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Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University
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Academic Staff

Ekawan Luepromchai, Associate Professor, Ph.D.

Ekawan Luepromchai, Associate Professor, Ph.D.

Education

2001 University of California, Riverside, USA. Ph. D. in  Environmental Toxicology Dissertation titled, ‘Characterization of bacterial communities involved in polychlorinated biphenyl remediation’.
1994 Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand BS in Microbiology (Second class honor)

Training

2009 AMETEC international workshop on “Oil spill: Chemistry and Biochemical responses”, Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI), Republic of Korea, October 13-22, 2009.
2006 Training on analysis of petroleum components and microbial populations during bioremediation of marine oil spill, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan (15 June – 15 July 2006).
2006 Workshop on biodegradation of chlorinated solvents: Theory and Practice, International Conference: Hazardous Waste Management for a Sustainable Future. Bangkok, Thailand (9 January 2006).
2003 Workshop on Sediment Quality Assessment, SETAC Asia/Pacific 2003 Conference: Solutions to Pollution, Christchurch, New Zealand (27 September 2003).
2002 Regional Workshop on Identification of Candidate Pollution-Hot Spots with focus on Land-based Sources and Activities Affecting the Marine Environment in the East Asian Seas Region, UNEP, Huahin, Thailand (21-23 July 2002).
2001 Conference and Workshop on New Strategies for Industrial Development: Learning from Pioneer Experience in Eco-Industrial Networking in Asia, United States – Asia Environmental Partnership Program (US-AEP): Environmental Exchange Program (EEP), Philippines (3-6 April 2001).

Experiences

2009-present Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, Assistant Professor
2005-2008 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, Lecturer
2001-present International Postgraduate Program in Environmental and Hazardous Waste Management, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, Adjunct lecturer
2001-2005 Environmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, Researcher
Research on mechanisms involved in biodegradation and bioremediation of hazardous compounds.
1994-1995 Entomology Department, Armed Forced Research Institute of Medical Sciences (US army sector), Bangkok, Thailand, Research Associate Research on toxicity of methopreneinsecticide on mosquito larvae

Research Interest

– Biodegradation and bioremediation of hazardous chemicals
– Microbial ecology
– Environmental biotechnology
– Production and application of biosurfactants

Publications

From Research gate Click
From Scopus Click
From Orcid Click

Selected Publications

  1. Chanthamalee, J., Wongchitphimon, T. and Luepromchai, E. (2013) Treatment of oily bilge water from small fishing vessels by PUF-immobilized Gordonia sp. JC11. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. 224:1601 (IF = 1.625).
  2. Suttinun, O., Luepromchai, E. and Muller, R. (2013) Cometabolism of trichloroethylene: concepts, limitations and available strategies for sustained biodegradation. Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/technology. 12: 99-114. (IF = 2.340)
  3. Mathurasa, L., Tongcumpou, C., Sabatini, D. A., Luepromchai., E. (2012) Anionic surfactant enhanced bacterial degradation of tributyltin in soil. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation. 75: 7-14. (IF = 2.074)
  4. Khondee, N., Tathong, S., Pinyakong, O., Powtongsook, S., Chatchuponge, T., Ruangchainikom, C., and Luepromchai., E. (2012) Airlift bioreactor containing chitosan-immobilized Sphingobium sp. P2 for treatment of lubricants in wastewater. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 213– 214: 466– 473. (IF=4.173)
  5. Chantamalee, C., and Luepromchai, E. (2012) Isolation and application of Gordonia sp. JC11 for removal of boat lubricants. Journal of General and Applied Microbiology. 58: 19-31. (IF = 0.984)
  6. Siripornprasarn, A., Luepromchai, E. and Nanny, M. A. 2011. Mechanisms by which soluble humic substances alter the kinetics of pentachlorophenol transformation by Trametesversicolor laccase. Environmental Engineering Science. 28(11): 819-825. (IF 0.893)
  7. Khongkhaem, P., Intasiri, A. and Luepromchai, E. 2011. Silica-immobilized Methylobacterium sp. NP3 and Acinetobacter sp. PK1 degrade high concentrations of phenol. Letters in Applied Microbiology. 52: 448–455. (IF 1.64)
  8. Suttinun, O., Muller, R., and Luepromchai, E. 2010. Cometabolic degradation of trichloroethenebyRhodococcus sp. L4 immobilized on plant materials rich in essential oils. Applied Environmental Microbiology. 76: 4684-4690 (IF 3.801)
  9. Yutthammo, C., Thongthammachat, N., Pinphanichakarn, P., and Luepromchai, E. 2010. Diversity and activity of PAH-degrading bacteria in the phyllosphere of ornamental plants. Microbial Ecology. 59: 357-368. (IF 2.885)
  10. Siripornprasarn, A., Luepromchai, E., and Nanny, M. A. 2009. Role of dissolved humic substances and dissolved organic matter on degradation of phenanthrene by crude ligninolytic enzymes from Agrocybesp. CU43. Journal of Applied Sciences. 9: 3975-3982.
  11. Kaewtip, W., Chuahom, S., Suttinun, O., Luepromchai, E., and Weschayanwiwat, P. 2009.Combined cloud point extraction and bioremediation techniques for clean-up trichloroethylene in various soil types. Thai Environmental Engineering Journal. 23 (3): 1-10.
  12. Kutato, M., Limpiyakorn, T., Luepromchai, E., Powtongsook, S., and Menasveta, P. 2009. Inorganic nitrogen conversion and changes of bacterial community in sediment from shrimp pond after methanol addition. Journal of Applied Sciences. 9: 2907-2915.
  13. Suttinun, O., Muller, R., and Luepromchai, E. 2009. Trichloroethylene cometabolic degradation byRhodococcus sp. L4 induced with plant essential oils. Biodegradation. 20: 281-291. (IF 2.187)
  14. Siripornprasarn, A., Nanny, M. A., and Luepromchai, E. 2008. The effect of humic and fulvic acids on laccase catalyzed degradation of pentachlorophenol. Thai Environmental Engineering Journal. 22 (2): 11-20.
  15. Boonsuepsakul, S., Luepromchai, E., and Rongnoparut, R. 2008. Characterization of Anopheles minimusCYP6AA3 expressed in a recombinant baculovirus system. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. 69: 13-21. (IF 1.345).
  16. Tongarun, R., Luepromchai, E., and Vangnai, A. S. 2008. Natural attenuation, biostimulation, and bioaugmentation of 4-chloroaniline contaminated soil. Current Microbiology. 56: 182-188. (IF 1.167)
  17. Waight, K., Pinyakong, O., and Luepromchai, E. 2007. Degradation of phenanthrene deposited on plant leaves by phyllosphere bacteria. Journal of General and Applied Microbiology. 53: 265-272. (IF 0.925)
  18. Romyen, S., Luepromchai, E., Hawker, D. and Karnchanasest, B. 2007. Potential of agricultural by-product in reducing chlorpyrifos leaching through soil. Journal of Applied Sciences. 7: 2686-2690.
  19. Luepromchai, E., Lertthamrongsak, W., Pinphanichakarn, P., Thaniyavarn, S., Pattaragulwanit, K. and Juntongjin, K. 2007. Biodegradation of PAHs in petroleum-contaminated soil using tamarind leaves as microbial inoculums. Songkhlanakarin Journal of Science and Technology. 29: 515-527.
  20. Suttinun, O., Lederman, P. B., and Luepromchai, E. 2004. Application of terpene-induced cell for enhancing biodegradation of TCE contaminated soil. Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology. 26 (Suppl. 1): 131-142.
  21. Luepromchai E., A. C. Singer, C.-H. Yang, and D. E. Crowley. 2002. Interactions of earthworms with indigenous and bioaugmented PCB-degrading bacteria. FEMS Microbial Ecology. 41:191-197.
  22. Singer, A. C., W. Jury, E. Luepromchai, C.-S. Yahng and D. E. Crowley. 2001. Contribution of earthworms to PCB bioremediation. Soil Biology Biochemistry. 33:765-776.
  23. Singer, A. C., E. S. Gilbert, E. Luepromchai, and D. E. Crowley. 2000. Bioremediation of polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated soil using carvone and surfactant-grown bacteria. Applied Microbiology Biotechnology. 54:838-843.
  24. Sithiprasasna R., Luepromchai,E. and K. J. Linthicum. 1996. Effects of sublethal dosages of methoprene on Anopheles dirus species A and B. Journal of American Mosquitoes Control Association.12: 483-486.

Grants, Awards and Recognition

2009 Outstanding Young Scientist Award in Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
2008 Research grant from the International Foundation for Science (IFS), Sweden
2001 Travel award from the United States – Asia Environmental Partnership Program (US-AEP): Environmental Exchange Program (EEP).
2000  Phi Beta Kappa International Scholarship Award
1999 Travel award from American Society of Microbiology and University of California, Riverside mini-grant awards.
1996-2000 Scholarship from Chulalongkorn University for graduated study.

Funding / Current research projects

  1. PTT Public Company Limited/ Production of biosurfactant from glycerol waste and application of the biosurfactant for petroleum industry
  2. PTT Public Company Limited/ Treatment of petrol station wastewater by biological technique
  3. PTT Public Company Limited/ Isolation of biosurfactant producing bacteria by using glycerol, oil or fat as substrate
  4. The National Research Council of Thailand/ Production and application of bacteria immobilized on silica for treatment of phenol contaminated wastewater