Sector-14, Chandigarh, India - 160014 on 30th March, 2015.
  9. Participation in 2nd International Conference on Allelopathy on “Allelopathy: A Multifaceted Process” at Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh -160014 on 14th - 18th December, 2012.
  10. Participation in National Seminar on “Biodiversity: Retrospect & Prospects” at Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh -160014 on 25th March, 2011.
  11. Participation in 4th Chandigarh Science Congress (CHASCON 2010) – Scientific Section: Life Sciences on “Energy Security and Environmental Challenges” at Panjab University, Chandigarh -160014 on 19th - 20th March, 2010.
  12. Participation in 13th Punjab Science Congress on “Climate Change: Concerns and Solutions” at Panjab University, Chandigarh -160014 on 7th - 9th February, 2010.
  13. Participation in Seminar on “Climate Change: Science, Impact and Future” organized by Department of Botany and Centre for Environment, Panjab University, and Eco-transformation Centre, New Delhi at Panjab University, Chandigarh -160014 on 9th February, 2009.
  14. Participation in 3rd Chandigarh Science Congress (CHASCON 2009) – Scientific Section: “Plant, Agriculture and Rural Development Sciences” at Panjab University, Chandigarh -160014 on 26th - 28th February, 2009.
  15. Participation in 2nd Chandigarh Science Congress (CHASCON 2008) – Scientific Section: “Plant, Agriculture and Rural Development Sciences” at Panjab University, Chandigarh -160014 on 14th - 15th March, 2008.
  16. Participation in National Symposium on “Recent Advances in Phycology: From Molecule o Ecosystem” at Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh - 160014 on 14th -16th November, 2007.
Workshops:
  1. Attended workshop on “Molecular techniques and bioinformatics” as a part of bilateral NRF-STINT project ProtoRisk as a collaboration between SVA (Sweden) and DUT (South Africa) April 23, 2019 – May 03, 2019.
  2. Attended workshop on “Research commercialization and patenting capacity building workshop” held at Durban University of Technology on 27th July 2016.
  3. Attended BIRAC workshop on "Bio-Entrepreneurship, Grant -Writing & Intellectual Property Management" held at Anna University, Chennai on 7th - 8th January 2016.
  4. Attended "Workshop on Biostatistics and Official Statistics" organized by the Department of Statistics, Panjab University, Chandigarh in collaboration with National Academy of Statistical Administration on 21st - 22nd December, 2010.
Invited Talks/ Resource Person
1. “Algal biorefinery: A way forward for sustainable production of value-added products”. Current Scientific Innovations & Research in Plant Biology (CSIR-PB 2022), Eternal University, Baru Sahib (H.P.), May 27-28, 2022. (Plenary lecture)

2. “Microalgae for wastewater management and CO2 sequestration: a sustainable solution to future needs”. Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, South Africa on July 14, 2022. (Invited talk)

3. “Microalgae cultivation using wastewater at demonstration scale for value added products”. Indo-Sri Lanka International Webinar 2021 (ISW-21) entitled “Global Trends in Algal Research: Environmental Restoration, Biomass Valorization and Sustainability” on 8th-9th March 2021. (Invited talk)