Nyambane Clive Ontita - Bioelectrochemical systems - Excellence in Innovation
Central south university - Kenya
AUTHOR PROFILE
🔬 PROFESSIONAL SUMMARYÂ
NYAMBANE CLIVE ONTITA is an environmental microbiologist specializing in microbe–mineral interactions, bioelectrochemical systems, and biological resource recovery. His work addresses industrial wastewater treatment, degradation of emerging contaminants, and sustainable metal recovery. Known for interdisciplinary collaboration, he applies microbial technologies to create practical solutions in waste reuse, rare earth extraction, and eco-materials. His expertise spans microbial community analysis, surface chemistry, and reactor design. Clive is driven by a commitment to address real-world environmental problems using innovative microbiological techniques, aiming to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals.
🎓 EDUCATION
Clive completed a PhD in Environmental Microbiology from Central South University, China (2025), where he focused on microbial electrochemical systems for metal recovery. He earned an MSc in Microbiology from Kenyatta University, Kenya (2015), gaining foundational research experience in microbial contamination and ecology. His undergraduate degree in Biology and Agriculture was obtained from Bugema University, Uganda (2010), which provided his entry into biological sciences. This academic journey built a solid platform for his transition into applied microbiology and environmental biotechnology, enhancing both his theoretical knowledge and laboratory competencies in real-world microbial applications.
🧑‍🏫 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Clive has a rich background in teaching and research. As a Doctoral Researcher at Central South University, he has engineered bioelectrochemical systems for rare earth recovery. Previously, he was a Part-time Lecturer at Kisii University and JKUAT, teaching medical and general microbiology while guiding student research. His early career involved clinical microbiology studies at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital. Across these roles, he has demonstrated excellence in mentoring, experimental microbiology, and the development of bio-remediation techniques, contributing both to academic instruction and the advancement of microbial solutions to environmental challenges.
đź§Ş RESEARCH INTEREST
Clive’s research focuses on microbial electrochemical technologies for wastewater treatment and rare earth element recovery. His interests include biostabilization of mine waste, microbe–mineral surface interactions, biofilm dynamics, and the use of bioelectrochemical systems in contaminant removal. He investigates how microorganisms can transform, bind, or recover metals in harsh industrial environments, leveraging stress-response mechanisms and biogeochemical cycles. Through integrative techniques—such as molecular sequencing and surface chemistry—Clive explores sustainable environmental biotechnologies, advancing knowledge in both microbial ecology and applied engineering for clean energy, resource recycling, and green industrial practices.
🏅 AWARDS AND HONORS
Clive has been recognized for his research excellence multiple times. He received the Best Research Student Award at Central South University in 2024 and was honored as the Best Research Group Presenter in 2022. These accolades highlight his innovation in environmental microbiology, particularly in microbial strategies for resource recovery. His ability to articulate scientific ideas, lead collaborative research, and publish impactful findings has earned him academic prestige. These achievements reflect his commitment to environmental sustainability through advanced microbiological research, reinforcing his leadership potential in academic and scientific communities.
đź§« RESEARCH SKILLS
Clive possesses technical expertise in microbial and molecular biology, including 16S rRNA sequencing, qPCR, and DNA extraction. He is skilled in environmental analytics (e.g., XPS, SEM, FTIR, XRD), bioelectrochemical system design, and pollutant degradation kinetics. His proficiency extends to data analysis using OriginLab, SPSS, GraphPad Prism, and bioinformatics tools like PICRUSt. Clive also excels in reactor fabrication and microbial recovery strategies. His interdisciplinary approach combines microbiology, materials science, and engineering, allowing him to investigate and resolve complex environmental issues with precision and innovation.
📚 TOP NOTED PUBLICATIONS
Clive has authored several impactful publications in top-tier journals. His 2025 paper in Journal of Hazardous Materials explores biofilm responses to gadolinium in wastewater (IF 12.2). Another study in Journal of Water Process Engineering (2024, 2025) highlights substrate optimization and lanthanum recovery via BES (IF 6.7). His work in Water, Air, and Soil Pollution analyzes Ce(III) effects on biofilms (IF 3.8). Clive also co-authored articles on carbon-fixing microalgae and cold-tolerant bacteria in Bioresource Technology (IF 9.7). These publications showcase his thought leadership in microbial electrochemical applications and environmental sustainability.
Title: High-efficiency nitrogen removal by cold-tolerant bacteria consortium at low temperatures
Authors: Yilin Xu, Nyambane Clive Ontita, Weimin Zeng, Jin Huang, Luhua Jiang, Xiaxin Huang, Qi Li, Peng Hu
Journal: Bioresource Technology
Title: Mechanistic Insights into Biphasic Effects of Ce(III) on Anode Biofilms in Bioelectrochemical Systems during Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Nyambane Clive Ontita, Charles Amanze, Richmond Anaman, Xiao Shanshan, Felix Kwofie, Pius Abraham Tetteh, Weimin Zeng
Journal: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution
Title: Substrate-mediated enhancement of bioelectrochemical systems for sustainable rare earth element recovery from mining wastewater
Authors: Nyambane Clive Ontita, Richmond Anaman, Charles Amanze, Hyline N. Nyangweso, Weimin Zeng
Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering
Title: Electrochemically active biofilms responses to gadolinium stress during wastewater treatment in bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Nyambane Clive Ontita, Richmond Anaman, Emmanuel Konadu Sarkodie, Yanchu Wang, Abdulmalik Hamza Bichi, Xiao Shanshan, Hyline N. Nyangweso, Yilin Xu, Charles Amanze, Nour El Houda Bouroubi et al.
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Title: Isolation and Whole-genome analysis of Desmodesmus sp. SZ-1: Novel acid-tolerant carbon-fixing microalga
Authors: Yanchu Wang, Ajuan Liu, Charles Amanze, Nyambane Clive Ontita, Weimin Zeng
Journal: Bioresource Technology
Title: Insights into anode substrate optimization in bioelectrochemical systems for efficient cathodic lanthanum recovery during wastewater treatment
Authors: Nyambane Clive Ontita, Emmanuel Konadu Sarkodie, Richmond Anaman, Tang Yun Hui, Weimin Zeng
Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering
đź§ CONCLUSION
Clive stands out as a multidisciplinary researcher committed to sustainable environmental solutions through microbiology. From microbial metal recovery to innovative wastewater treatment systems, his work bridges laboratory science and environmental engineering. His educational background, research outputs, and teaching experience equip him to lead transformative projects in microbial biotechnology. Through awards, peer-reviewed publications, and global collaborations, Clive has positioned himself as a dynamic contributor to global sustainability agendas. His career exemplifies scientific rigor, innovation, and a deep dedication to improving ecological and industrial resilience using microbial strategies.