Ndukwe Johnson kalu | Waste Valorization | Excellence in Research Award

Published on by Applied Scientist

Dr. Ndukwe Johnson kalu | Waste Valorization | Excellence in Research Award

UNESCO International Centre for Biotechnology | Nigeria

Dr. Ndukwe Johnson Kalu is a multidisciplinary microbiologist whose research advances microbial waste valorization, bioconversion processes, sustainable bioenergy, and food security solutions, supported by a growing scholarly impact reflected in 241 citations, an h-index of 8, and an i10-index of 7. His work focuses on transforming agricultural and industrial wastes into high-value products such as bioelectricity, biogas, biofertilizers, biochar, and microbial-derived biomolecules, contributing significantly to circular bioeconomy innovations. Dr. Ndukwe has explored the therapeutic potential of microalgae-derived bioactive compounds for managing human disease conditions, providing new directions in functional microbiology. His influential studies on weak acid–induced stress tolerance in yeasts offer essential insights for improving lignocellulosic bioethanol production, enabling more efficient and robust biofuel systems. He has contributed to solving digester instability challenges in anaerobic treatment processes, promoting advancements in renewable energy technologies. His research on microbial glycolipids supports the development of eco-friendly biomedical and personal care products, while his work on cassava waste valorization demonstrates integrated pathways for generating bioelectricity and organic fertilizers. Dr. Ndukwe has also investigated indigenous probiotic beverages, microbial biofilms in dye degradation for textile wastewater treatment, and the biotechnological relevance of keratinases. Beyond laboratory research, he is contributing to scientific knowledge mapping through bibliometric and systematic reviews that examine microbial waste valorization research in Africa, global bioscience trends, and disease-focused research domains such as Alzheimer’s disease and Plasmodium falciparum. Through these diverse efforts, Dr. Ndukwe Johnson Kalu is emerging as an impactful researcher driving sustainable biotechnology and environmental resilience across the African continent and beyond.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus |Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Eze, C. N., Onyejiaka, C. K., Ihim, S. A., Ayoka, T. O., Aduba, C. C., Ndukwe, J. K., Nwaiwu, O., & Onyeaka, H. (2023). Bioactive compounds by microalgae and potentials for the management of some human disease conditions. AIMS Microbiology, 9(1), 55–69.

  • Ndukwe, J. K., Aliyu, G. O., Onwosi, C. O., Chukwu, K. O., & Ezugworie, F. N. (2020). Mechanisms of weak acid-induced stress tolerance in yeasts: Prospects for improved bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass. Process Biochemistry, 90, 118–130.

  • Onwosi, C. O., Eke, I. E., Igbokwe, V. C., Odimba, J. N., Ndukwe, J. K., Chukwu, K. O., Aliyu, G. O., & Nwagu, T. N. (2019). Towards effective management of digester dysfunction during anaerobic treatment processes. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 116, 109424.

  • Ndukwe, J. K., Aduba, C. C., Ughamba, K. T., Chukwu, K. O., Eze, C. N., Nwaiwu, O., & Onyeaka, H. (2023). Diet diversification and priming with Kunu: An indigenous probiotic cereal-based non-alcoholic beverage in Nigeria. Beverages, 9(1), 14.

  • Aduba, C. C., Ndukwe, J. K., Onyejiaka, C. K., Onyeiwu, S. C., & Moneke, A. N. (2023). Integrated valorization of cassava wastes for production of bioelectricity, biogas and biofertilizer. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 14(12), 4003–4019.