Professor Kiran Tota-Maharaj

Biography 

Professor Kiran Tota-Maharaj is the distinguished new Professor of Water Resources Management and Infrastructure at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU). Prof. Tota-Maharaj arrives with a rich academic background, having previously served as an Associate Dean (External Engagement) and Reader in Water and Environmental Engineering at Aston University Birmingham, and formerly the Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering at University of the West of England Bristol (UWE Bristol). He is also the Technical Director for Water, Wastewater and Environmental Engineering at the Water Research Centre (WRc Group), Swindon, England, UK, leading on collaborative research, practice, and education between RAU and WRc.

Prof. Tota-Maharaj is a resourceful, committed and results orientated Professional Engineer, Academic Leader and Environmental Champion with valuable experience and a consistent record of success, facilitating in-depth and applied research, improving processes, analysing data, and delivering results across Civil, Chemical, Mechanical and Environmental Engineering. Kiran is a  committed engineer, scientist and academic, passionate about ensuring an up to date, personal knowledge of specialist subject matter and with a genuine passion for teamwork, scholarly activity, and leadership. Prof. Tota-Maharaj is a  strategic thinker, able to assess needs and develop bespoke research methodologies and highly capable of proposing innovative engineering solutions and effective re-direction to teams/colleagues when tackling complex problems. He is an innovative professional, with adept engineering and project management skills and proven ability to build and maintain key relationships at all levels, translating requirements and overseeing all issues through to completion.

Professor Tota-Maharaj's expertise and leadership have gained his recognition as a prominent engineer and practitioner within the water resources management community throughout the Caribbean as well as the UK. Throughout his academic and industry career, Prof. Tota-Maharaj has established himself as a leading expert in the fields of environmental engineering, renewable energy systems and water resources management. His research focuses on innovative solutions for sustainable water resource management, integration of clean energy/renewable energy and environmental engineering principles in a circular economy. Kiran's passion for environmental engineering, sustainability and circular economies has been a key driving force throughout his career. Prof. Tota-Maharaj's scholarly activities include developing innovative and novel solutions for managing water resources and improving critical infrastructure to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. His work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of urban/sub-urban water systems, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), Nature-Based solutions (NbS) and blue/green-infrastructure, contributing to sustainable societies with an ecological engineering foot-print future for all.

Prof. Kiran Tota-Maharaj's appointment represents a strategic move towards furthering the university's commitment to excellence in Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus with industry partners WRc. RAU is now well-positioned to make meaningful contributions from Kiran's expertise and experience to the WEF Nexus fields, addressing critical challenges related to water sustainability. With a deep commitment to industry, education and research, Prof. Tota-Maharaj is dedicated to mentoring, nurturing, and training the next generation of water resource professionals. His appointment at the RAU signifies a new chapter in his esteemed career, where he will continue to inspire staff and students, contributing valuable insights to the field of water resources management and infrastructure.

 

Research

1. Water-Energy-Food-(WEF) Nexus:
- Understanding the interconnections and trade-offs between water, food, and energy systems
- Developing sustainable solutions and technologies to optimize resource use within the nexus
- Assessing the impact of climate change on the water-food-energy nexus

2. Water and Environmental Engineering / Stormwater Management:
- Novel approaches for contaminant removal in potable water treatment and stormwater remediation processes, such as emerging pollutants, runoff and microplastics
- Implementing advanced oxidation processes for water/stormwater treatment and disinfection
- Developing sustainable and cost-effective technologies for access to sustainable water resources in limited/challenging settings.
- Applications of Solar Photocatalytic (Advanced Oxidation Processes) for the degradation of pollutants in water and wastewater
- Ultrasonic treatment systems for microbiological control of water system
- Desalination, Forward osmosis and osmotic processes for water reuse and wastewater treatment.
- Membrane bioreactors (MBR) and combining membrane processes such as Nanofiltration and Ultrafiltration for municipal and wastewater treatment works.

3. Wastewater Engineering and Hydrogen Energy:
- Advancements in wastewater treatment technologies for energy recovery, including hydrogen production
- Exploring the potential of microbial electrolysis cells for hydrogen generation from wastewater
- Investigating the environmental and economic implications of integrating wastewater treatment and hydrogen production processes

 4. Soil Science, Soil/Water Engineering and Remediation Best Practices:
- Studying soil-water interactions and their influence on contaminant transport and fate
- Investigating bioremediation strategies for soil and groundwater contamination
- Assessing the effectiveness of natural and engineered solutions for soil and groundwater remediation.
- Development of novel advanced oxidation processes and photocatalytic treatment technologies for the depollution of soil and water contaminants and impurities
- Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), Green Infrastructure (permeable pavements, engineered wetlands, biofilters, bio-reeds) combined with ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) & water-sourced heat pumps (WSHPs)

 5. Sustainable Water Resources Management:
- Integrated water resources management for sustainable development
- Water governance and policy frameworks for equitable water distribution systems
- Climate change mitigation strategies for water scarcity and drought resilience
- Transport phenomena of emerging contaminants (microplastics) and microbiological pollutants in drainage systems
- Water distribution networks & water demand modelling
- 3-D printing of Critical Infrastructure within Water & Wastewater Industries

6. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment:
- Development of sensor technologies for real-time water and wastewater quality monitoring
- Integration of remote sensing and GIS techniques for environmental assessment
- Environmental impact assessments for infrastructure development projects

7. Eco-friendly Infrastructure and Ecological Engineering:
- Nature-based solutions for water management and ecosystem restoration
- Green infrastructure design for stormwater management and urban resilience
- Life cycle assessment of infrastructure projects for environmental sustainability

8. Emerging Contaminants and Risk Assessment:
- Investigation of emerging pollutants in water systems (e.g., pharmaceuticals, microplastics)
- Risk assessment of chemical contaminants on human health and ecosystems
- Remediation strategies for emerging contaminants using advanced technologies.

9. Microbial Fuel Cells & bioelectricity production for wastewater management and renewable energy integration:  Feasibility of Bioelectrochemical Systems (BES): Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs)

Publications

JOURNAL PAPERS

  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Keates, S. (2024). Utilisation of Solar Energy Driven Photochemical Processes for River Water Purification. The West Indian Journal of Engineering, ISSN 0511-5728, Vol 47, No 1.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Hills, C.D., Staddon, C. and Monrose, J. 2024. Enhancing the Ecological Ability of Permeable Pavement Systems (PPS) as Urban Stormwater Green Infrastructure. The Journal of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad aand Tobago, ISSN 1010 7924. Vol 52, No 1.
  • Fuladipanah, M., Azamathulla, H.M., Tota-Maharaj, K., Mandala, V. and Chadee, A., 2023. Precise forecasting of scour depth downstream of flip bucket spillway through data-driven models. Results in Engineering, 20, p.101604.
  • Siriwardhana, K.D., Jayaneththi, D.I., Herath, R.D., Makumbura, R.K., Jayasinghe, H., Gunathilake, M.B., Azamathulla, H.M., Tota-Maharaj, K. and Rathnayake, U., 2023. A Simplified Equation for Calculating the Water Quality Index (WQI), Kalu River, Sri Lanka. Sustainability, 15(15), p.12012.
  • Kumar, V., Azamathulla, H.M., Sharma, K.V., Mehta, D.J., and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2023). The State of the Art in Deep Learning Applications, Challenges, and Future Prospects: A Comprehensive Review of Flood Forecasting and Management. Sustainability. (202)3; 15(13):10543. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310543
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., and Hills, C.D. (2023). Long-term Environmental Performance of Stormwater Biofiltration Sorption Media in Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Journal of Environmental Science and Management 26-1: 72-84 (June 2023) ISSN 0119-1144
  • Ramkissoon, R. Krishpersad Manohar, K. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2023). Advanced Photo-Oxidation Process for treatments of Pollutants and Pathogens in River Waters. West Indian Journal of Engineering, Vol 46. No 1. Pp 13-21.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Ajibdade, O., Hills, C.D., MacLeod, C.L and Clarke, B. (2023) Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for rainwater harvesting and stormwater management in temporary humanitarian settlements. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management (accepted)
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Ajibdade, O. and Nounu, G. (2022). Effects of Waste Plastics as Partial Fine-Aggregate Replacement for Reinforced Low-Carbon Concrete Pavements. International Journal of Sustainable Engineering 15:1, 194-209, DOI: 10.1080/19397038.2022.2108156
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. & Adeleke, B. O. (2022). Thermal Performance of Radiant Floor Heating Systems Concrete Slabs with Embedded Fine Steel. Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Energy. https://doi.org/10.1680/jener.21.00118
  • Tota-Maharaj , T. & Tota-Maharaj, K. (2022). Environmentally improved desalination processes in the Caribbean for Brine Management: On-site produced sodium hypochlorite. Institute of Water Journal, 7, 34-48. https://library.myebook.com/InstituteofWaterMagazine/journal-summer-2022/4093/#page/35
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Surendran, S. (2022). A coherent Approach of Statistical Modelling to address the behavioural status of water consumption and available water resources for semi-urban areas in Southeast Asia. Gaz, Woda i Technikas Sanitarana (Gas, Water and Sanitary Engineering). LUTY, 2 [tom 96] pp 10-16. DOI: 10.15199/17.2022.2.3
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Adeleke, B.O., Staddon, C. and Sweileh, F. (2021). Feasibility of Low-Carbon Permeable Pavement Systems (PPS) for Stormwater Management. Journal of Urban and Environmental Engineering, 15(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.4090/juee.2021.v15n1.24-41
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Surendran, S. (2021). Resilience of critical water infrastructure systems across the UK. Institute of Water Journal, Issue 6, pp 33-39. Available online at: https://library.myebook.com/InstituteofWaterMagazine/journal-autumn-2021/3699/#page/33
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Nounu, G. and Ramroop, N. (2020). Modelling of Quadratic-Surface Sludge Digesters by Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH)-Finite Element (FE) Methods. Archives of Hydro-Engineering and Environmental Mechanics, 67 (1-4), 35-53
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and McMahon, A. (2021). Resource and waste quantification scenarios for wind turbine decommissioning in the United Kingdom. Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy, 3(2), pp.117-144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42768-020-00057-6
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Hills, C.D. (2020). Water reclamation from Brackish Water Using Reverse Osmosis (R) Membrane Technologies in Southeast England, United Kingdom. Institute of Water Journal, Issue 5, pp. 38-48. Available online at: https://library.myebook.com/InstituteofWaterMagazine/journal-autumn-2020/2970/#page/38
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Surendran, S., 2020. 3-Parameter Log-Logistic Distribution Modelling and Scenario Development to Evaluate the United Kingdom’s Water Demand. Institute of Water Journal, Issue 4. Available online at: https://library.myebook.com/InstituteofWaterMagazine/journal-spring-2020/2412/
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., and Ramroop, N. (2020). Numerical modelling of Quadric- Surfaced Sludge Digesters (QSD) within wastewater infrastructure using 3D printing techniques. Institute of Water Journal, 25-31 Available online at: https://library.myebook.com/InstituteofWaterMagazine/journal-spring-2020/2412/
  • Ngene, S. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2020). Effectiveness of Sand Filtration and Activated Carbon in Oilfield Wastewater Treatment. International Journal of Chemical Engineering Research. 7(2) doi:10.14445/23945370/IJCER-V7I2P102
  • Ngene, S. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2020), The Influence of Production Chemicals on the Quality of Oilfield Produced Water. Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems.
  • Ajibade, O.O., Tota-Maharaj, K., Hills, C.D. and MacLeod, C., 2019. Modelling of a sustainable refugee camp drainage system for stormwater management. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, 5(12), pp.2150-2161.
  • Ngene, S. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2019), Effect of Thermodynamic Parameters on the Concentration of Pollutants in Produced Water from Crude Oil Production. Journal of Energy Research and Reviews, 3(3), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.9734/jenrr/2019/v3i330101
  • Monrose, J., Tota-Maharaj, K and Mwasha, A., (2019). Assessment of the physical characteristics and stormwater effluent quality of permeable pavement systems containing recycled materials. Road Materials and Pavement Design. DOI: 10.1080/14680629.2019.1643397
  • Monrose, J. Tota-Maharaj, K., Mwasha, A., and C.D. (2019). Effect of carbon-negative aggregates on the strength properties of concrete for permeable pavements. International Journal of Pavement Engineering (DOI: 10.1080/10298436.2019.1567924).
  • Surendran, S. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2018) Effectiveness of log-logistic distribution to model water-consumption data. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology - AQUA, 67 (4). pp. 375-383. ISSN 0003-7214.
  • Monrose, J. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2018) Technological review of permeable pavement systems for applications in small island developing states. CLEAN - Soil, Air, Water. ISSN 1863-0650
  • Ajibade, O. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2018) Comparative study of sustainable drainage systems for refugee camps stormwater management. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Municipal Engineer. ISSN 0965-0903 https://doi.org/10.1680/jmuen.17.00019,
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Akunna, J. and Cheddie, D. (2017). Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Associated Bioenergy Generation using Anaerobic Granular Bed Baffled Reactors. The Journal of the Association of Professor Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago (APETT), 45(1), 11-19. ISSN 1000-7924
  • Manohar, K., Tota-Maharaj, K. and Panchoo, R. (2017). Retaining force augmentation of retaining walls. American Scientific Research Journal of Engineering, Technology and Sciences (ASRJETS), 33(1) 269-278. ISSN 2313-4410.
  • Ajibade, O.O., Tota-Maharaj, K. and Clarke, B. (2016). Challenges of poor surface water drainage and wastewater management in refugee camps. Environmental and Earth Sciences Research Journal, 3(4), 53-60. DOI:10.18280/eesrj.030402, ISSN: 2369-5668
  • Ngene, S., Tota-Maharaj, K., Eke, P. and Hills, C. (2016). Environmental Implications of Flaring and Venting in Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production. International Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Analysis, 4(6), 154-159.
  • Ngene, S., Tota-Maharaj, K., Eke, P. and Hills, C. (2016). Environmental and Economic Impacts of Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production in Developing Countries. International Journal of Economy, Energy and Environment, 1(3), 64-73.
  • Surendran, S. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2015). Log Logistic Distribution to Model Water Demand Data. Procedia Engineering, 119, 798-802. ISSN 1877-7058 (doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2015.08.940
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. (2015). Applications of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) using Solar Photo-Fenton Disinfection for Water and Wastewater Treatment in African States. Proceedings of the Society of Professional Engineers Journal, pp 11. (Feature Paper)
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Paul, P. (2015) Sustainable approaches for stormwater quality improvements with experimental geothermal paving systems. Sustainability, 7(2), 1388-1410; doi:10.3390/su7021388
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Paul, P. (2015). Evaluation of the solar photocatalytic degradation of organochlorine compound trichloroethanoic acid using titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in the Caribbean region. Water Science and Technology: Water Supply, 15 (3), 559–568 doi:10.2166/ws.2015.005
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Paul, P. (2014) Performance of pilot-scale microbial fuel cells treating wastewater with associated bioenergy production in the Caribbean context. International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DOI 10.1007/s40095-015-0169-x).
  • Paul, P. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2015). Laboratory studies on granular filters and their relationship to geotextiles for stormwater pollutant reduction. Water, 7(4), 1595-1609; doi:10.3390/w7041595
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., and Paul, P. (2014) Investigating the influence of geotextile membrane layers as biofilm granular filters to treat stormwater. Urban Water Journal, 12(7), 559-569. DOI:10.1080/1573062X.2014.916726.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., and Meeroff, D.E. (2013) Evaluation of Solar Photosensitised River Water Treatment in the Caribbean. International Journal of Photoenergy. Article ID 487890, 10 pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/487890
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., and Meeroff, D.E. (2014) Solar Photocatalytic Degradation of organochlorine compound (Trichloroethylene) in the Caribbean. Global Network of Environmental Science and Technology (GLOBAL NEST) Journal. (Submitted).
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., and Scholz, M. (2013). Combined Permeable Pavement and Photocatalytic Titanium Dioxide Oxidation System for Urban Runoff Treatment and Disinfection. Water and Environment Journal, 27(3), 338-347.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., and Scholz, M. (2013) Modelling the efficacy of permeable pavements for treatment of concentrated urban runoff using kohonen self-organizing maps (KSOM). Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 12 (12), 2273-2287. Abstract available online at: http://omicron.ch.tuiasi.ro/EEMJ/pdfs/accepted/13_77_Maharaj_11.pdf
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. (2012). Sustainable approaches for stormwater quality improvements with experimental permeable pavement systems. International Journal of Environmental Engineering. (under review)
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., and Scholz, M. (2012) Artificial Neural Network Simulation of Combined Permeable Pavement and Earth Energy Systems Treating Storm Water. Journal of Environmental Engineering (ASCE), 138(4), 499-509.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Ramkisson, R., and Manohar, K. (2012). An Economical Darrieus straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbine for renewable energy applications in the Caribbean. Journal of the Energy Institute, 85(3), 156-162.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. (2012) A Critical Perspective of an Online Hands-On Laboratory Framework for Environmental Engineering Courses. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy, 2(3), 58-62.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Scholz, M., and Coupe, S (2011). Utilisation of Geothermal Heat Pumps within Permeable Pavements for Sustainable Energy and Water Practices. Journal of Energy and Power Engineering, 2(5), 122-128.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. Grabowiecki, P., Babatunde, A. and Coupe, S.J. (2012). The Performance and Effectiveness of Geotextiles within Permeable Pavements for Treating Concentrated Stormwater. The International Water Technology Journal, 2(3), 207-216.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Grabowiecki, P., Babatunde, A. and Tumula, P.D. (2012) Constructed Wetlands Incorporating Surface Water Heat Pumps (SWHPS) For Concentrated Urban Stormwater Runoff Treatment and Reuse. The International Water Technology Journal, 2(2), 179-184.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., and Scholz, M., (2010) Efficiency of Permeable Pavement Systems for the Removal of Urban Runoff Pollutants under Varying Environmental Conditions. Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy, 29(3), 358-369.
  • Tota-Maharaj K., Scholz M., Ahmed T., French C. and E. Pagaling, (2010) The Synergy of Permeable Pavements and Geothermal Heat Pumps for Stormwater Treatment and Reuse. Environmental Technology, 31(14), 1517-1531.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Scholz, M., and Coupe, S.J. (2010). Modelling Temperature and Energy Balances within Geothermal Paving Systems. Road Materials and Pavement Design an International Journal, 12(2), 315-344.
  • Tota-Maharaj K., Grabowiecki P. and Scholz M., (2009). An Energy and Temperature Performance Analysis of Geothermal (Ground Source) Heat Pumps Integrated with Permeable Pavement Systems for Urban Runoff Reuse. International Journal for Sustainable Engineering, 2(3), 201-213.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., and Scholz, M., (2009) Permeable (pervious) pavements ad geothermal heat pumps: addressing sustainable urban stormwater management and renewable energy. International Journal of Green Economics, 3(3/4), 447-461(invited journal paper submission).

CONFERENCE PAPERS

  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Ajibade, O.O., Hills, C.D and Clarke, B. (2024). Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for rainwater harvesting and stormwater management in temporary humanitarian settlements. Proceedings of the International Ecological Engineering Society (IEES) International Conference “Closed cycles and the Circular Society 2023: The power of ecological engineering” Platanias – Chania, Crete, Greece. Available online at: https://www.iees.tuc.gr/semi-final-program-published/
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Cheddie, D. (2024). Experimental study and modelling of granular filter media used within SuDS for stormwater purification. Proceedings of the International Ecological Engineering Society (IEES) International Conference “Closed cycles and the Circular Society 2023: The power of ecological engineering” Platanias – Chania, Crete, Greece. Available online at: https://www.iees.tuc.gr/semi-final-program-published/
  • Monrose, J. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2022). Considerations for use of Permeable Pavement Systems within urban settings across Caribbean Small Island Developing States. Proceedings of the 7th Water Efficiency Conference 2022, 14-16 December 2022, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Keates, S. (2022). Advancing Solar Energy driven Heterogenous Photo-Fenton processes for River Water Treatment. Proceedings of the 7th Water Efficiency Conference 2022, 14-16 December 2022, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.
  • Hills, C.D., Tripathi, N., Tota-Maharaj, K., and Hills, J.E. (2022). Potential implications for deployment of low carbon construction materials in the water industry. Proceedings of the 7th Water Efficiency Conference 2022, 14-16 December 2022, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.
  • Tripathi, N., Hills, C.D., Tota-Maharaj, K., and Hills, J.E. (2022). Biomass-based sorbents for stormwater treatment. Proceedings of the 7th Water Efficiency Conference 2022, 14-16 December 2022, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.
  • Ramkissoon, R., Manohar, K. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2022). Comparative study of solar-enhanced Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for water treatment. Proceedings of the 7th Water Efficiency Conference 2022, 14-16 December 2022, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., & Monrose, J. (2020). Comparing the long-term clogging pattern of permeable pavements for stormwater treatment and reuse. Paper presented at 2nd Polish IWA Young Water Professionals Conference “Emerging Technologies in Water and Wastewater Sector”, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Ajibade, O. O., Hills, C., & Macleod, C. (2020). Feasibility of decentralised Sustainable Refugee Camp Drainage System (SRCDS). Paper presented at 2nd Polish IWA Young Water Professionals Conference “Emerging Technologies in Water and Wastewater Sector”, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
  • Ward, S. Lear, R., Bauer, K., Rogers, A., Morris, L., Tota-Maharaj, K., Bryan, K., Bunney, S., Devenish, L., Farmani, R., Melville-Shreev. R and Hassell, C. (2020). Rain gauges to rain gardens: Exploring the role of urban drainage engineers with school children in Taunton. Proceedings of the 6th Water Efficiency Conference, “Moving Towards Water Resilient Communities” 3-4 September 2020, University of West of England, Bristol, England, UK.
  • Ngene, S. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2019). Environmental technologies for remediation of contaminated lands in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria: Opportunities for Ecosystem Services to host Communities. Proceedings of Environmental Design and Management International Conference (EDMIC 2019): Drivers and Dynamics of Change in the Built Environment, 20-22 May, Obafemi Awolowo University, IIe-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
  • Ngene, S. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2018). Reduction of Pollutant Toxicity Levels in Produced Water from Crude Oil Production Processes. Proceedings of the 5th Africa Engineering Week and 3rd Africa Engineering Conference, 17-21 September, Mombasa, Kenya,
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Ajibade, O. (2018) Evaluation of engineered wetlands and filter drains as Low Impact Development (LID) technologies for stormwater management in refugee camps. In: Aronne, A. and Elena, N., eds. 5th IAHR Europe Congress — New Challenges in Hydraulic Research and Engineering, University of Trento, Italy, 12-14 June 2018
  • Ngene, S. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2018) Reduction of pollutant toxicity levels in produced water from crude oil production processes “at the 2018 Institution of Engineers of Kenya Conference, 5th African Engineering Week and 3rd Africa Engineering Conference, 2018 Institution of Engineers of Kenya Conference, 17-21 September 2018 Nairobi, Kenya
  • O.O. Ajibade and K. Tota-Maharaj (2018). Innovative Drainage Techniques for Surface Water Management in African Refugee Camps. Proceedings of the SUDSnet (Sustainable Urban Drainage Network) International Conference 2018. Celebrating 15 years of SUDSnet. Editors: Dr Rebecca Wade and Professor Sue Charlesworth. 30th and 31st August 2018, Coventry University, UK
  • Rajballie, A., Tota-Maharaj, K., Chinchamee, A., Govia, S-J., and Tripathi, V. (2018). Forecasting Domestic Water Demand across a Small Island Developing State. 27th Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference and Exhibition 8 to 12th October 2018 at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies.
  • Rajballie, A., Tota-Maharaj, K., Chinchamee, A., Govia, S-J., and Tripathi, V. (2018). Statistical Analysis of Rainfall Variation in a Southern Caribbean Island. The Royal Statistical Society RSS 2018 International Conference, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
  • K. Tota-Maharaj and M. Gomez (2018). The Interplay of Green Infrastructure on Urban Heat Stresses and Stormwater Management: Southeast Asia's Urban Future. Proceedings of the SUDSnet (Sustainable Urban Drainage Network) International Conference 2018. Celebrating 15 years of SUDSnet. Editors: Dr Rebecca Wade and Professor Sue Charlesworth. 30th and 31st August 2018, Coventry University, UK
  • J. Monrose, K. Tota-Maharaj and A. Mwasha (2018). Pollutant Removal Efficacies of Permeable Pavements Comprising Recycled Concrete Aggregates. Proceedings of the SUDSnet (Sustainable Urban Drainage Network) International Conference 2018. Celebrating 15 years of SUDSnet. Editors: Dr Rebecca Wade and Professor Sue Charlesworth. 30th and 31st August 2018, Coventry University, UK
  • C.D. Hills, J. Monrose, K.Tota-Maharaj and P. Carrey (2018). Permeable Pavements with Low-Carbon Manufactured Carbonated Aggregates: Environmental and Economic Perspectives. Proceedings of the SUDSnet (Sustainable Urban Drainage Network) International Conference 2018. Celebrating 15 years of SUDSnet.Editors: Dr Rebecca Wade and Professor Sue Charlesworth. 30th and 31st August 2018, Coventry University, UK
  • Ramroop, N., Tota-Maharaj, K. and Anoyatis, G. (2018) Parametric stress distribution in 3D printed polymer quadric-surfaced sludge digesters. In: Aronne, A. and Elena, N., eds. 5th International Association of Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) Europe Congress-New Challenges in Hydraulic Research and Engineering, University of Trento, Italy, 12-14 June, 2018.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. (2017). Evaluating the performance of low-energy feed forward osmosis systems for desalination using impaired and saline water sources. In: Proceedings of the 10th International Confernece on Environmental Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) Press, Vilnius, Lithuania, 1-9, (Online) (doi: 10.3846/enviro.2017.091) ISSN 2029-7092
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Coleman, N. (2017). Developing novel photocatalytic cementitious permeable pavements for depollution of contaminants and impurities in urban cities. In: Proceedings of the 10th International Confernece on Environmental Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) Press, Vilnius, Lithuania, 1-9, (Online) (doi: 10.3846/enviro.2017.053) ISSN 2029-7092
  • Ajibade, O.O., Tota-Maharaj, K. and Clarke, B. (2017). A Simplified Guide to Surface Water Drainage Systems for Refugee Camps and Internally Displaced Persons (IPD) Temporary Settlements. Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) World Environmental and Water Resources Congress, May 21-25, 2017, Sacramento, California, USA.
  • Ajibade, O.O. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2017). Low Impact Development Technologies for stormwater management in refugee camps. Proceedings of the 14th International Water Association (IWA) and International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) International Conference on Urban Drainage, September,10-15, Prague, Czech Republic.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Ajibade, O.O. (2017). Water quality performance of biofiltration systems as a stormwater treatment strategy in refugee camps. Proceedings of the 14th International Water Association (IWA) and International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) International Conference on Urban Drainage, September,10-15, Prague, Czech Republic.
  • Monrose, J. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2017). Hydrologic performance of permeable pavement systems utilising various sub-base materials for Caribbean Applications. Proceedings of the 14th International Water Association (IWA) and International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) International Conference on Urban Drainage, September,10-15, Prague, Czech Republic.
  • Monrose, J., Tota-Maharaj, K., Cheddie, D. and Mwasha, A. (2017). A Permeable Pavement System Utilising Recycled Concrete Aggregate in the Sub-Base-Preliminary Laboratory Performance Assessments. Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) World Environmental and Water Resources Congress, May 21-25, 2017, Sacramento, California, USA.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Ramroop, N. (2016) Feasibility of Novel Quadric (Egg-Shaped) Sludge Digesters within Wastewater Treatment Plants Hydraulic Infrastructure across the Caribbean. Proceedings of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) 25th Silver Anniversary Conference & Exhibition, 24 – 28 October, 2016, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.
  • Monrose, J. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2016) Permeable Pavements as Low Impact Development Practices for Urban Runoff Mitigation and Sustainable Stormwater Management within the Built Environment for the Caribbean. Proceedings of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) 25th Silver Anniversary Conference & Exhibition, 24 – 28 October, 2016, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Akunna, J. and Cheddie, D. (2016) Domestic Wastewater Treatment and Associated Biogas Generation using Anaerobic Granular Bed Baffled Reactor (GRABBR). Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago (APETT) Technical Conference 2016: Innovative Engineering Solutions for the Caribbean, 23rd – 24th June, 2016, National Energy Skills Centre (NESC), Point Lisas, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.
  • Ramroop, N., Tota-Maharaj, K., Chen, HP. and Cheddie, D. (2016). The Quadric Surfaced Sludge Digester for Developing Caribbean Countries. Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago (APETT) Technical Conference 2016: Innovative Engineering Solutions for the Caribbean, 23rd – 24th June 2016, National Energy Skills Centre (NESC), Point Lisas, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.
  • Surendran, S., Tota-Maharaj, K and Chen, H-P. (2016). Validation of Log Logistic Distribution to Model Water Demand Using UK and North American Data. Proceedings of the Environmental and Water Resources Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE-EWRI) 8th International Perspective on Water Resources and the Environment, January 4-6, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K and Cheddie, D. (2015). Performance of Stormwater Filters with Low Cost Materials (Coconut Fibre/Husks) for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Proceedings of the SUDSnet (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems Network) International Conference, 3-4 September, Techno-Centre, Coventry University, UK.
  • Surendran, S. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2015) Log Logistic Distribution to Model Water Demand Data. Proceedings of the 13th Computer Control for Water Industry (CCWI 2015) conference, 2-4 September, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK.
  • Surendran, S. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2015) Log Logistic Distribution to Model Water Demand Data. Proceedings for the Water Efficiency Conference: Energy Efficient Urban Water Management, 5-7 August, University of Exeter, UK.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Akunna.J. (2015) Municipal Wastewater Treatment using Anaerobic Granular Bed Baffled Reactor (GRABBR) under varying mesophilic temperatures. Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) & the Environmental Engineering Society of Singapore EESS) Asia-Pacific Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Conference. 28 June - 1 July 2015, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Meeroff, D.E. (2015) Solar Photocatalytic Detoxification of Municipal Wastewater in the Caribbean. Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) & the Environmental Engineering Society of Singapore (EESS) Asia-Pacific Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Conference. 28 June - 1 July 2015, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Cheddie, D. (2015) Implementation and Operation of Coconut Fiber/Husks Stormwater Filters as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for Rural Communities across the Caribbean. Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) International Low Impact Development Conference 2015: pp. 105-114. doi: 10.1061/9780784479025.010
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Meeroff, D.E. and Narayanamurthy, V. (2014). An eco-toxicity study of TiO2 and ZnO Photocatalytic processes for faecal coliform bacteria degradation in the Caribbean. Third (3rd) International Conference on Advanced Oxidation Processes AOP, 25-28 September, Munnar, Kerala, India.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Meeroff, D.E. and Paul, P. (2014). Comparative evaluation of TiO2 and ZnO photochemical processes for Solar Photocatalytic Degradation of organochlorine compound Trichloroethanoic Acid. 11th International Water Association (IWA) Leading Edge Conference on Water and Wastewater Technologies, 26-30 May, 2014, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
  • Tota-Maharaj,K., Paul, P. and Meeroff, D.E. (2014). Laboratory studies on granular filters and their relationship to geotextiles for stormwater pollutant reduction. 11th International Water Association (IWA) Leading Edge Conference on Water and Wastewater Technologies, 26-30 May, 2014, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Paul, P. and Meeroff, D.E. (2014). Performance of Pilot-Scale Microbial Fuel Cells treating Wastewater and Bioenergy Production. 11th International Water Association (IWA) Leading Edge Conference on Water and Wastewater Technologies, 26-30 May, 2014, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Grabowiecki, P., Babatunde, A., and Coupe, S.J (2012) Exploring the potential of constructed wetlands for low-carbon water-sourced heating, cooling and stormwater reuse. Proceedings of the SUDsnet (Sustainable Urban Drainage Network) International Conference 2012-Multiple Benefits from Surface Water Management, Coventry University, TechnoCentre, Coventry, U.K. September, 4-6.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Grabowiecki, P., and Coupe, S.J (2012) Functionality of Geotextile Membranes within Permeable Pavements for Biodegradation, Infiltration and Water Detention of Concentrated Urban Stormwater Runoff. Proceedings of the SUDsnet (Sustainable Urban Drainage Network) International Conference 2012-Multiple Benefits from Surface Water Management, Coventry University, TechnoCentre, Coventry, U.K. September, 4-6.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Grabowiecki, P., and Akintoye, M. (2012) A hydrodynamic experimental study on green roofs as an effective sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS). Proceedings of the 11th British Hydrological Society (BHS) National Symposium, Hydrology for a Changing World, 9-11 July, 2012, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Grabowiecki, P., Khan, M.A., and Undre, M.B. (2012) Combined engineered wetland and water-sourced geoexchange system treating and controlling urban runoff. Proceedings of the 11th British Hydrological Society (BHS) National Symposium, Hydrology for a Changing World, 9-11 July, 2012, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Grabowiecki, P., Babatunde, A. and Tumula, P.D. (2012) Constructed Wetlands Incorporating Surface Water Heat Pumps (SWHPS) For Concentrated Urban Stormwater Runoff Treatment and Reuse. Proceedings of the 16th International Water Technology Conference (IWTC-2012), The International Water Technology Association (IWTA) and Fatih University, 7-10 May, 2012, Istanbul, Turkey. ISBN: 978-977-482-001-4
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Grabowiecki, P., Babatunde, A. and Coupe, S.J. (2012) The Performance and Effectiveness of Geotextiles within Permeable Pavements for Treating Concentrated Stormwater. Proceedings of the 16th International Water Technology Conference (IWTC-2012), The International Water Technology Association (IWTA) and Fatih University, 7-10 May, 2012, Istanbul, Turkey. ISBN: 978-977-482-001-4
  • Grabowiecki, P., Tota-Maharaj, K., Tumula, P.D. and Babatunde, A. (2012). The Hydrological Assessment of Green Roofs within The Greater Manchester Area, UK. Proceedings of the 16th International Water Technology Conference (IWTC-2012), The International Water Technology Association (IWTA) and Fatih University, 7-10 May, 2012, Istanbul, Turkey. ISBN: 978-977-482-001-4
  • Scholz, M., Tota-Maharaj, K., and Grabowiecki, P. (2012). Modelling of Retrofitted Combined Permeable Pavement and Ground Source Heat Pump Systems. Proceedings of 2nd RETROFIT Conference, University of Salford Manchester, 24-26 January, 2012, The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, UK.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Scholz, M. and Tumula, P.D. (2011) Risk Assessment for Sustainable Flood Retention Basins Located in Urban Areas. Proceedings of the International Symposium, UFRIM (Urban Flood Risk Management) Approaches to enhance resilience of communities, Editors: Gerald Zenz and Rudolf Hornich. Graz University of Technology, 21-23 September, 2011, Graz, Austria.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Grabowiecki, P. and Scholz, M., (2011) Ground-source heat pumps and permeable pavements for urban stormwater recycling and energy savings. In: Water Supply and Sewage systems Inside Buildings. Proceedings of IVth Conference of Science and Technology. 12-13 May 2011, Debe, Poland. Warsaw University of Technology. Division of Water Supply and Sewage Disposal Systems. Seidel-Przywecki Publishing. ISBN 978-83-60956-28-1, 163-171.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Tumula, P.D. and Scholz, M. (2011) Applications of Backpropagation Neural Networks in Predicting Nutrient Effluent Concentrations from Permeable Pavements. Computing and Control for The Water Industry 2011-Urban Water Management-Challenges & Opportunities, 5-7 September, University of Exeter, United Kingdom.
  • Tumula, P.D., Scholz, M. and Tota-Maharaj, K. (2011) Water Distribution Network Calibration Using DE-MC. Computing and Control for The Water Industry 2011-Urban Water Management-Challenges & Opportunities, 5-7 September, University of Exeter, United Kingdom.
  • Babatunde, A.O., Gordijenko, M., Grabowiecki, P., Tota-Maharaj, K., Scholz, M., Wang, Y., Tumula, P., Meijer, W.G. and Miranda-CasoLuengo, R. (2011). Engineered wetlands integrating ground-source heat pump system: Preliminary Design and Performance Evaluation. 12th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology (CEST2011), 8 - 10 September 2011, Rhodes Island, Greece
  • Babatunde, A.O., Gordijenko, M., Grabowiecki, P., Tota-Maharaj, K., Scholz, M., Wang, Y., Tumula, P., Meijer, W.G. and Miranda-CasoLuengo, R. (2011). Differentiation of Mechanisms and Causative Factors of Clogging in Vertical-flow Constructed Wetland Systems. 12th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology (CEST2011), 8 - 10 September 2011, Rhodes Island, Greece.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Scholz, M., and Coupe, S.J. (2010) Utilisation of Geothermal Heat Pumps within Permeable Pavements for Sustainable Energy and Water Practices. Proceedings of the Renewable Energy Research Conference, June 7-8th, 2010. Zero Emission Buildings. Editors: Associate Professor Matthias Haase and Professor Anne Grete Hestness, NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology), Trondheim, Norway. Renewable Energy Conference & Tapir Academic press, pp 215-225, ISBN 978-82-519-2623-2.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K. and Scholz, M. (2010) Permeable pavement engineering and geothermal (geoexchange) systems for stormwater treatment and reuse, First European IAHR-(International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering) Congress,4-6th May, 2010, Heriot Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh, U.K.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., Scholz, M., Grabowiecki, P., Ahmed, T. And Coupe, S.J (2009) Molecular Characterization of Bacterial Populations in Urban Runoff for Combined Pervious Pavements and Geothermal Heat Pumps. Proceedings of the SUDsnet (Sustainable Urban Drainage Network) National Conference 2009, Coventry University, TechnoCentre, Coventry, U.K. November 12-13.
  • Coupe, S.J., Tota-Maharaj, K., Scholz, M., and Grabowiecki, P. (2009) Water Stored Within Permeable Paving and the Effect of Ground Source Heat Pump Applications on Water Quality. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Concrete Block Paving, “Concrete Block Paving as a Sustainable Tool for a Comprehensive Development”, 18-21 October, 2009, Buenos Aires Sheraton Hotel and Convention Center, Argentina.
  • Tota-Maharaj, K., and Scholz, M., (2009) Permeable (pervious) pavements ad geothermal heat pumps: addressing sustainable urban stormwater management and renewable energy. Miriam Kennet and David Nicholsby (Eds) In proceedings of the 4th Annual Green Economics Conference (31st July-1st August 2009), Oxford University, U.K: Volker Heinemann of the Green Economics Institute. pp 164-169.
  • Tota-Maharaj K., Grabowiecki P., Scholz M. and Coupe S., (2009) Hybrid Urban Runoff Treatment System Incorporating Permeable Pavements and Geothermal Heat Pumps. National Telford Institute Workshop, University of Edinburgh, Institute of Infrastructure and Environment, Edinburgh, Scotland. Sustainable Water Management. 2-3rd April.
  • Grabowiecki P., Tota-Maharaj K., Scholz M. and Coupe S., (2008). Combined Permeable Pavement and Ground Source Heat Pump System To Treat Urban Runoff During Storms And Recycle Energy. 10th British Hydrological Society National Hydrology Symposium. Sustainable Hydrology for the 21st Century. 15th – 17th September 2008. Peter Chalk Centre, University of Exeter.

Teaching Responsibilities

MBA in Water Management