Department of Environmental Sciences
Extension Number: 540
Office Number: S-121, Armacost Science Building

Brief Profile:
Dr. M. Shahbaz Akhtar is associate professor in environmental sciences. Dr. Shahbaz has over 20 years of teaching and research experience and served different universities i.e., Okayama University, Japan, University of Sargodha, and University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. He did his Ph.D. in Environmental Management Engineering from Department of Environmental Management Engineering, Graduate School of Environmental & Life Science, Okayama University, Japan in 2008. He also has been awarded two (24 months of each) highly competitive and prestigious Post Doctorate Fellowships from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science for Standard Program and Senior Researcher Program to pursue research activities at Okayama University, Japan.
Education:

• Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences (Okayama University, Japan)
• MPhil in Soil & Environmental Sciences (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad)

Research interests:
Environmental Sciences, Lithosphere Management, Environmental Resource Management, Water Quality, Environmental Chemistry, Phytoremediation, Nano-remediation, Eutrophication, Vegetation Management, Phosphorus Management under Extreme Environments, Plant Nutrition, Adaptation and Physiology under Abiotic Stress/Extreme Environments, Soil and Water Pollution and Remediation.

 Research and Publications:

1. Muhammad Shahbaz Akhtar*, Sohaib Aslam, Allah Ditta*, Bedur Faleh A. Albalawi, Yoko Oki, Yoshitaka Nakashima. 2023. Interspecific Variability in Growth Characteristics and Phytoremediation of Cu by Free-Floating Azolla Macrophytes. Sustainability. 15(1), 497.
2. Muhammad Shahbaz Akhtar*, Ahmad Hameed, Sohaib Aslam, Razi Ullah, Aima Kashif. 2023. Phytoremediation of metal contaminated soils and water in Pakistan: A review. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 234, 11 (2023).
3. Dean, S.; Akhtar, M.S. *; Ditta, A.; Valipour, M.; Aslam, S. 2022. Microcosm Study on the Potential of Aquatic Macrophytes for Phytoremediation of Phosphorus-Induced Eutrophication. Sustainability, 14,16415.
4. Claudia Fujita, M. Shahbaz Akhtar*, Ray Hidaka, Makoto Nishigaki. 2022. Mitigation of groundwater iron induced clogging by low-cost bioadsorbent in open loop geothermal heat pump systems. Applied Water Science, 12: 30.
5. Muhammad Shahbaz Akhtar*. 2022. Treatment of Acidic Wastewater Effluents and Defluoridation by Lime Materials. Water Conservation Science and Engineering (2022). 
6. Muhammad Shahbaz Akhtar*. 2022. Bentonite and polymeric support fluids used for stabilization in excavations. Turkish Journal of Engineering. 7(4):338-348.
7. Mukkram Ali Tahir, M. Shahbaz Akhtar*, Yoshitaka Nakashima, Noor Us Sabah & Sayed Haseeb Ul Hassan (2021). Transformation of Organic Waste Materials as H2O Gel and Its Influence on Growth of Maize (Zea mays L.), Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 53:1, 129-139. DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2021.1984511.
8.  M. Shahbaz Akhtar*, Yoshitaka Nakashima, Makoto Nishigaki. 2021. Clogging mechanisms and preventive measures in artificial recharge systems. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 9(3): 181-201. doi：10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2021.03.002.
9. Akhtar M.S., Oki, Y., Bui Thi Ngoc Bich, Nakashima, Y. 2019. Estimation of Phytofiltration Potential for Cu and Zn, and Relative Growth Response of Azolla. japonica and Azolla. Pinnata. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2019, 21(4):895-909. DOI: 20.1001.1.16807073.2019.21.4.20.5.
10.  Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., and Nakashima. 2018. Genotypic variations in growth response and P-acquisition efficiency by spring wheat cultivars exposed to sparingly soluble p-sources. International Journal of Bioscience, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, 8 (3): 187-194.. Doi: 10.17706/ijbbb.2018.8.3.187-194
11. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. Nakashima, Y., Adachi T., and Nishigaki M. 2016. Phosphorus starvation induced differential growth behaviour, and P-acquisition and use efficiency by wheat cultivars exposed to sparingly soluble P-sources. Communications in Soil and Plant Analysis. 47 (S1): 15-27. doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2016.1232089.
12. Akhtar M.S., Oki, Y., Nakashima, Y., Nishigaki, M., Adachi, T. and Kamigaki, T. 2016. Microcosm investigation on differential potential of free floating Azolla macrophytes for phytoremediation of P-controlled water eutrophication. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology. 2016, 18 (1): 204-212. Doi: 10.17957/IJAB/15.0119,
13. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., and Nakashima, Y. 2015. Differential P-acquisition and growth characteristics of wheat cultivars under buffered P-stress environment. International Journal of Bioscience, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, 2015, 5(5):311-320. doi: 10.17706/ijbbb.2015.5.5.311-320
14.  Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Nishigaki, M., Adachi, T., Nakashima, Y., Nakamoto, Y. & Hartwig, C. 2014. Phosphorus stress induced variations in growth behavior and P-efficiency among Brassica cultivars grown with sparingly soluble P-sources. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2014, 45(15): 1995-2017. DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2014.919310.
15. Akhtar, M. S., Nishigaki, M., Oki, Y., Adachi, T., Nakashima, Y., et al. 2013. Solublization and Acquisition of phosphorus from Sparingly Soluble P-Sources, and differential growth response of Brassica cultivars exposed to P-stress environment. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis,2013, 44(7): 1242-1258. Doi: 10.1080/00103624.2012.756005.
16. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2010. Growth behavior, N-form effects on P-acquisition, and P-Zn interactions in Brassica cultivars under P-stress environment. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 41: 1-24. DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2010.498534.
17. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2009. Mobilization and Acquisition of Sparingly Soluble P-sources by Brassica Cultivars under Phosphorus Starved Environmental Cues I. Differential Growth response, P efficiency characteristics and P-remobilization. Journal of Integrative Plant Biology. 51(11): 1008-1023. 
18.  Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2009. Mobilization and Acquisition of Sparingly Soluble P-sources by Brassica Cultivars under Phosphorus Starved Environmental Cues. II. Redesigned root architecture, Rhizospheric pH changes and carboxylates exudation. Journal of Integrative Plant Biology. 51(11): 1024-1039.. DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7909.2009.00873.x.
19.  Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2009. Deployment of genetic variations of Brassica cultivars for P-acquisition under low P conditions and comparison of P sources towards a type of sustainable crop management. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 40: 3023-3045. DOI: 10.1080/00103620903261601.
20. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2008. Genetic variability in phosphorus acquisition and utilization efficiency from sparingly soluble P-sources by Brassica cultivars under P stress environment. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, 194: 380-392 
21. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2008. Intraspecific Variations of Phosphorus Absorption and Remobilization, P Forms, and Their Internal Buffering in Brassica Cultivars Exposed to a P Stressed Environment. Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, 2008, 50(6): 703-716. DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7909.2008.00675.x.
22. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2008. Intra-specific genetic variability of Brassica cultivars in relation to phosphorus uptake and use efficiency under P-stress environment. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 58(1): 93-108. doi.org/10.1080/03650340701663574.
23. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2008. Phosphorus and Biomass Distribution, and P-efficiency by Diverse Brassica Cultivars Exposed to Adequate and P-stress Environment. Journal of The Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology Okayama University 13(1): 111-119., Doi:10.18926/fest/12836
24. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2007. Genetic Diversity in Brassica Cultivars under Deficiently Buffered P-Stress Environment. II: Percent Distribution of Biomass and P Concentration, P-Stress Factor and P-Utilization Efficiency. Journal of American Science. 3(2): 64-72.
25. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T., Khan, MH.R. 2007. From Fate to Faith and Soil to Cell: Estimation of Phosphate (Pi) Uptake Rate, Pi-Uptake Kinetics and Relative Growth Rate are Important Parameters to Scavenge Pi by Brassica Cultivars under P-Starved Environment. Journal of The Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology Okayama University, 12(1): 99-106. doi: 10.18926/fest/11450
26. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2007. Genetic Diversity in Brassica Cultivars under Deficiently Buffered P-Stress Environment. III: Leaf Area (LA), P-Stress Induced Percent Reductions in LA, P-Absorption, Transport and Utilization Rates. Journal of American Science, 3(2): 73-82.
27. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T., Khan, M .H. R. 2007. Analyses of the Genetic Parameters (Variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance, Relationship of Yield and Yield Contributing Characters) for some Plant Traits among Brassica Cultivars under Phosphorus Starved Environmental Cues. Journal of The Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology Okayama University, 12(1): 91-98. DOI: 
28. Khan, M.H.R., Mohiuddin, M., Rahman, M., Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2007. Characterization and screening of N2-fixing microorganisms at maturity stage in rhizosphere of rice grown in Brahmaputra Alluvium soil of Bangladesh. Journal of The Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology Okayama University, 12(1): 77-81. doi: 10.18926/fest/11441
29. Khan, M.H.R., Rahman, M. K., Rouf, A.J M.A, Sattar, G.S., Akhtar, M.,S. Oki, Y. 2007. Effects of Brick Burning on Microbial Biomass and C/N Ratio in Selected Soil Profiles in the Eastern Region of Bangladesh. Journal of The Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology Okayama University,12(1): 83-89. doi: 10.18926/fest/11443
30. Akhtar, M. S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2007. Path and Correlation Analyses of the Factors affecting Biomass Production of Brassica Cultivars under Phosphorus-Deficiency Stress Environment. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 2007, 38:2659-2679. DOI: 10.1080/00103620701662893.
31. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T., Khan, M .H. R. 2007. Tailoring the Plant to Fit the Soil’ in Stead of ‘Tailoring the Soil to Fit the Plant’ is an Alternate Environmental Sound Strategy to Acclimate Orthophosphate (Pi) Deprivation via Highly Coordinated Classical Pi-Starvation Induced Mechanisms. Journal of The Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology Okayama University, 12(1): 107-117. doi: 10.18926/fest/11454
32. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2007. Genetic Diversity in Brassica Cultivars under Deficiently Buffered P-Stress Environment. I: Biomass Accumulation, P-Concentration, P Uptake, and Related Growth Parameters. Journal of American Science, 3(2): 55-63.
33. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T., Murata, Y., Khan, M.H.R. 2007. Relative phosphorus utilization efficiency, growth response, and phosphorus uptake kinetics of Brassica cultivars under a phosphorus stress environment. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 38: 1061-1085. DOI: 10.1080/00103620701280266.
34. Islam, M.O., Khan, M.H.R., Das, A.K., Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T. 2006. Impacts of industrial effluents on plant growth and soil properties. Soil and Environment, 25(2): 113-118. Scopus ID: 1140101069.
35. Akhtar M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T., Murata, Y., Gill, M.A., Khan M.H.R., Kurimoto. H. 2006. Inter cultivar variations of phosphorus deficiency stress tolerance in hydroponically grown Brassica. Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology, (3): 601-613.
36. Akhtar, M.S., Oki, Y., Adachi, T., Murata, Y., Khan, M.H.R. 2006. Phosphorus starvation induced root mediated pH changes in solublization and acquisition of sparingly soluble P-sources and organic acids exudation by Brassica cultivars. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. 2006, 52: 623-633. DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0765.2006.00082.x.
37. Kosar, H.S., Gill, M.A., Rahmatullah, Aziz, T., Akhtar, M.S., Imran, M. 2002. Solublization of tri-calcium phosphate by different wheat genotypes. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 39(4): 273-277.
38. Gill, M.A., Mansoor, S., Aziz, T., Rahmatullah, Akhtar, M.S. 2002. Differential growth response and phosphorus utilization efficiency of rice genotypes. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 39 (2): 83-87.
39. Akhtar, M.S., Gill, M.A., Aziz, T., 2002. Rahmatullah. Differential phosphorus requirement and utilization efficiency of Brassica genotypes. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 39 (3): 188-192.