Prof. Dr. Celal Duran | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award
professor at Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey
Prof. Dr. Celal Duran is a distinguished Turkish chemist with an extensive academic and research career at Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon. His work spans more than three decades, focusing on environmental chemistry, analytical techniques, and sustainable materials. Throughout his career, he has combined rigorous scientific inquiry with a strong commitment to solving real-world problems, particularly in water pollution, trace element analysis, and waste valorization. Prof. Duran has contributed significantly to the development of innovative methods for the preconcentration and determination of heavy metals, adsorption processes, and biosorption technologies. His leadership in numerous national and international projects has advanced scientific knowledge while addressing pressing environmental challenges. Beyond research, he has held key academic and administrative positions, including serving as Director of major university research centers. Prof. Duran’s prolific publication record, mentorship of young researchers, and impactful contributions have established him as a respected figure in chemistry, both nationally and internationally.
Professional Profile
Education
Prof. Dr. Celal Duran pursued his entire higher education in chemistry at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU), Trabzon, Turkey. He earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry laying a solid foundation in both theoretical and experimental sciences. Driven by a passion for research, he continued at KTU for postgraduate studies, completing his Master’s degree in Chemistry . His master’s thesis focused on the investigation of liquid–liquid equilibria in the extraction of acetic acid from aqueous solutions using various solvents, highlighting his early interest in separation techniques. Duran then pursued a doctorate at the same university. His doctoral research centered on the analysis of trace elements using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after preconcentration with XAD-2000 resin, an area that would shape much of his later career in analytical and environmental chemistry. His academic journey reflects consistent dedication to advancing knowledge in chemical sciences.
Experience
Prof. Dr. Celal Duran has built a progressive and impactful academic career at Karadeniz Technical University. He began as a Research Assistant in the Department of Chemistry , a role he held for a decade while completing his doctoral studies. He advanced to Research Assistant Doctor and later served as Lecturer Doctor . His dedication to teaching and research excellence earned him an appointment as Assistant Professor, followed by Associate Professor. He achieved the rank of Full Professor, recognizing his outstanding contributions to research and education. Beyond teaching, Prof. Duran has taken on leadership responsibilities, such as serving as Director of the Fuel Application and Research Center and the Central Research Laboratory Application and Research Center. His career reflects a strong balance of teaching, research, and administrative leadership in advancing the field of chemistry.
Professional Development
Prof. Dr. Celal Duran’s professional development reflects continuous growth through academic advancement, collaborative projects, and leadership roles. His career has been shaped by participation in numerous research projects funded by institutions such as Karadeniz Technical University and TÜBİTAK. These projects covered diverse topics including water pollution analysis, heavy metal contamination, adsorption techniques, biomonitoring, and sustainable material production. Through these experiences, he has refined expertise in experimental design, environmental analysis, and application of advanced analytical methods. Duran has also actively contributed to the academic community by supervising postgraduate students, publishing extensively in international journals, and presenting at both national and international conferences. His professional development is further demonstrated by his service as director of major research centers, where he fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and supported innovation in applied chemistry. These milestones highlight his dedication to lifelong learning, capacity-building, and the translation of scientific research into practical environmental solutions.
Skills & Expertise
Prof. Dr. Celal Duran possesses a broad range of skills and expertise rooted in analytical and environmental chemistry. His primary expertise lies in trace element analysis, particularly through atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and related preconcentration techniques. He has extensive experience in adsorption, biosorption, and the preparation of low-cost sorbents from natural and waste materials for pollutant removal. His research demonstrates strong skills in method development for the determination of toxic metals in complex environmental matrices. In addition, he has significant expertise in water pollution monitoring, biomonitoring using plants, and designing remediation strategies for contaminated ecosystems. His technical skills are complemented by project management, scientific writing, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary collaborations. Duran’s knowledge extends to applied fields such as activated carbon production, nanocomposites, and environmental risk mapping. His expertise has consistently contributed to advancing green chemistry solutions for pollution control, making him a valuable leader in environmental analytical science.
Resarch Focus
Prof. Dr. Celal Duran’s research focuses primarily on environmental and analytical chemistry, with special emphasis on trace metal analysis and pollution remediation. A major theme of his work is the development of innovative preconcentration and separation techniques for toxic metals, often employing atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). He has conducted extensive studies on adsorption and biosorption, exploring the use of natural biomass, industrial by-products, and biochar-based materials as low-cost, sustainable sorbents for removing pollutants from water and food samples. His research extends to water quality monitoring, heavy metal mapping, and the evaluation of biomonitor plants for environmental assessment. Duran has also explored nanomaterials and functional composites for improving sorption efficiency. His projects reflect a strong commitment to sustainable solutions addressing environmental challenges. Overall, his research integrates analytical method development with practical applications in pollution control, ensuring relevance to both scientific progress and environmental protection.
Awards & Recognitions
Prof. Dr. Celal Duran has received multiple awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his scientific excellence and professional leadership. His achievements include successful completion of numerous funded projects by Karadeniz Technical University, Gümüşhane University, and TÜBİTAK, underscoring the recognition of his expertise by prestigious institutions. He has been entrusted with leading roles such as Project Manager and Advisor in several high-impact studies, including research on water quality, environmental monitoring, and trace element analysis. His appointment as Director of both the Fuel Application and Research Center and the Central Research Laboratory Application and Research Center reflects institutional recognition of his leadership and contributions. Additionally, his promotion through all academic ranks—from Research Assistant to Full Professor—demonstrates consistent acknowledgment of his scholarly accomplishments. His extensive publication record in international peer-reviewed journals and active participation in global conferences further stand as testaments to his recognized impact within the scientific community.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Removal of phenol from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto organomodified Tirebolu bentonite: Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic study
Authors: HB Senturk, D Ozdes, A Gundogdu, C Duran, M Soylak
Year: 2009
Citations: 577
Title: Kinetics, thermodynamics and equilibrium evaluation of direct yellow 12 removal by adsorption onto silver nanoparticles loaded activated carbon
Authors: M Ghaedi, B Sadeghian, AA Pebdani, R Sahraei, A Daneshfar, C Duran
Year: 2012
Citations: 341
Title: Kinetics and Isotherm Analysis of Basic Dyes Adsorption onto Almond Shell (Prunus dulcis) as a Low Cost Adsorbent
Authors: C Duran, D Ozdes, A Gundogdu, HB Senturk
Year: 2011
Citations: 323
Title: Adsorption of phenol from aqueous solution on a low-cost activated carbon produced from tea industry waste: equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic study
Authors: A Gundogdu, C Duran, HB Senturk, M Soylak, D Ozdes, H Serencam, …
Year: 2012
Citations: 285
Title: Adsorptive removal of Cd (II) and Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions by using Turkish illitic clay
Authors: D Ozdes, C Duran, HB Senturk
Year: 2011
Citations: 283
Title: Biosorption of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solution by pine bark (Pinus brutia Ten.)
Authors: A Gundogdu, D Ozdes, C Duran, VN Bulut, M Soylak, HB Senturk
Year: 2009
Citations: 255
Title: Biosorption of Rhodamine 6G from aqueous solutions onto almond shell (Prunus dulcis) as a low cost biosorbent
Authors: HB Senturk, D Ozdes, C Duran
Year: 2010
Citations: 254
Title: Solid-phase extraction of Mn (II), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), Cd (II) and Pb (II) ions from environmental samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS)
Authors: C Duran, A Gundogdu, VN Bulut, M Soylak, L Elci, HB Senturk, M Tüfekci
Year: 2007
Citations: 251
Title: Physicochemical characteristics of a novel activated carbon produced from tea industry waste
Authors: A Gundogdu, C Duran, HB Senturk, M Soylak, M Imamoglu, Y Onal
Year: 2013
Citations: 235
Title: Removal of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solution by a waste mud from copper mine industry: equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic study
Authors: D Ozdes, A Gundogdu, B Kemer, C Duran, HB Senturk, M Soylak
Year: 2009
Citations: 223
Title: Removal of fluoride ions from aqueous solution by waste mud
Authors: B Kemer, D Ozdes, A Gundogdu, VN Bulut, C Duran, M Soylak
Year: 2009
Citations: 163
Title: Chemical and Antioxidant Properties of Laurocerasus officinalis Roem. (Cherry Laurel) Fruit Grown in the Black Sea Region
Authors: S Kolayli, M Küçük, C Duran, F Candan, B Dinçer
Year: 2003
Citations: 162
Title: Assessment of metal element concentrations in mussel (M. galloprovincialis) in Eastern Black Sea, Turkey
Authors: U Cevik, N Damla, AI Kobya, VN Bulut, C Duran, G Dalgıç, R Bozacı
Year: 2008
Citations: 146
Title: A multi-element solid-phase extraction method for trace metals determination in environmental samples on Amberlite XAD-2000
Authors: VN Bulut, A Gundogdu, C Duran, HB Senturk, M Soylak, L Elci, M Tufekci
Year: 2007
Citations: 145
Title: Separation and enrichment of gold (III) from environmental samples prior to its flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination
Authors: HB Senturk, A Gundogdu, VN Bulut, C Duran, M Soylak, L Elci, M Tufekci
Year: 2007
Citations: 142
Conclusion:
Prof. Dr. Celal Duran is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His distinguished publication record, leadership in research projects, mentorship of young scientists, and consistent contributions to environmental sustainability position him as a leading researcher with strong international recognition. With strategic enhancement of interdisciplinary collaborations and global outreach, he can further consolidate his standing as a world-class researcher.