Summary

Work experience

• Postdoctoral Research Fellow

  University of Pretoria

  2017.01-Current

  (10 years)

  University of Pretoria, South Africa Responsibilities and Achievements • Developed advanced graphene-based and nanocomposite materials for high-efficiency solar-driven interfacial desalination. • Designed and synthesized nanomaterials for efficient removal of heavy metals, radionuclides, phosphate, and organic contaminants from water systems. • Conducted cutting-edge research in photocatalysis, adsorption, environmental nanotechnology, and sustainable water treatment systems. • Developed biosurfactant-assisted remediation technologies for petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). • Investigated antimicrobial and algicidal nanomaterials for control of multidrug- resistant bacteria and harmful algal blooms. • Successfully supervised and mentored postgraduate MSc and PhD students. • Published extensively in high-impact international journals. • Presented research findings at internationally recognized scientific conferences. • Secured competitive national and international research grants and fellowships.
• Postdoctoral research fellow

  University of Pretoria

  1911.01-2026.08

  (116 years)

  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2015.07.002 COMPLETE PUBLICATION LIST 1. Bezza, F.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., Brink, H.G., Daramola, M.O., Chirwa, E.M. and Iwarere, S.A., 2026. Sustainable valorization of lignocellulosic biomass for integrated biofuel and biomaterials production within the circular economy framework: Recent advances in pretreatment processes—A comprehensive review. Biomass and Bioenergy, 215, p.109534. 2. Bezza, F.A., Hambali, H.U., Tichapondwa, S.M., Brink, H.G., Daramola, M.O., Chirwa, E.M. and Iwarere, S.A., 2026. Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) for the Remediation of Hexavalent Chromium (Cr (VI)) Contaminated Water. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, p.122295. 3. Bezza, F.A., Iwarere, S.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., Brink, H.G., Daramola, M.O., & Chirwa, E.M. (2025). Synthesis and evaluation of 3D nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (3D N@rGO) macrostructure for enhanced solar-driven interfacial desalination of saline water. Global Challenges, 9(4), 2400080. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400080 4. Bezza, F.A., Brink, H.G., & Chirwa, E.M. (2025). Selective and efficient removal of phosphate from aqueous solution using activated carbon-supported Mg–Fe layered double oxide nanocomposites. The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 103(2), 524–542. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cjce.25440 5. Bezza, F.A., Iwarere, S.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., Brink, H.G., Daramola, M.O., & Chirwa, E.M. (2025). Synthesis of copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) doped 3D reduced graphene oxide-based solar absorber for saline water desalination. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 117, 601–606. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET251117101 6. Manoto, B.A., Bezza, F.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., & Chirwa, E.M. (2025). Interfacial solar steam generator based on reduced graphene oxide/polyurethane monolith for seawater desalination. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 117, 757–762. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET251117127 7. Mogale, T.W., Bezza, F.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., & Chirwa, E.M. (2025). Graphene oxide-modified bimetallic Al/Fe (hydro)oxides doped activated carbon composite for hexavalent chromium adsorption. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 117, 385–390. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET251117065 8. Lawrence, W.J., Bezza, F.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., & Chirwa, E.M. (2025). Hydrothermal synthesis of high-performance 3D black TiO2/rGO solar absorber for interfacial water evaporation. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 117, 877–882. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET251117146 9. Ngwenya, P., Bezza, F.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., & Chirwa, E.M. (2025). Photocatalytic degradation of brilliant green dye using B-TiO2 under visible light. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 117, 361–366. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET251117061 10. Bezza, F.A., Iwarere, S.A., Brink, H.G., & Chirwa, E.M. (2024). Porous three- dimensional Ag-doped reduced graphene oxide (3D Ag@rGO) composite for interfacial solar desalination. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 13793. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-62987-z 11. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M. (2024). Copper nanoparticle-doped reduced graphene oxide (CuNP@rGO) coated poplar wood for solar-driven interfacial desalination. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 110, 61–66. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET24110011 12. Chirwa, E.M., Tichapondwa, S.M., Bezza, F.A., et al. (2024). Biological analogues in advanced water treatment: 3D-printed graphene oxide and metal-halide BixOyClz/AgCl composite photocatalysis. Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, 53, 3475–3480. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-28824-1.50580-9 13. Bezza, F.A., Iwarere, S.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., & Chirwa, E.M. (2023). Ag, Black TiO2 and nitrogen-doped 3D rGO evaporator for efficient steam generation. Catalysts, 13(3), 514. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13030514 14. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M.N. (2022). Adsorption of As(III) from contaminated water using activated carbon-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 96. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET2296064 15. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M. (2022). Removal of Cr(VI) ions using kaolinite- supported Fe/Al oxide composite nanoadsorbents. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 94, 1453–1458. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET2294242 16. Chirwa, E.M.N., Lutsinge-Nembudani, T.B., Fayemiwo, O.M., & Bezza, F.A. (2021). Biosurfactant-assisted degradation of high molecular weight PAHs by mixed cultures from car service oil dump. Journal of Cleaner Production, 290, 125183. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125183 17. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M. (2021). Removal of phosphate from contaminated water using activated carbon-supported nZVI particles. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 84, 55–60. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET2184010 18. Bezza, F.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., & Chirwa, E.M. (2020). Fabrication of monodispersed copper oxide nanoparticles with antimicrobial potential. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 16680. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73497-z 19. Bezza, F.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., & Chirwa, E.M. (2020). Biosurfactant-stabilized silver nanoparticles: characterization and bactericidal potential. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 393, 122319. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122319 20. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M. (2020). Improvement of biosurfactant production by microbial strains through hydrophobic substrate supplementation. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 79, 91–96. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET2079016 21. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M.N. (2017). Biosurfactant-assisted bioremediation of PAHs in liquid cultures. Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds, 37(5), 375–394. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10406638.2015.1129973 22. Chirwa, E.M.N., Mampholo, C.T., Fayemiwo, O.M., & Bezza, F.A. (2017). Biosurfactant-assisted recovery of C5–C11 hydrocarbons from oily sludge using microbial consortia. Journal of Environmental Management, 196, 261–269. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.03.011 23. Bezza, F., & Chirwa, E.M.N. (2017). Potential use of microbial consortium biosurfactants for enhanced oil recovery. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 57, 1411–1416. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET1757236 24. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M.N. (2017). Role of lipopeptide biosurfactant in remediation of aged PAH-contaminated soil. Chemical Engineering Journal, 309, 563–576. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2016.10.055 25. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M.N. (2017). Enhanced pyrene biodegradation by lipopeptide biosurfactant from Paenibacillus dendritiformis CN5. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 321, 218–227. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.08.035 26. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M.N. (2016). Bioremediation of PAH-contaminated soil by microbial consortia with biosurfactant from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds, 36(5), 848–872. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10406638.2015.1066403 27. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M.N. (2016). Biosurfactant-enhanced bioremediation of aged PAHs in creosote-contaminated soil. Chemosphere, 144, 635–644. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.08.027 28. Bezza, F.A., Beukes, M., & Chirwa, E.M.N. (2015). Application of biosurfactant from Ochrobactrum intermedium CN3 to enhance petroleum sludge bioremediation.
• Researcher and Developer

  Benishangul Gumuz Regional State Water

  2005.01-2010.12

  (6 years)

  Irrigation and Energy Resources Development Bureau, Ethiopia Responsibilities • Coordinated renewable energy and sustainable water resource development initiatives. • Conducted environmental impact assessments for regional energy and infrastructure projects. • Assisted in development of renewable energy policies and sustainability programmes. • Facilitated collaboration among governmental institutions, private sectors, and local communities. • Promoted sustainable water and energy technologies in rural communities. RESEARCH IMPACT • 34+ peer-reviewed international journal publications • 1,750+ citations • Google Scholar h-index: 15 • Scopus h-index: 13 • Web of Science h-index: 10 • Extensive international conference presentations • Successful supervision of postgraduate students • International research collaborations across Africa and Europe PRESTIGIOUS FELLOWSHIPS, Teaching Assistant – Transport Phenomena Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa February 2017 – January 2018 Responsibilities: • Assisted in teaching transport phenomena concepts. • Supported undergraduate students through tutorials and academic guidance. SELECTED PUBLICATIONS Highly Cited and Representative Publications 1. Bezza, F.A., Hambali, H.U., Tichapondwa, S.M., Brink, H.G., Daramola, M.O., Chirwa, E.M. and Iwarere, S.A., 2026. Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) for the Remediation of Hexavalent Chromium (Cr (VI)) Contaminated Water. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, p.122295. 2. Bezza, F.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., & Chirwa, E.M. (2020). Fabrication of monodispersed copper oxide nanoparticles with antimicrobial potential. Scientific Reports, 10, 16680. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73497-z 3. Bezza, F.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., & Chirwa, E.M. (2020). Biosurfactant-stabilized silver nanoparticles: characterization and bactericidal potential. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 393, 122319. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122319 4. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M.N. (2017). Role of lipopeptide biosurfactant in remediation of aged PAH-contaminated soil. Chemical Engineering Journal, 309, 563–576. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2016.10.055 5. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M.N. (2017). Enhanced pyrene biodegradation by lipopeptide biosurfactant from Paenibacillus dendritiformis CN5. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 321, 218–227. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.08.035 6. Bezza, F.A., Iwarere, S.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., Brink, H.G., Daramola, M.O., & Chirwa, E.M. (2025). Synthesis and evaluation of 3D nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (3D N@rGO) macrostructure for enhanced solar-driven interfacial desalination of saline water. Global Challenges, 9(4), 2400080. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400080 7. Bezza, F.A., Iwarere, S.A., Brink, H.G., & Chirwa, E.M. (2024). Porous three- dimensional Ag-doped reduced graphene oxide (3D Ag@rGO) composite for interfacial solar desalination. Scientific Reports, 14, 13793. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-62987-z 8. Bezza, F.A., Iwarere, S.A., Tichapondwa, S.M., & Chirwa, E.M. (2023). Ag, Black TiO2 and nitrogen-doped 3D rGO evaporator for efficient steam generation. Catalysts, 13(3), 514. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13030514 9. Chirwa, E.M.N., Lutsinge-Nembudani, T.B., Fayemiwo, O.M., & Bezza, F.A. (2021). Biosurfactant-assisted degradation of high molecular weight PAHs by mixed cultures from car service oil dump. Journal of Cleaner Production, 290, 125183. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125183 10. Bezza, F.A., & Chirwa, E.M.N. (2016). Biosurfactant-enhanced bioremediation of aged PAHs in creosote-contaminated soil. Chemosphere, 144, 635–644. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.08.027 11. Bezza, F.A., Beukes, M., & Chirwa, E.M.N. (2015). Application of biosurfactant from Ochrobactrum intermedium CN3 to enhance petroleum sludge bioremediation.

Educational experience

• University of Pretoria

  Chemical Engineering

  2015.05-2017.12

  (3 years)

  I did my PhD degree in Chemical engineering
• University of Pretoria

  Environmental Engineering

  2013.01-2015.10

  (3 years)

  Masters of Engineering in Environmental Engineering with distinction
• University of Pretoria

  Chemical Engineering

  1991.01-2005.12

  (15 years)

  B.Sc. Degree in Chemical engineering with distinction

Languages

Certificates

Skills