Dr. Syam Babu Davuluri | Experimental Methods | Best Researcher Award

Education

Dr. Syam Babu’s academic background reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering Science from CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), affiliated with AcSIR (Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research). His doctoral research focused on advanced electrochemical methods for water and wastewater treatment. Prior to that, he completed his M.Tech in Environmental Engineering from the prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli, where he deepened his understanding of pollution control technologies, water quality, and environmental sustainability. His undergraduate studies were in Biotechnology (B.Tech) from Vignan’s Engineering College, affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada, laying the groundwork for his future research in bioremediation and sustainable technologies. This diverse educational background, spanning biotechnology and environmental engineering, has equipped him with a broad knowledge base and the interdisciplinary expertise required to tackle complex environmental problems, particularly in the areas of industrial effluent treatment and environmental health.

Professional Experience 

Dr. Davuluri Syam Babu has over a decade of experience spanning academia, applied research, and industry. He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at VFSTR University since June 2022, where he delivers lectures, guides student projects, and contributes to departmental administration. Prior to this, he worked at JNTU Kakinada’s School of Renewable Energy and Environment as an Assistant Professor, teaching M.Tech students and handling key environmental engineering subjects. His industry exposure includes a tenure at Mythree Consulting Engineers, Visakhapatnam, where he was involved in designing and implementing effluent treatment plants (ETPs). Dr. Babu has also contributed to national projects during his doctoral tenure at CSIR-NEERI, where he was engaged in several EIA projects. His ability to integrate academic knowledge with field-level experience in environmental engineering processes like electrocoagulation and advanced oxidation has made him a competent researcher, practitioner, and educator in his domain.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Syam Babu’s research excellence has earned him several recognitions. Notably, he received the Best Young Researcher Award (Late Shree P.S. Dutt Memorial Award) during the CSIR-NEERI Foundation Day Awards 2021. He has also been recognized for his peer engagement as a reviewer for high-impact journals, including Nature Environment and Pollution Technology. In 2022, he was a guest speaker at IIT Ropar during World Water Day, where he spoke on electrochemical water treatment technologies. His contributions as a session chair at the International Conference on Materials Innovation and Sustainable Infrastructure (ICMISI 2024) further demonstrate his academic standing. In addition to research, he has actively participated in AICTE-ATAL FDPs and various national/international conferences, workshops, and webinars on water treatment, sustainability, and environmental modelling. His GATE qualification (2012) and certification in ISO 14001 (Environmental Audit) further reflect his academic rigor and commitment to professional development.

Research Focus

Dr. Davuluri Syam Babu’s research centers on innovative water and wastewater treatment technologies, particularly electrocoagulation, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), and eco-friendly remediation strategies. His work bridges environmental engineering, chemistry, and biotechnology, targeting the detoxification of arsenic, industrial effluents, textile wastewater, and landfill leachate. He has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in reputed journals such as Chemosphere, Sep Sci Technol, and ChemElectroChem, and is a co-inventor on several patents related to sustainable water treatment and green construction materials. Notably, his recent research includes the use of persulfate-based AOPs, metal-loaded biochar, and biological integration in effluent remediation. He also explores eco-concrete innovations using GGBS and fly ash. His holistic approach combines lab-scale innovation with field-scale application, evident from both his publications and patented technologies. Dr. Babu’s focus reflects a deep commitment to clean water access, environmental sustainability, and practical engineering solutions to current and emerging environmental challenges.

Notable Publications

Strategy for enhanced treatment of distillery spent wash effluent with aluminum nanoparticle-assisted electrocoagulation

• Authors: C. David, K. A., S. Loukkose Rosemary, V. Kommoju, K. Chandrasekhar, …

• Journal: Chemical Engineering Communications

• Year: 2025

Harnessing algal biomass for sustainable energy: cultivation, strain improvement, and biofuel production

• Authors: I. Mikkili, B.V.S.T. Gaddirala, S. Borugadda, S.B. Davuluri

• Journal: Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology

• Year: 2025

Laterite integrated persulfate based advanced oxidation and biological treatment for textile industrial effluent remediation: optimization and field application

• Authors: D. Syam Babu, K. Vijay, S. Shakira, V.S. Mallemkondu, P. Barik, C. Kuppam, …

• Journal: Applied Bionics and Biomechanics

• Year: 2025

Innovative electrocoagulation strategies for landfill leachate treatment: Comparative analysis of aluminum and iron electrodes

• Authors: S.B. Davuluri, C. Kuppam, V.C. Kommoju, C. David, P. Barik, V. Kunamineni, …

• Journal: Separation Science and Technology

• Year: 2024

Feasible study on optimal utilization of blended fly ash and GGBS on the performance of concrete

• Authors: M.A. Kumar, K. Vijay, D.S. Babu, P.N. Reddy, T.S. Sagar

• Journal: Journal of Physics: Conference Series

• Year: 2024

Conclusion 

Dr. Davuluri Syam Babu exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking, impactful researcher with interdisciplinary expertise and a strong focus on sustainable environmental engineering. His significant contributions through research, patents, teaching, and industry collaboration make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With continued support and collaboration, his innovations hold promise for real-world environmental remediation and sustainable development. Recognizing Dr. Babu’s work would encourage further advancements in clean water technologies and environmental protection at both national and global levels.