Muscat:Arabian Gulf University (AGU) showcased its expertise at the 4th International Conference on Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the conference was organized by the Department of Biology at the College of Science at Sultan Qaboos University, in collaboration with the Middle East Society for Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology (MESME). It gathered researchers, academics, and specialists worldwide, emphasizing microbial ecology, microbiomes, biotechnology, and sustainability.
Representing AGU, Prof. Dr. Wael Ahmed Al-Meslamani and PhD student Ghaneima Al-Mulla contributed their research. Dr. Al-Meslamani presented a study on halophilic bacterial communities' role in breaking down oil pollutants, highlighting potential environmental solutions for oil spill mitigation. Meanwhile, Al-Mulla's research poster explored bacterial biosulfur removal from fuel, with implications for environmental and industrial biotechnology.
The four-day event featured 12 speakers from international universities and research institutions and attracted participants from 28 countries across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Europe. Sessions focused on the research potential of desert, marine, and hot spring environments in the Middle East, and the conference aimed to strengthen scientific cooperation, promote knowledge transfer, and link research with practical applications.
AGU's involvement underscores its commitment to expanding academic and research cooperation and developing biotechnology solutions to tackle environmental and industrial challenges.