Dr. Imran Ahmad is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, South Africa, specialising in algae biotechnology, advanced wastewater treatment, and circular bioeconomy solutions. He holds an MPhil and PhD from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, with expertise in microalgal bioremediation, biological wastewater treatment, photobioreactor engineering, nutrient recovery, and resource valorization. Previously he served as a Bioprocess Engineer and Scientific Consultant at PhyEcoSyS, translating laboratory research into industrial applications. He contributed to international initiatives, including the Indo-European Horizon 2020 PAVITR project and Liquid Trees, advancing algal cultivation, wastewater treatment, and bioenergy systems. His scholarly portfolio includes publications in high-impact journals, edited books, and a utility innovation and a patent for the design of a Grease Trap & Airlift photobioreactor. His combined academic and industrial experience provides a unique perspective for developing innovative, scalable, and practical solutions to complex environmental and water sustainability challenges.Professor Faizal Bux is a leading South African researcher in water and wastewater treatment technology, with over 30 years of experience advancing sustainable water solutions for developing economies. As Director of the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology at Durban University of Technology and Chair-holder of the South African Research Chairs Initiative, his career has evolved from applied wastewater treatment research to internationally recognised leadership in algal biotechnology, wastewater-based epidemiology, and resource recovery. He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, along with numerous book chapters and edited books, and holds a prestigious NRF B2 rating. His leadership roles within the International Water Association, the Academy of Science of South Africa, and the BRICS Networks University reflect his commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research. Looking ahead, Prof. Bux aims to expand translational research addressing water security, public health surveillance, circular bioeconomy approaches, and climate-resilient wastewater treatment technologies.

• 1. Introduction to Photobioreactor SystemsPart I: Closed Photobioreactor Systems2. Horizontal Photobioreactors – Design and Mechanistic Insights3. Vertical Photobioreactors – Hydrodynamics and Performance Optimization4. Flat-Panel Photobioreactors – Light Distribution and Process ControlPart II: Open Photobioreactor Systems5. Circular Ponds and Cascading Systems – Natural Flow-Based Cultivation6. Raceway Ponds – Mechanism, Modeling, and Scale-Up7. Hybrid Photobioreactor Systems – Integration of Closed and Open ConfigurationsPart III: Innovations and Future Perspectives8. Innovative Photobioreactor Designs and Emerging Trends9. Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins, and Smart Process Control10. Future Outlook – Scaling, Sustainability, and Circular Integration

Dr. Imran Ahmad is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, South Africa, specialising in algae biotechnology, advanced wastewater treatment, and circular bioeconomy solutions. He holds an MPhil and PhD from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, with expertise in microalgal bioremediation, biological wastewater treatment, photobioreactor engineering, nutrient recovery, and resource valorization. Previously he served as a Bioprocess Engineer and Scientific Consultant at PhyEcoSyS, translating laboratory research into industrial applications. He contributed to international initiatives, including the Indo-European Horizon 2020 PAVITR project and Liquid Trees, advancing algal cultivation, wastewater treatment, and bioenergy systems. His scholarly portfolio includes publications in high-impact journals, edited books, and a utility innovation and a patent for the design of a Grease Trap & Airlift photobioreactor. His combined academic and industrial experience provides a unique perspective for developing innovative, scalable, and practical solutions to complex environmental and water sustainability challenges.Professor Faizal Bux is a leading South African researcher in water and wastewater treatment technology, with over 30 years of experience advancing sustainable water solutions for developing economies. As Director of the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology at Durban University of Technology and Chair-holder of the South African Research Chairs Initiative, his career has evolved from applied wastewater treatment research to internationally recognised leadership in algal biotechnology, wastewater-based epidemiology, and resource recovery. He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, along with numerous book chapters and edited books, and holds a prestigious NRF B2 rating. His leadership roles within the International Water Association, the Academy of Science of South Africa, and the BRICS Networks University reflect his commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research. Looking ahead, Prof. Bux aims to expand translational research addressing water security, public health surveillance, circular bioeconomy approaches, and climate-resilient wastewater treatment technologies.

• 1. Introduction to Photobioreactor SystemsPart I: Closed Photobioreactor Systems2. Horizontal Photobioreactors – Design and Mechanistic Insights3. Vertical Photobioreactors – Hydrodynamics and Performance Optimization4. Flat-Panel Photobioreactors – Light Distribution and Process ControlPart II: Open Photobioreactor Systems5. Circular Ponds and Cascading Systems – Natural Flow-Based Cultivation6. Raceway Ponds – Mechanism, Modeling, and Scale-Up7. Hybrid Photobioreactor Systems – Integration of Closed and Open ConfigurationsPart III: Innovations and Future Perspectives8. Innovative Photobioreactor Designs and Emerging Trends9. Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins, and Smart Process Control10. Future Outlook – Scaling, Sustainability, and Circular Integration

Dr. Imran Ahmad is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, South Africa, specialising in algae biotechnology, advanced wastewater treatment, and circular bioeconomy solutions. He holds an MPhil and PhD from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, with expertise in microalgal bioremediation, biological wastewater treatment, photobioreactor engineering, nutrient recovery, and resource valorization. Previously he served as a Bioprocess Engineer and Scientific Consultant at PhyEcoSyS, translating laboratory research into industrial applications. He contributed to international initiatives, including the Indo-European Horizon 2020 PAVITR project and Liquid Trees, advancing algal cultivation, wastewater treatment, and bioenergy systems. His scholarly portfolio includes publications in high-impact journals, edited books, and a utility innovation and a patent for the design of a Grease Trap & Airlift photobioreactor. His combined academic and industrial experience provides a unique perspective for developing innovative, scalable, and practical solutions to complex environmental and water sustainability challenges.Professor Faizal Bux is a leading South African researcher in water and wastewater treatment technology, with over 30 years of experience advancing sustainable water solutions for developing economies. As Director of the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology at Durban University of Technology and Chair-holder of the South African Research Chairs Initiative, his career has evolved from applied wastewater treatment research to internationally recognised leadership in algal biotechnology, wastewater-based epidemiology, and resource recovery. He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, along with numerous book chapters and edited books, and holds a prestigious NRF B2 rating. His leadership roles within the International Water Association, the Academy of Science of South Africa, and the BRICS Networks University reflect his commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research. Looking ahead, Prof. Bux aims to expand translational research addressing water security, public health surveillance, circular bioeconomy approaches, and climate-resilient wastewater treatment technologies.

• 1. Introduction to Photobioreactor SystemsPart I: Closed Photobioreactor Systems2. Horizontal Photobioreactors – Design and Mechanistic Insights3. Vertical Photobioreactors – Hydrodynamics and Performance Optimization4. Flat-Panel Photobioreactors – Light Distribution and Process ControlPart II: Open Photobioreactor Systems5. Circular Ponds and Cascading Systems – Natural Flow-Based Cultivation6. Raceway Ponds – Mechanism, Modeling, and Scale-Up7. Hybrid Photobioreactor Systems – Integration of Closed and Open ConfigurationsPart III: Innovations and Future Perspectives8. Innovative Photobioreactor Designs and Emerging Trends9. Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins, and Smart Process Control10. Future Outlook – Scaling, Sustainability, and Circular Integration