Staff Profile

Qualifications:

Graduate Certificate in Learning & Teaching (Higher Education) (2024) - Swinburne University of Technology (Australia)

PhD (2021)- Monash University (Malaysia), School of Chemical Engineering

Thesis: Integration of thermal pretreatment and dewatering in the anaerobic co-digestion of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) for enhanced treatment performance in terms of biogas production and treated effluent quality

Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Hons) (2015)- Curtin University (Australia)

Previous Positions:

Head of Department (Chemical Engineering)- Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak

Lecturer (Chemical Engineering)- Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak

Senior Chemical Engineer (R&D)- Ecosys Group

Professional Memberships:

Higher Education Academy – Fellow (FHEA)

Engineers Australia – Chartered Professional Engineer NER APEC Engineer IntPE (Aus)

Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) – Graduate Member

Awards:

International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition ITEX 2019, Silver Medal in Environment & Energy Category, Malaysia

Women Leadership Conference: Engineering & IT Leadership Award 2018, Monash University Malaysia

Australian Water Association Undergraduate Water Prize Finalist Award 2014, Western Australia

I specialise in sustainable waste management, bioenergy and biofuel production, and process optimisation. My research explores advanced pretreatment strategies, including thermal conditioning and solid-liquid ratio modifications, to enhance anaerobic digestion efficiency, biogas yield, and effluent quality. Beyond wastewater treatment, I have worked on integrating innovative dewatering techniques to improve sludge handling and energy recovery, contributing to developing more efficient and sustainable treatment processes. Additionally, I have examined the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimising wastewater treatment processes, aligning with Industry 4.0 advancements in environmental sustainability.

In recognition of my contributions to a novel treatment process, I have a patent (Patent Number: PI 2019002291) for a process and technology for regulating anaerobic digesters. This process ensures consistent performance in removing contaminants and generating biogas from wastewater.

My research also encompasses biomass, bioenergy, and biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), where I studied emerging technologies and policy frameworks that support the transition to low-carbon alternatives. I have also investigated the use of heterogeneous catalysts in biodiesel production. Additionally, I have examined green solvents for lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment, providing insights into bio-conversion pathways aligned with circular economy principles. Currently, I am researching biohydrogen production from bioprocesses to advance sustainable energy solutions.

My work integrates chemical engineering, biotechnology, and sustainability principles to develop practical solutions for industrial waste management and renewable energy production. I am committed to bridging the gap between academic innovation and industrial application, driving advancements in resource efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Google Scholar: Here

ORCID: Here

Sustainable Chemical Engineering MSc Modules

CME8412 - Green Chemistry & Complementary Chemistry/Chem Eng Skills

CME8413 - Sustainable Industry II: Business and Environmental Management

CME8414 - Advanced Design Project in Sustainable Chemical Engineering

CME8419 - Biorefining and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage

Renewable Energy, Enterprise and Management (REEM) MSc Modules

SPG8008 - Renewable Energy: Biomass and Bioenergy (Module Leader)

Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) and Master of Engineering (MEng)

Stage 3: CME3034 - Design for Process Safety

• Articles

  • Lau JIC, Khadaroo SNBA, Chew JJ, Khaerudini DS, Saptoro A, Sunarso J. Copper Benzene‐1, 3, 5‐Tricarboxylate Metal‐Organic Framework Performance as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Biodiesel Production. Energy Science & Engineering 2025, 13(3), 1146-1155.
  • Khadaroo SNBA, Grassia P, Gouwanda D, Jing H, Poh PE. Enhancing the biogas production and the treated effluent quality via an alternative Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) treatment process: Integration of thermal pretreatment and dewatering. Biomass and Bioenergy 2021, 151, 106167.
  • Khadaroo, SNBA, Grassia, P, Gouwanda, D, Poh, PE. The influence of different solid-liquid ratios on the thermophilic anaerobic digestion performance of palm oil mill effluent (POME). Journal of environmental management 2020, 257, 109996.
  • Khadaroo, SNBA, Grassia, Paul, Gouwanda, D, Phaik,PE. The impact of thermal pretreatment on various solid-liquid ratios of palm oil mill effluent (POME) for enhanced thermophilic anaerobic digestion performance. Journal of cleaner production 2020, 261, 121159. In Preparation.
  • Khadaroo, SNBA, Tan, HM, Gouwanda, D, Poh, PE. ADVANCING ON PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT (POME) TREATMENT–WHAT IS IN STORE FOR YOU?. Journal of Oil Palm, Environment and Health (JOPEH) 2020, 11.
  • Khadaroo, SNBA, Grassia, P, Gouwanda, D, Poh, PE. Is the dewatering of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) feasible? Effect of temperature on POME’s rheological properties and compressive behavior. Chemical Engineering Science 2019, 202, 519-528.

• Book Chapters

  • Khadaroo SNBA, Tan HM, Gouwanda D, Poh PE. Advancement in Various Stages of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Treatment Process. In: Sustainable Technologies for the Oil Palm Industry: Latest Advances and Case Studies. Springer Nature Singapore, 2023, pp.275-299.
  • Fernando WAM, Khadaroo SNBA, Poh PE. Artificial Intelligence and Environmental Sustainability: Challenges and Solutions in the Era of Industry 4.0. In: Ong, HL, Doong, Ra, Naguib, R, Lim, CP, Nagar, AK, ed. Artificial Intelligence and Environmental Sustainability: Challenges and Solutions in the Era of Industry 4.0. Singapore: Springer, 2022, pp.45-85.

• Reviews

  • Lau JIC, Wang YS, Ang T, Seo JCF, Khadaroo SNBA, Chew JJ, Lup ANK, Sunarso J. Emerging technologies, policies and challenges toward implementing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Biomass and Bioenergy 2024, 186, 107277.
  • Wong JL, Cheng JYL, Khadaroo SNBA, Chew JJ, Khaerudini DS, Sunarso J. Green solvent for lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment: An overview of the performance of low transition temperature mixtures for enhanced bio-conversion. Next Materials 2023, 1(2), 100012.
  • Khadaroo SNBA, Poh PE, Gouwanda D, Grassia P. Applicability of various pretreatment techniques to enhance the anaerobic digestion of Palm oil Mill effluent (POME): A review. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 2019, 7(5), 103310.