Current Research
— ❧ —Optimizing Nitrogen Efficiency Using Bentonite–Biochar–Coated Urea (BBCU) in Rice and Eggplant Systems
Investigating BBCU as a climate-smart slow-release fertiliser for South Asian rice–vegetable agroecological systems. The research synthesises rice husk biochar (pyrolysed at 550°C), sodium bentonite, and a corn starch binder to form controlled-release urea coatings. Experimental work spans soil incubation, 50 cm leaching columns, and jar-based volatilisation trials across 8 treatments × 3 replications.
Study Design
- CRD pot and field experiments (8 T × 3 R)
- 50 cm soil leaching columns
- Jar-based volatilisation trials
- Post-harvest soil analysis (NH₄⁺/NO₃⁻, OC, pH, EC)
N Release Kinetics & NUE Indices
- Zero-order & first-order models
- Higuchi & Korsmeyer-Peppas models
- AE · RE · PE · NHI (vs unfertilised control)
- KCl extraction · Indophenol blue (NH₄⁺)
Role of Nano-Fertilisers on Growth, Yield, and Nutrient Quality of Wheat (BARI Gom 33)
CRD pot experiment (8 treatments × 3 replications, 24 pots) comparing nano-urea versus conventional urea application methods on wheat growth, tissue nutrient quality, and post-harvest soil health. After a hailstorm damaged the grain harvest, the study pivoted to plant tissue nutrient analysis (Kjeldahl N, protein estimation at N% × 5.7, P/K/S/Ca/B via AAS and ICP-OES) and NUE indices. This project produced SPADE v1.0 — see Software section below.
Methods
- CRD pot experiment · 24 pots · 8 T × 3 R
- Kjeldahl N digestion & distillation
- Protein estimation (N% × 5.7)
- AAS & ICP-OES (P, K, S, Ca, B)
Post-Harvest Soil
- Residual mineral N (NH₄⁺/NO₃⁻)
- Walkley-Black organic carbon
- Available nutrients · pH · EC
- Fertiliser carry-over effect assessment
Ultrafine Particulate Matter (PM₀.₁) Characterisation in Dhaka's Urban Environment
Conducting ultrafine particulate matter sampling in Dhaka's urban air using Nanosampler II (Model 3182, Kanomax, Japan). Heavy-metal characterisation via AAS (Varian AA 240 FS) to assess atmospheric contamination levels and compute ecological risk indices for the city's industrial and high-traffic zones.
Instrumentation
- Nanosampler II — Kanomax Model 3182
- AAS — Varian AA 240 FS
- PM₀.₁ urban sampling protocol
Analysis
- Heavy metal speciation
- Geo-accumulation index
- Enrichment factor
- Ecological risk assessment
Manuscripts & Software
— ❧ —Open-source Python/Streamlit application for integrated NUE computation, factorial ANOVA with Tukey HSD and compact letter display, outlier detection (Dixon's Q, Grubbs), and publication-ready PNG/JPG figure export. Developed during the DUNTC nano-fertiliser study. Manuscript in preparation for Elsevier / SoftwareX.
Presentations & Proceedings
— ❧ —Eight international and national conference presentations across four countries.
Interested in Collaborating?
Open to research collaborations in soil science, environmental chemistry, sustainable agriculture, and NUE methodology. Get in touch.