Waste-to-Resource
Located at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, we advance waste-to-resource conversion through anaerobic digestion, aquaponics, gas fermentation, and nanobubble technology — bridging fundamental science with real sustainability impact.
Our research group spans two world-class institutions—HKUST in Hong Kong and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa—bringing together diverse perspectives, expertise, and dedication to solving critical environmental challenges. With over 15 active researchers and 50+ alumni worldwide, we tackle complex problems through interdisciplinary collaboration in anaerobic digestion, nanobubble technology, aquaponics, machine learning, and waste-to-resources systems.
Under the leadership of Professor Samir Kumar Khanal—a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (top 1%)—our team has published over 170 peer-reviewed articles, delivered presentations at 25+ international conferences in 2025 alone, and fostered a collaborative environment where graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scholars develop sustainable, scalable solutions for a cleaner future.
Click any research area to explore dedicated pages with full detail and publications.
Optimizing biogas production from organic waste streams using advanced microbial consortia research.
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Enhancing oxygen transfer and biological treatment through nanobubble and micro-aeration science.
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Fungal and enzymatic processing of agricultural residues into second-generation biofuels.
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Converting syngas and CO₂ into valuable chemicals and fuels via biological processes.
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Integrated biorefinery concepts recovering nutrients, metals, and biochemicals from waste streams.
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Integrated food production coupling aquaculture with hydroponics for sustainable urban food systems.
Explore →Nanobubble technology developed at HKUST Environmental Biotechnology Research Group, deployed in collaboration with UST.
Prof. Korneel Rabaey (Dept. of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Belgium) presents on microbial protein as a sustainable resource for food, feed, and bioplastics. 5 May 2026, Tuesday, 11:00 am–12:00 noon, Room 3598 (Lift 27/28), Academic Building, HKUST. Enquiry: Ms. Crystal Lau, cecrystal@ust.hk
Dr. Khanal proposed and will chair the workshop on "Micro-aeration in anaerobic digestion processes: lab-to-full-scale testing", along with Ana Cavaleiro from University of Minho and Lut Raskin from Yale University, at the 19th IWA World Conference on Anaerobic Digestion View workshop →
Dr. Khanal invited as a Keynote Speaker at the International Nanobubble Conference 2026. View conference →
Recognized for transformative contributions to anaerobic digestion and waste-to-energy research.