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    • Dr Masoumeh Zagar

      Dr Masoumeh Zagar

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Dr Masoumeh Zargar

Senior Lecturer

Staff Member Details
Telephone: +61 8 6304 5719
Email: m.zargar@ecu.edu.au
Campus: Joondalup  
Room: JO5.244  
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9811-6156

Dr Masoumeh Zargar is a Senior Lecturer and an Australian Research Council (ARC) DECRA Fellow at the School of Engineering. She also serves as the Co-Chair of the ECU Early and Mid-Career Researchers Network (EMCR).

Dr Zargar holds a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Adelaide and MSc and BSc Degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tehran. She joined ECU as a Vice-Chancellor Research Fellow in 2020, leveraging her prior experience as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Fluid Science and Resources research group (FSRR) within the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Western Australia (UWA).

Currently, Dr Zargar leads the Advanced Materials and Membranes Research Group, overseeing the work of over 10 PhD students and research assistants. Together, they actively engage in the development of advanced functional materials and membranes for various applications, such as water and wastewater treatment, desalination, photocatalysis, energy transition, mineral and resource recovery, solar distillation, food packaging, adsorption, soil remediation, and the removal of emerging contaminants from the environment, including microplastics, nanoplastics, and PFAS.

Dr Zargar's exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards and fellowships. Most recently, in 2023, she was awarded an ARC Discovery Project and the ECU Engineering Staff Research Excellence Award. In 2022, she received the AMP Tomorrow Maker's Award. Prior to that, she secured an ARC DECRA Fellowship in 2021 and achieved Best Presentation Awards in ECU EMCRN Symposiums in both 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, Dr. Zargar was granted a prestigious and highly competitive ECU Vice-Chancellor Fellowship in 2020.

With a distinguished academic background and a history of significant contributions to her field, Dr Masoumeh Zargar demonstrates expertise, impact, and tireless dedication. She drives innovation in Chemical Engineering, Environment, and Materials Science, addressing critical challenges and shaping the future of sustainable technologies.

Research Areas and Interests

  • Advanced Filtration Membranes and Industrial Treatment Technologies (Desalination, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Resource Recovery)
  • Developing Advanced Functional Materials for Environmental Remediation and Sustainability (Membranes, Nanomaterials, Polymers, Composites)
  • Microplastics and Nanoplastics Management and Removal from Different Environments
  • PFAS Degradation and Removal Technologies
  • Energy Transition, Mineral and Resource Recovery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Applications
  • Fluid Science and Transport Mechanisms

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Adelaide, 2016.
  • Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Iran, 2011.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Iran, 2007.

Research Outputs

2024

Journal Articles

  • Farahbakhsh, J., Golgoli, M., Khiadani, M., Najafi Arani, M., Suwaileh, W., Razmjou Chaharmahali, A., Zargar, M. (2024). Recent advances in surface tailoring of thin film forward osmosis membranes: A review. Chemosphere, 346(2024), article number 140493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140493.
  • Haeri, SZ., Khiadani, M., Ramezanzadeh, B., Mohammed, H., Zargar, M. (2024). Review on Stability, Thermophysical Properties, and Solar Harvesting Applications of Titanium Nitride-Based Nanofluids: Current Status and Outlook. Energy and Fuels, 38(4), 2548−2572. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.3c03360.
  • Behnam, P., Shafieian Dastjerdi, A., Zargar, M., Khiadani, M. (2024). Performance enhancement of a solar-driven DCMD system using an air-cooled condenser and oil: Experimental and machine learning investigations. Desalination, 574(2024), article number 117255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2023.117255.

2023

Book Chapters

Journal Articles

  • Golgoli, M., Farahbakhsh, J., Asif, A., Khiadani, M., Razmjou Chaharmahali, A., Johns, ML., Zargar, M. (2023). Harnessing The Power Of Metal-Organic Frameworks To Develop Microplastic Fouling Resistant Forward Osmosis Membranes. Journal of Membrane Science, 682(2023), article number 121766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2023.121766.
  • Behnam, P., Zargar, M., Shafieian Dastjerdi, A., Razmjou Chaharmahali, A., Khiadani, M. (2023). Harnessing the power of neural networks for the investigation of solar-driven membrane distillation systems under the dynamic operation mode. Solar Energy, 261(2023), 63-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2023.06.007.
  • Jafarzadeh, S., Forough, M., Kouzegaran, VJ., Zargar, M., Garavand, F., Azizi-Lalabadi, M., Abdollahi, M., Jafari, SM. (2023). Improving The Functionality Of Biodegradable Food Packaging Materials Via Porous Nanomaterials. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 22(4), 2850-2886. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.13164.
  • Ghasemi, S., Yan, B., Zargar, M., Ling, NN., Fridjonsson, EO., Johns, ML. (2023). Impact Of Microplastics On Organic Fouling Of Hollow Fiber Membranes. Chemical Engineering Journal, 467(2023), article number 143320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.143320.
  • Raggam, S., Mohammad, M., Choo, Y., Naidu, G., Zargar, M., Shon, HK., Razmjou Chaharmahali, A. (2023). Advances In Metal Organic Framework (Mof)-Based Membranes And Adsorbents For Lithium-Ion Extraction. Separation and Purification Technology, 307(2023), article number 122628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122628.
  • Mohamed Hijaz, H., Zargar, M., Shafieian Dastjerdi, A., Razmjou, A., Khiadani, M. (2023). Experimental investigation of temperature polarisation by capturing the temperature profile development over DCMD membranes. Journal of Membrane Science, 687(TBD), article number 122089. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2023.122089.
  • Golgoli, M., Sen, TK., Khiadani, M., Razmjou Chaharmahali, A., Johns, ML., Zargar, M. (2023). Synergistic Effects Of Microplastics And Organic Foulants On The Performance Of Forward Osmosis Membranes. Chemosphere, 311(2023), article number 136906. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136906.
  • Jafarzadeh, S., Nooshkam, M., Zargar, M., Garavand, F., Ghosh, S., Hadidi, M., Forough, M. (2023). Green Synthesis Of Nanomaterials For Smart Biopolymer Packaging: Challenges And Outlooks. Journal Of Nanostructure In Chemistry, 2023(article in press), TBD. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40097-023-00527-3.
  • Golmohammadi, M., Musavi, SF., Habibi, M., Maleki, R., Golgoli, M., Zargar, M., Dumee, LF., Baroutian, S., Razmjou Chaharmahali, A. (2023). Dynamics Of Three-Dimensional Stepped Cracks, Bistability, And Their Transition To Simple Cracks. Separation and Purification Technology, 309(2023), article number 122906. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122906.
  • Ghasemi, S., Assadpour, E., Kharazmi, MS., Jafarzadehkhosravi, S., Zargar, M., Jafari, SM. (2023). Encapsulation Of Orange Peel Oil In Biopolymeric Nanocomposites To Control Its Release Under Different Conditions. Foods, 12(4), article number 831. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12040831.
  • Pourzare, K., Zargar, M., Farhadi, S., Sadrabadi, MM., Mansourpanah, Y. (2023). Aminosilica-Functionalized Co3O4 Nanostructures In Proton Exchange Mixed Matrix Membranes For Enhanced Separation Efficiency Of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 6(1), 296-304. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.2c04405.
  • Alom, J., Hasan, MS., Asaduzaman, M., Alam, MT., Belhaj, D., Selvaraj, R., Hossain, MA., Zargar, M., Ahmed, M. (2023). Catalytical Performance Of Heteroatom Doped And Undoped Carbon-Based Materials. Catalysts, 13(5), article number 823. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13050823.
  • Mousavi, SZ., Shadman, HR., Habibi, M., Didandeh, M., Nikzad, A., Golmohammadi, M., Maleki, R., Suwaileh, WA., Khataee, A., Zargar, M., Razmjou Chaharmahali, A. (2023). Elucidating The Sorption Mechanisms Of Environmental Pollutants Using Molecular Simulation. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 62(8), 3373-3393. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.2c02333.
  • Boshir Ahmed, M., Alom, J., Hasan, M., Asaduzzaman, M., Rahman, M., Hossen, R., Abu Hasan Johir, M., Taufiq Alam, M., Zhou, J., Zhu, Y., Zargar, M. (2023). General Doping Chemistry of Carbon Materials. ChemNanoMat: chemistry of nanomaterials for energy, biology and more, 9(4), article number e202200482. https://doi.org/10.1002/cnma.202200482.

2022

Book Chapters

  • Mertah, O., James, A., Zargar, M., Chauhan, S., Kherbeche, A., Chellam, P. (2022). Multifunctional Composite Aerogels—As Micropollutant Scavengers. Inorganic-Organic Composites for Water and Wastewater Treatment (229-266). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5928-7_7.

Journal Articles

  • Drikvand, H., Golgoli, M., Zargar, M., Ulbricht, M., Nejati, S., Mansourpanah, Y. (2022). Thermo-Responsive Hydrophilic Support for Polyamide Thin-Film Composite Membranes with Competitive Nanofiltration Performance. Polymers, 14(16), Article number 3376. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163376.
  • Haydar, MA., Gedawy, A., Abid, H., Zargar, M., Brook, N., Dass, C., Sunderland, B. (2022). Loading of Artesunate with MIL100(Fe) Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Anti-cancer Activity in a Human Breast Cancer Cell Line. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology (IJDDT), 12(1), 401-407. https://doi.org/10.25258/ijddt.12.1.72.
  • Jafarzadehkhosravi, S., Forough, M., Amjadi, S., Javan Kouzegaran, V., Almasi, H., Garavand, F., Zargar, M. (2022). Plant protein-based nanocomposite films: A review on the used nanomaterials, characteristics, and food packaging applications. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2022(article in press), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2070721.
  • Rajapakse, SD., Zargar, M., Sen, T., Khiadani, M. (2022). Effects of influent physicochemical characteristics on air dissolution, bubble size and rise velocity in dissolved air flotation: A review. Separation and Purification Technology, 289(15 May 2022), article number 120772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2022.120772.
  • Shafieian Dastjerdi, A., Khiadani, M., Zargar, M. (2022). Performance analysis of tubular membrane distillation modules: An experimental and CFD analysis. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 183(July 2022), 478-493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2022.05.033.
  • Suwaileh, W., Zargar, M., Abdala, A., Siddiqui, F., Khiadani, M., Abdel-Wahab, A. (2022). Concentration polarization controlin stand-alone and hybrid forward osmosis systems: Recent technological advancements and future directions. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 178(February 2022), 199-223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2021.12.031.
  • Garavand, F., Milad , R., Jafarzadehkhosravi, S., Diako , K., Ilaria , C., Zargar, M., Seyed Hadi , R. (2022). Tuning the physicochemical, structural, and antimicrobial attributes of whey-based poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) films by chitosan nanoparticles. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9(28 April 2022), article number 880520. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.880520.
  • Chakraborty, S., Qamruzzaman, M., Zaman, M., Masruck Alam, M., Delowar Hossain, M., Pramanik, B., Nguyen, L., Naghiem, L., Ahmed, M., Zhou, J., Ibrahim.h.mondal, M., Hossain, M., Johir, M., Ahmed, M., Sithi, J., Zargar, M., Moni, MA. (2022). Metals in e-waste: Occurrence, fate, impacts and remediation technologies. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 162(June 2022), 230-252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2022.04.011.
  • Behnam, P., Shafieian Dastjerdi, A., Zargar, M., Khiadani, M. (2022). Development of machine learning and stepwise mechanistic models for performance prediction of direct contact membrane distillation module- A comparative study. Chemical Engineering and Processing: process intensification, 173(March 2022), Article Number108857. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2022.108857.
  • Haider, J., Haque, M., Hoque, M., Hossen, M., Mottakin, M., Khaleque, M., Johir, M., Zhou, J., Ahmed, MB., Zargar, M. (2022). Efficient extraction of silica from openly burned rice husk ash as adsorbent for dye removal. Journal of Cleaner Production, 380(2022), article number 135121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135121.

2021

Journal Articles

  • Khoshnam, M., Farahbakhsh, J., Zargar, M., Mohammad, A., Benamor, A., Ang, W., Mahmoudi, E. (2021). α-Fe2O3/graphene oxide powder and thin film nanocomposites as peculiar photocatalysts for dye removal from wastewater. Scientific Reports, 11(1), article number 20378. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-99849-x.
  • Golgoli, M., Khiadani, M., Shafieian Dastjerdi, A., Sen, T., Hartanto, Y., Johns, M., Zargar, M. (2021). Microplastics fouling and interaction with polymeric membranes: A review. Chemosphere, 283(November 2021), Article number 131185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131185.
  • Farahbakhsh, J., Vatanpour, V., Khoshnam, M., Zargar, M. (2021). Recent advancements in the application of new monomers and membrane modification techniques for the fabrication of thin film composite membranes: a review  . Reactive and Functional Polymers, 166(September 2021), Article number 105015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2021.105015.
  • Zargar, M., Johns, M., Aljindan, J., Noui-Mehidi , M., O'Neil, K. (2021). Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Multiphase Flowmeters: Current Status and Future Prospects. SPE Production and Operations, 36(2), 423-436. https://doi.org/10.2118/205351-PA.

2020

Journal Articles

  • Zargar, M., Ujihara, R., Vogt, S., Vrouwenvelder, J., Fridjonsson, E., Johns, M. (2020). Imaging of membrane concentration polarization by NaCl using 23Na nuclear magnetic resonance. Journal of Membrane Science, 600(15 April 2020), Article number 117868. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2020.117868.
  • Wagner, L., Zargar, M., Kalli, C., Fridjonsson, EO., Ling, NN., May, EF., Zhen, J., Johns, ML. (2020). Solid-Phase Extraction Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SPE-NMR): Prototype Design, Development, and Automation. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 59(47), 20836-20844. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.0c04827.

2019

Journal Articles

  • Hartanto, Y., Zargar, M., Cui, X., Jin, B., Dai, S. (2019). Non-ionic copolymer microgels as high-performance draw materials for forward osmosis desalination. Journal of Membrane Science, 572(15 February 2019), 480-488. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2018.11.042.
  • Zargar, M., Fridjonsson, EO., Graham, BF., May, EF., Johns, ML. (2019). Oil-based binding resins: Peculiar water-in-oil emulsion breakers. Energy and Fuels, 33(9), 8448–8455. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b01994.

2017

Journal Articles

  • Zargar, M., Hartanto, Y., Jin, B., Dai, S. (2017). Understanding functionalized silica nanoparticles incorporation in thin film composite membranes: Interactions and desalination performance. Journal of Membrane Science, 521(1 January 2017), 53-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2016.08.069.
  • Zargar, M., Hartanto, Y., Jin, B., Dai, S. (2017). Polyethylenimine modified silica nanoparticles enhance interfacial interactions and desalination performance of thin film nanocomposite membranes. Journal of Membrane Science, 541(2017), 19-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2017.06.085.

2016

Journal Articles

  • Zargar, M., Hartanto, Y., Dai, S. (2016). Hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles: A peculiar structure for thin film nanocomposite membranes. Journal of Membrane Science, 519(1 December 2016), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2016.07.052.
  • Hartanto, Y., Zargar, M., Wang, H., Jin, B., Dai, S. (2016). Thermoresponsive Acidic Microgels as Functional Draw Agents for Forward Osmosis Desalination. Environmental Science and Technology, 50(8), 4221-4228. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5b04123.
  • Zargar, M., Jin, B., Dai, S. (2016). An integrated statistic and systematic approach to study correlation of synthesis condition and desalination performance of thin film composite membranes. Desalination, 394(15 September 2016), 138-147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2016.05.014.
  • Hartanto, Y., Zargar, M., Cui, X., Shen, Y., Jin, B., Dai, S. (2016). Thermoresponsive cationic copolymer microgels as high performance draw agents in forward osmosis desalination. Journal of Membrane Science, 518(15 November 2016), 273–281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2016.07.018.

2015

Book Chapters

  • Zargar, M., Jin, B., Dai, S. (2015). Development and application of reverse osmosis for separation. Membrane Processing for Dairy Ingredient Separation (139-175). John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118590331.ch6.

2014

Journal Articles

  • Zargar, M., Sarrafzadeh, MH., Taheri, B., Keshavarz, A. (2014). Assessment of in situ bioremediation of oil contaminated soil and groundwater in a petroleum refinery: A laboratory soil column study. Petroleum Science and Technology, 32(13), 1553-1561. https://doi.org/10.1080/10916466.2012.690482.

2012

Journal Articles

  • Keshavarz, A., Vatanparast, H., Zargar, M., Kalantari Asl, A., Haghighi, M. (2012). An experimental investigation of the effect of pressure gradient on gas-oil relative permeability in Iranian carbonate rocks. Petroleum Science and Technology, 30(2012), 1508-1522. https://doi.org/10.1080/10916466.2010.506463.
  • Keshavarz, A., Vatanparast, H., Zargar, M., Mostafazadeh, M., Haghighi, M. (2012). An experimental investigation of optimum capillary number on vertical immiscible gas injection in Iranian carbonate and sandstone rocks. Petroleum Science and Technology, 30(13), 1379-1391. https://doi.org/10.1080/10916466.2010.506460.

Research Projects

  • Electrochemically-Assisted Fluidized Bed MBR, Water Corporation, Scholarship-Water Corp, 2023 ‑ 2027, $167,250.
  • Innovative composite photocatalysts and membranes for effective PFAS degradation and removal – Project 1, Water Corporation, Scholarship-Water Corp, 2023 ‑ 2027, $167,250.
  • PFAS degradation with advanced functional photocatalytic materials, Water Corporation, Scholarship-Water Corp, 2023 ‑ 2027, $167,250.
  • Advanced Process Control at WRIP Project, Water Corporation, Scholarship-Water Corp, 2023 ‑ 2026, $167,250.
  • Monitoring Desalination Membrane Fouling Using Sodium Magnetic Resonance, Australian Research Council, Grant - Discovery Projects, 2023 ‑ 2025, $30,000.
  • Peculiar membrane structures for removing microplastics from water, Australian Research Council, Grant - Discovery Early Career Researcher Award, 2022 ‑ 2025, $569,947.
  • INT-1294 Enhanced PFAS removal, The Water & Carbon Group, APR Intern, 2024, $10,000.
  • Feasibility Study of Water Recovery from Salar Lithium Circuit Using Membrane Distillation, Rio Tinto Ltd, Grant, 2023 ‑ 2024, $94,117.

Research Student Supervision

Current Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Harnessing the power of surface modification for developing nano/microplastics resistant membranes for water/wastewater treatment
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Advanced functional metal organic frameworks-reinforced membranes for enhanced microplastic fouling mitigation
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Developing Eco-friendly Nanofluids to enhance the photo-thermal performance of Heat Pipe Solar Collectors (HPSC)
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The investigation of new methods to improve the quality of brackish water
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Optimization of Coagulation and Flocculation Followed by Dissolved Air Flotation for Enhanced Microplastic Removal
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Developing novel photocatalytic materials and membranes to remove microplastics (MPs), PFAS, and other emerging contaminants from water

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, The Impact of Flow Alteration Aids on the Thermal Performance of Vacuum Membrane Desalination Modules (VMDM)
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Data-driven techniques in WWTP’s management, optimisation, and process control
  • Doctor of Philosophy, A comparative analysis of temperature polarisation effect on membrane distillation's overall performance in DCMD, AGMD and VMD configurations
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Harnessing the power of machine learning methods for the investigation of direct contact membrane distillation systems

Assistant Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Conversion of waste and algae to electricity, water and useful products

Completed Supervisions

Associate Supervisor

  • Master of Engineering Science, An experimental study on the effect of viscosity on micro-bubble size distribution and rise velocity in a bubble column
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