Dr. Bibi Saima Zeb, an Associate Professor at COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, specializes in the development and optimization of Natural and Constructed Wetland for sustainable wastewater management. Her research focuses on using eco-friendly, low-cost technologies to treat industrial and domestic effluents, particularly in the context of developing regions like Pakistan.

Focus Areas

Dr. Zeb’s work investigates the synergistic effects of plants and microbes in removing complex pollutants. Key highlights of her research include:

• Industrial Wastewater Treatment:Evaluating the performance of monoculture-constructed wetlands for high-load effluents. Her studies have shown that plant species like Arundo donax and Typha latifolia are highly effective at reducing Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and nitrates in paper mill wastewater.
• Phytoremediation & Bioremediation:Utilizing macrophytes to clean contaminated water through processes like phyto-extraction and phyto-degradation. This includes the removal of heavy metals and organic pollutants from sewage.
• Optimization via RSM:Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize variables such as time and plant selection, ensuring maximum pollutant removal efficiency.
• Sustainable Ecotechnologies:Promoting nature-based solutions that require low energy and minimal maintenance, making them ideal for rural communities and earthquake-affected areas in Northern Pakistan.
• Public Health Protection:Linking improved water treatment via wetlands to a decrease in waterborne diseases (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella) to enhance regional public health.