Industrial Wastewater is a largely untapped resource not only due to its richness in nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorous) but also due to its potential for Methane recovery and Hydrogen as clean source of energy !
Rajneesh Gautam, our next pathbreaker, Researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), is part of a research project focused on one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination.
Rajneesh talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his career rooted in addressing environmental challenges that are deeply relevant to our society, such as PFAS contamination, wastewater management, and resource recovery.
For students, do not be afraid of taking the longer, more challenging road because that is where real growth happens. Success doesn’t always come in a straight line.
Rajneesh, can you share Your background with our young readers?
Hi everyone,
My name is Rajneesh Gautam, and I come from an Army family from a small village in Gorakhpur, UP. My father served in the army for 30 years, which meant our family moved around quite a lot. I’ve lived in many cities and states across India, so in a way, the whole country became my classroom. Growing up in a military environment taught me some fundamental life lessons early on: discipline, resilience, and confidence. These are qualities that still help me every single day.
I was a good student, but what made school exciting for me was more than just books. I was deeply interested in sports, especially basketball, and I loved being part of cultural programs, group activities, and social events. Whether it was performing on stage, volunteering for school projects, or playing on the court, I always enjoyed being involved. These experiences taught me how to work in a team, communicate well, and adapt to changes, skills that are just as important as those of an engineer/researcher/or academic. Leaving home after 12th standard for college was emotional, but thanks to the way I was brought up, I adjusted quickly, not just in new cities in India, but even when I eventually moved abroad for higher studies and work.
Looking back, my childhood wasn’t just about changing schools or places; it was about learning from every experience. And that’s something I’d tell all of you: every challenge you face can make you stronger and prepare you for something greater.
What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?
After completing my 12th standard, I joined BTech in Civil Engineering from AKTU, Uttar Pradesh, and graduated in 2013. Like many students, I was exploring options and wasn’t entirely sure of the “perfect path,” but I knew I wanted to pursue a professional course that offered solid career opportunities and practical skills, and Civil Engineering was one such field. During this time, I also prepared for competitive exams and qualified for the GATE exam multiple times. In 2013, I got admission into NIT Nagpur for Environmental Engineering through GATE. But due to some family responsibilities, I had to make the difficult decision to leave NIT after the first semester and return to Lucknow.
I didn’t lose hope. I qualified for the entrance test of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, a Central University, where I pursued MTech in Energy and Environment. This course allowed me to dive deeper into important environmental challenges and sustainable solutions. I worked hard throughout my Master’s, and not only did I complete it with top grades and receive a Gold Medal for academic excellence, but I also qualified for both the GATE and UGC-NET exams during this time.
A still from 2015 at the sixth convocation ceremony of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
For students reading this, I want to assure you that your journey doesn’t have to be perfect or without obstacles. What matters is staying focused, learning from each experience, and believing that every challenge is shaping you into something stronger.
What made you choose Civil Engineering as a career?
My journey into this career wasn’t something I had planned from a very young age. In fact, I had no one to guide me about engineering as a career. But looking back, I realize there were a few key people and important turning points that shaped my decisions. My biggest influences were my parents. My father served in the Indian Army for a long time and was also looking after his parents back at home, and both my parents worked extremely hard to raise me and my siblings, with minimal resources but unlimited support. They always gave us the freedom to choose our path, and that’s something I deeply value.
After my 12th standard, my father wanted me to pursue a medical career (MBBS or similar), given that I had both Biology and Mathematics as subjects. But I realized biology wasn’t really my thing. I did some research on my own and decided to go for engineering, even though I didn’t have a clear role model or mentor in that field. It was a bold choice, but the right one for me.
One person who had a significant impact on me was my biology teacher, Mrs. Sumathy Kadambatt, during my time at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pune. I was a bit of a notorious student, often getting scolded by teachers, and sometimes I felt like I wasn’t good enough. But she believed in me, constantly reminding me that I had potential and just needed to focus on my studies, as this was the turning point, the “intermediate” stage. Her words stuck with me.
A major turning point came when I failed one subject in my 12th standard. Around the same time, my father got transferred to Allahabad (now Prayagraj). It was heartbreaking to leave Pune and my best friends, but something about Prayagraj changed me. It was a city filled with students from all over the country, preparing for big exams, chasing big dreams. I saw their dedication and energy, and it really motivated me. I decided to repeat my 12th, focus entirely on my studies, and leave all distractions behind. It was the most serious I had ever been, and it paid off. I scored distinctions in three subjects and later qualified for multiple engineering entrance exams. That phase taught me that failures are not the end; they are just signals to pause, reflect, and come back stronger. Furthermore, that is what I did. So, my path wasn’t perfect. No counselor planned it, but it was shaped by the people who believed in me, the setbacks that made me stronger, and the choices I dared to make on my own.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path
My MTech thesis was based on developing a DEWATS model, a Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System capable of treating 100 kiloliters per day (KLD) of wastewater generated at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow. The main problem I addressed was how to treat and reuse wastewater on-site without the need for expensive, energy-intensive centralized treatment plants.
The model I designed followed a gravity-based treatment train, minimizing operational costs and energy use. The process included:
- Settler Unit – to remove heavy solids and grit, reducing the load on the downstream units.
- Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR) – for biological treatment under oxygen-free conditions, breaking down organics while producing minimal sludge.
- Anaerobic Filter – to further polish the wastewater using attached microbial growth.
- Bio-sand Filter with Jatropha Seed Biochar – here’s where my innovation came in. I prepared biochar from crushed Jatropha curcas seeds (usually an agricultural waste product) by carbonizing them. This biochar, with its high porosity and surface area, was mixed with sand to create a low-cost, natural adsorbent filter media. It significantly improved the removal of suspended solids, nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, and organic pollutants.
- Constructed Wetland – planted with local macrophytes for final polishing and pathogen reduction.
The DEWATS model was designed during MTech project dissertation. Image showing 1.) Collection tank, 2.) Septic tank, 3.) Anaerobic baffle reactor, 4.) Anaerobic filter, and 5.) Planted bed filter
Treated water passing through the planted bed filter
I calculated hydraulic retention times (HRT) for each stage, optimized the loading rates, and modeled the flow to ensure the plant could handle peak loads. The treated water met CPCB discharge norms and was suitable for reuse in landscape irrigation within the campus. This thesis was an industrial project, as I collaborated with Intergen Energy Ltd., Delhi, during my research. Intergen Energy Ltd. Intergen Energy Ltd. is an Indian company specializing in infrastructure development, particularly in water and waste water treatment, and renewable energy projects like solar power.
There, I gained a deep understanding of conventional treatment plants, process flow diagrams, and operational challenges. I also visited the Bhatinda wastewater treatment plant and the Centre for Environment Research in New Delhi, where I observed an operational DEWATS treating institutional wastewater. These experiences helped me refine my own design for Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, making it both technically sound and practically feasible. This project didn’t just stay on paper; it gave me real-world exposure to sustainable, decentralized treatment solutions.
After completing my master’s, I started teaching as an Assistant Professor at Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT) and later joined Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) in Lucknow, in the Civil Engineering department. I taught from 2016 to 2019, and during this time, I truly fell in love with the world of academia. While teaching, I started thinking long-term and decided I wanted to do a PhD. I had already qualified for PhD programs in India, including in IITs and central universities, which are excellent institutions. However, I was keen to pursue a PhD abroad to gain broader international research exposure, work in a multicultural research environment, access advanced laboratory infrastructure, and engage in global academic collaborations. I also wanted the opportunity to teach, publish, and contribute on an international platform.
A still from 2016 at BBAU, “A central university,” Lucknow, India
That is when I reached out to Professor Dimuth Navarathna in late 2017, an industrial expert in wastewater treatment using membrane bioreactors from Australia. My master’s thesis was also on decentralized wastewater systems, so it aligned perfectly. I emailed him, shared my background and research interests, and to my surprise, he responded. He appreciated my academic journey and encouraged me to apply for a scholarship at Victoria University. I also applied for PhD programs at various other Australian universities and received an offer letter for the PhD program, such as RMIT Melbourne, Swinburne University, Western Sydney University, Curtin University, and Deakin University. Thanks to my academic merits, research experience, and publications, I was awarded a fully funded PhD scholarship at Victoria University, covering both tuition and living expenses, but this took two years. In 2019, I moved to Australia and began my PhD in Chemical Engineering at Victoria University, Melbourne. I also received tuition fee scholarships at some of the above-mentioned universities; however, I chose Victoria University because it covered my living expenses as part of the scheme.
A still at Victoria University, PC2 laboratory, Australia
What was your PhD research on?
My PhD research focused on developing and optimizing a Submerged Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (SAnMBR) as a pretreatment system for high-strength wastewater from the red meat processing industry. The problem statement was very real, this industry produces large volumes of nutrient-rich wastewater that’s difficult to treat using conventional plants. Wastewater is often discharged after partial treatment, wasting valuable resources like nitrogen, phosphorus, and biogas potential, while also incurring high trade-waste charges for the industry.
In my research, I developed a lab-scale submerged AnMBR system that could not only treat wastewater but also recover resources. Using anaerobic digestion integrated with membrane filtration, I was able to produce high-quality methane gas (90–95% purity) suitable for energy generation. Additionally, I recovered significant amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus, which could be reused as fertilizers. An unexpected but exciting aspect was the potential for hydrogen production. During specific operational conditions, particularly under short hydraulic retention times and controlled pH, the system showed hydrogen generation alongside methane. While my primary focus remained on methane recovery, this opened possibilities for future optimization toward hydrogen as a clean fuel source.
One of the biggest engineering challenges was membrane fouling, which limits the efficiency and lifespan of membrane systems. I developed dynamic and numerical models to predict fouling behavior and identify operational parameters to minimize it. I also implemented gas sparging techniques — injecting gas bubbles near the membrane surface — to control fouling and extend membrane run times for several months without chemical cleaning.
A still of my experimental setup at Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
During my PhD, I continued teaching, this time to engineering students at Victoria University, Melbourne. I taught subjects including Research Methodology and Project Management, and supervised bachelor’s and master’s students. I conducted extensive research, focusing on publishing my research findings, and was fortunate to publish five peer-reviewed articles in Q1 journals, including the Chemical Engineering Journal, which is among the top-ranked globally. Apart from academics, I have had numerous opportunities to present my research at national and international conferences, speak in webinars and workshops, and connect with people from industry and academia worldwide. These connections helped me learn beyond textbooks.
Towards the end of my PhD, I worked as a doctoral intern at the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria, a prestigious environmental agency under the Victorian Government. My work focused on groundwater contamination, a real-world problem with profound environmental implications.
A still at EPA, Victoria, Australia
I didn’t have a rigid plan from day one. My journey evolved step by step with each experience, teaching me something new. Whether it was a failure in an exam or a mentor who encouraged me, I kept learning and adapting. Sometimes, your path will not be straight, and that is okay. Be open to exploring, stay determined, and do not be afraid to reach out or take bold steps. Most importantly, believe in your own growth; you never know how far it can take you!
How did you get your first break?
As mentioned before, my first big break came when I decided to pursue a PhD abroad, and it all started with a single email. After working as an Academic in India, I realized that my true passion lies in research and environmental sustainability. I had been considering pursuing my PhD abroad, preferably in Australia, but it was my wife who became the driving force behind that decision. She believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, and she encouraged me to take the PTE exam, a mandatory language requirement for the Australian visa process. Thanks to her support and motivation, I prepared for the test, appeared for it, and cleared it on my first attempt.
I reached out to several professors, including Professor Dimuth Navarathna, a respected expert in wastewater treatment in Australia, and shared my academic background, publications, and research interest in decentralized treatment systems. He appreciated my initiative and encouraged me to apply for a PhD scholarship. That opportunity allowed me to move to Australia in 2019 and complete my PhD in Chemical Engineering.
After completing my PhD, I began applying for research opportunities aligned with my expertise. In 2024, I was offered a Researcher position at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) “https://www.slu.se/en/profilepages/g/rajneesh-gautam/” to work on a project focused on PFAS remediation, a class of persistent and harmful environmental pollutants that is yet to be regulated in India. This project is jointly funded by the Swedish Geological Survey (SGU) and the Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI). As part of my work, I designed and developed a lab-scale experimental column setup that uses air sparging to create an air–water interface, helping mobilize PFAS compounds from soil into water for further treatment. It’s a unique, innovative system that contributes to solving one of today’s most critical environmental challenges.
A still at SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
So, in summary, my first real break came from a mix of self-initiative, persistence, and purpose, starting with an email, growing through academic effort, and continuing through international research opportunities.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenge 1: Adjusting Abroad – Language, Culture, and Environment
When I first moved to Australia for my PhD, it was a completely new environment. Although I was academically prepared, I faced challenges due to the language barrier, cultural differences, and communication styles in both professional and academic settings. Even tasks such as participating in group discussions, delivering presentations confidently, or simply understanding local accents required a significant adjustment. I made a conscious effort to immerse myself in the environment, attending workshops, improving my communication skills, and slowly building confidence in expressing my thoughts clearly. It took time, but with patience and practice, I grew more comfortable and confident. It taught me that communication is a skill you can develop, not something you have to be perfect at from day one.
Challenge 2: Limited Exposure to Research Tools and Software
One major academic challenge was the lack of exposure to advanced software tools, simulation platforms, and research methodologies during my education in India. Tools such as MATLAB, COMSOL, Origin, R, Python, and reference managers like Mendeley or EndNote were either unavailable or not actively used, or could be used at other institutions in India, but were unavailable to me. Concepts like mathematical modelling, statistical analysis, and simulation design, which are fundamental to modern research, were not part of mainstream teaching, which made my PhD challenging. Since my PhD was not entirely laboratory-based, I had developed my skills in numerical modelling and hands-on software. I took the self-learning route. I watched online tutorials, completed free certification courses, and spent extra hours outside the lab experimenting with these tools. I also learned a lot by asking PhD peers and postdocs who were more experienced.
This process was slow, sometimes frustrating, but incredibly rewarding. Over time, I became confident in using multiple platforms and mathematical modelling, and I even began helping others with their projects.
Read my PhD research papers here👉
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479721019290
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352186422002553
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894723008768
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369703X24000627
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894724034594
Challenge 3: Managing Multiple Responsibilities During PhD
Doing a PhD is not just about research; it is about wearing multiple hats. Alongside working in the lab, I was also teaching undergraduate students, writing and submitting journal papers, presenting at international conferences, attending weekly group meetings, and collaborating on external projects. Balancing all of this, while also staying mentally healthy, was incredibly demanding.
I learned to plan my time very carefully. I created weekly schedules, set realistic goals, and learned to prioritize what needed immediate attention. I also learned the value of saying “no” when necessary. More importantly, I maintained a strong support system, my supervisors and colleagues, who made the journey manageable. This experience helped me develop time management, leadership, and resilience, which are skills I continue to use today.
A still taken during a workshop Organised by Swedish Medical Products Agency, Sweden, 2025
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I currently work as a Researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Sweden. I’m part of a research project focused on one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination. PFAS compounds are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment. They are found in everyday products, from waterproof clothing to firefighting foams, and they accumulate in soil, water, and even in human bodies. Removing PFAS from the environment is extremely difficult and requires innovative methods.
In my current role, I work on developing remediation techniques that can help mobilize and remove PFAS from contaminated soil. One of the key innovations I’ve developed is an air sparging setup, where air is injected into soil to create an air–water interface, which helps push PFAS from the soil into water, where it can be further treated or captured. This is part of a larger research effort funded by the Swedish Geological Survey (SGU) and the Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI).
This role requires a combination of technical, analytical, and soft skills, including:
- Environmental Engineering knowledge (especially water and soil contamination)
- Laboratory skills for designing and conducting experiments
- Mathematical modelling to understand PFAS transport and behavior
- Data analysis and visualization using tools like Python, R, SPSS, etc
- Scientific writing and communication for publishing research and presenting findings
- Collaboration and project management, especially in international, multi-disciplinary teams
A still of a soil sampling at Sundsvall, Timra airport, Sweden, 2024
What skills are needed for this job? How did you acquire them?
I acquired these skills over time during my PhD research, teaching, self-learning, and hands-on lab experience. I also took extra steps to teach myself software tools and research methodologies that were not part of my formal education.
What’s a typical day like?
No two days are precisely the same, but here is a general idea of what my day looks like. I usually start the day by reviewing any experiment results or setting up lab work for the day. I spend a few hours in the laboratory, conducting trials with different soil types, air flow rates, or PFAS concentrations. Later, I analyze the data, create visuals, and interpret trends using software. I attend team meetings to discuss progress, share findings, or plan next steps with colleagues in Sweden and other partner institutes. I also spend time writing papers, preparing presentations for conferences, and reading recent literature to stay updated. Some days involve mentoring students, troubleshooting equipment, or preparing project reports for funding agencies. It is a mix of research, learning, and problem-solving, and that is what keeps it exciting.
What is it you love about this job?
What I love most about this job is the impact. Knowing that the work I do in the lab can help protect groundwater, ecosystems, and public health is incredibly fulfilling. I also enjoy the freedom to innovate, the chance to collaborate with brilliant scientists, and the opportunity to keep learning every day. Another thing I deeply appreciate is the international exposure of being part of a global team tackling global problems. While I work in Sweden and abroad, I see myself as representing India on the world stage, and much of the research I do is aimed at solving environmental problems that are deeply relevant to India, such as PFAS contamination, wastewater management, and resource recovery. Moreover, it’s the joy of building something new, whether it’s a lab setup, a model, or an idea, that keeps me passionate and grounded.
A still of my DIY air sparging setup at SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
How does your work benefit society?
My work, both past and present, has always been rooted in solving critical environmental challenges. During my PhD, I focused on treating high-strength wastewater from the red meat industry using a lab-developed anaerobic membrane bioreactor coupled with a ceramic flat-sheet membrane. This industry generates enormous volumes of nutrient-rich wastewater that is often wasted or discharged, leading to environmental damage and financial penalties. My research enabled the recovery of valuable nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as the production of high-purity methane gas, thereby turning waste into a resource. I also developed dynamic and numerical models to help industries manage membrane fouling, a major operational hurdle, making these systems more viable and sustainable. These outcomes not only benefit Australian industries but are highly relevant for countries like India, where industrial wastewater management is still a growing concern.
In my current role at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, I’m working on the remediation of PFAS-contaminated soil. PFAS are toxic, long-lasting chemicals found in firefighting foams, industrial waste, and consumer products. Once they enter the soil, they leach into groundwater and remain for decades, harming ecosystems and human health. I developed a novel air sparging-based technique that helps mobilize PFAS from soil into water, making it easier to treat and remove. This is especially important because soil is one of the most challenging media to remediate due to its complexity.
A still with my research group, during the NORDROCS conference in Uppsala, 2024
Additionally, I led a PFAS risk and exposure modeling study in India, where PFAS is still not regulated by the pollution control authorities, such as CPCB or state pollution control boards. I collaborated with institutions within India (IIT BHU), Australia (Victoria University), and Sweden (SLU) to carry out this research work. Our findings showed that if left unaddressed, PFAS pollution could severely impact water bodies and human health in India over the next 30 years.
This research not only informs policymakers and scientists but also helps prepare early warning systems and treatment strategies to protect millions of lives and ecosystems in India.
👉 You can read this study here:
A still of the 17th CESE 2024 international conference in Pula, Croatia
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
While I take great pride in research and international work, the project that is closest to my heart is the educational support initiative I started for underprivileged children in my hometown in India. I’ve always been deeply inspired by the principles and ideology of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, especially his belief in education as a tool for social equality and empowerment. After completing my PhD and returning to India, I felt a strong responsibility to give back to the community that raised me. I realized that, despite having access to education, many children still lack it, even at the most basic level.
In 2023, with the support of my close friend Rakesh Kumar, based in Canberra, we began sponsoring the school education of 9 children, covering their tuition, books, uniforms, and basic needs. The number grew to 13 in 2024, and by 2025, we were supporting over 19 children. Each child’s journey is a reminder that a small act of support can open a whole world of possibilities. Our goal is not just to fund education, but to build confidence, offer mentorship, and help these children visualize a better future for themselves. We hope to expand this initiative further in the coming years to reach more children who are bright, capable, and full of potential, but need someone to believe in them.
A still of village students supported fully funded tuition and contingencies
For me, this work is not just charity; it is a commitment to social justice and a tribute to the values of equality, dignity, and education for all that Dr. Ambedkar stood for. It is motivation that gives me meaning beyond professional achievements.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
My advice to students is simple: do not be afraid of taking the longer, more challenging road because that is where real growth happens. Success doesn’t always come in a straight line. I have had failures, faced rejections, and had to restart more than once. However, every challenge I faced taught me something new about resilience, self-belief, and patience. Be curious. Ask questions, explore beyond your textbooks, and do not wait for someone to guide you; sometimes, you have to be your own guide (App Deepo Bhava” – Be your own light). If you’re from a background where access is limited, whether it’s guidance, resources, or opportunities, don’t let that stop you. Use what you have, make the most of it, and keep building your path one step at a time. Invest in skills, not shortcuts. Learn to communicate, manage your time, work in teams, and adapt to new technologies and tools. These things matter as much, if not more than grades.
And most importantly, never forget where you come from. As you grow in your journey, make sure you help others grow too. Whether it’s sharing knowledge, mentoring someone, or supporting a child’s education, you have the power to make someone else’s life better, just like someone once helped you or not. Education changed my life, and I believe it can change the world. Stay grounded, stay focused, and always stay learning.
If you need consultation, I’m here to help. Reach out if you’re confused about your career goals or if you need guidance on the right path.
Future Plans?
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue working at the intersection of environmental science, social equity, and sustainable development in academia or industry in the future. On the research front, I aim to advance remediation technologies for emerging contaminants like PFAS, scale up wastewater treatment solutions, and promote circular approaches that convert waste into valuable resources. I aim to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application, ensuring that science leads to practical solutions for communities and industries alike.
In the longer term, I also envision starting a sustainable farming initiative in India. The idea is to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices that not only preserve soil and water resources but also create local jobs and educate rural communities on earning sustainably beyond conventional farming. With proper training and support, sustainable agriculture can become a tool for empowerment, especially in areas struggling with unemployment and climate vulnerability. Ultimately, my plans are not just about personal growth; they are about building ecosystems that uplift others, whether through science, education, or sustainable livelihoods.
Thank you for your time!!
Email: gautamenviro@gmail.com