Prof. Prabhakar Sharma is a distinguished environmental scientist and academician specializing in subsurface hydrology, contaminant transport, and soil–water interactions. He holds a strong academic foundation in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, having received a Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) Fellowship from the Government of India and a Subsurface Science Graduate Research Fellowship from the Inland Northwest Research Alliance (INRA), USA.
Over the past two decades, Prof. Sharma has established himself as a leading researcher and educator, with a focus on developing innovative approaches to groundwater management, contaminant transport modeling, and biochar-based remediation.

Research Interests

Prof. Sharma’s research encompasses a broad spectrum of environmental processes, including:

• Colloid and colloid-facilitated contaminant transport in subsurface systems.

• Transport and retention of microplastics and emerging pollutants in soil and water.

• Biochar applications for soil improvement and pollution remediation.

• CO₂ leakage and migration through heterogeneous subsurface formations.

• Flowing fluid electric conductivity logging in deep boreholes.

• Long-term impact of surface water recharge on groundwater quantity and quality.

Scientific Contributions

With over 112 peer-reviewed publications and 11 book chapters, Prof. Sharma’s contributions have significantly advanced understanding of subsurface transport mechanisms and sustainable remediation strategies.
He has successfully translated his research into practice through multiple granted and published patents, including innovative biochar technologies for contaminant removal and methods for subsurface mobilization under unsaturated conditions.

Patents

• Granted Patents (2024–2025): 3

• Published Patents: 1
  These patents focus on developing novel biochar-based materials and methods for removing dyes, heavy metals, and other pollutants from soil and water systems.

Awards & Honors

Prof. Sharma’s academic excellence and research integrity have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including:

• 2023: Best Paper Award, ASCE Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Engineering

• 2018: Editor’s Citation for Excellence in Review, Vadose Zone Journal

• 2016: Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing, Chemosphere

• 2004–2006: INRA Subsurface Science Graduate Research Fellowship

• 2000–2002: GATE Fellowship, Government of India

• 1996–2000: Merit Scholarship, Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa

Professional Impact

Prof. Sharma’s research has profoundly influenced the fields of groundwater hydrology, environmental remediation, and climate-resilient water resource management. His pioneering work on biochar-based pollutant removal technologies and microplastic transport has provided sustainable solutions for addressing global environmental challenges.

Eligibility for Outstanding Professor Award

Prof. Prabhakar Sharma exemplifies excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. His outstanding publication record, international recognition, and pioneering patents in environmental science make him highly eligible for the “Outstanding Professor Award in Scientific Laurels.” His career demonstrates sustained scientific leadership, societal impact through applied research, and commitment to advancing environmental sustainability.