GTU Academic Receives Best Presentation Award From Greece

April 7, 2026 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations
 

Research Assistant Rıfat Buğra Bildiri from the Institute of Biotechnology at Gebze Technical University (GTU) is awarded the “Best Oral Presentation Award” at the international CSRW26 conference held in Thessaloniki, for his study focusing on mineral recovery from agricultural wastewater.

The 2nd International Conference on Circularity, Sustainability and Resilience in Water, Wastewater and Sludge Management (CSRW26), held in Thessaloniki, Greece, between March 29 and April 1, 2026, witnessed significant academic achievements. Organized in collaboration with the European Public Law Organization (EPLO), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), and Democritus University of Thrace (D.U.Th.), the conference recognized Research Assistant Rıfat Buğra Bildiri from GTU Institute of Biotechnology with the Best Oral Presentation Award for his research.

Sustainable Solutions Discussed on an International Platform

The event brought together over 100 experts from various countries, including Denmark, Switzerland, China, France, Italy, and Portugal. Key topics such as sustainable wastewater management, circular economy-oriented approaches, and treatment technologies were discussed from both academic and industrial perspectives.

Circular Economy and Mineral Recovery with Duckweed

As part of the conference, Bildiri presented his study examining the role of duckweed in removing minerals from agricultural wastewater. His findings demonstrated that wastewater originating from commercial-scale greenhouse and vertical farming facilities provides a highly suitable environment for duckweed cultivation.

In his presentation, Rıfat Buğra Bildiri emphasized the importance of reintegrating minerals found in such wastewater into biological systems through a circular approach, highlighting its critical role in both financial and environmental sustainability. The GTU researcher received considerable acclaim from international participants for presenting innovative, duckweed-based recovery solutions.