Md Refat Jahan Rakib

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant · School of Ocean, Earth and Coastal Science, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Chemical and Marine Oceanographer · UTRGV

I am a chemical and marine oceanographer specializing in emerging pollutants — microplastics, nanoplastics, heavy metals, and marine debris. My research focuses on understanding the distribution, fate, and ecological risks of these pollutants in aquatic and coastal ecosystems, and developing eco-friendly remediation strategies.

I work as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at the School of Ocean, Earth, and Coastal Science, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. My research has been published in Science of The Total Environment, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Scientific Reports, Journal of Hazardous Materials, and TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, with 4,000+ citations on Google Scholar. I am a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU).

Beyond research, I am passionate about ocean conservation. I volunteer with the Surfrider Foundation at UTRGV, organizing beach cleanups along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Office School of Ocean, Earth and Coastal Science, UTRGV, Texas 78500 Email rifatjahanrakib [at] gmail [dot] com Phone +1 929 218 6500 CV Available on request →

At a Glance Google Scholar →

56⁺

Publications

4k+⁺

Citations

40⁺

Journals reviewed

10⁺

Projects funded

Last updated: 2026-07

Research Interests

Microplastics and Nanoplastics

Distribution, characterization, and ecological risk assessment in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial systems.

Heavy Metals

Trace metal assessment in riverine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems; bioaccumulation and human health implications.

Marine Debris

Macro and micro litter surveys; plastiglomerate, pyroplastic, and PPE pollution monitoring along coastlines.

Blue Carbon

Carbon sequestration analysis, remote sensing-based mapping, and mariculture suitability modeling.

Microbial Degradation

Biodegradation pathways of plastics and eco-friendly bioremediation strategies in aquatic environments.

GIS and Remote Sensing

Spatial risk mapping, coastal hazard forecasting, and AI-assisted early warning systems for storm surges.

Analytical Instrumentation

AA500 Nutrient Analyzer

Automated colorimetric analysis of dissolved nutrients (NO₃⁻, PO₄³⁻, SiO₂) in water samples.

Mastersizer

Laser diffraction particle size analysis for microplastic and sediment size characterization.

Cryomill

Cryogenic grinding of biological and environmental samples for homogeneous chemical extraction.

ICP-MS

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for trace and ultra-trace metal quantification in environmental matrices.

LC-MS

Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for identification of pharmaceutical and organic pollutants.

Pyro GC-MS

Pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for polymer-type identification in microplastics.

Software and Data Analysis

R

Statistical computing, environmental modeling, and data visualization.

Python

Data analysis, geospatial processing, and machine learning pipelines.

Origin Pro

Advanced scientific graphing, curve fitting, and statistical data analysis.

ArcGIS Pro

Spatial analysis, GIS mapping, and remote sensing of coastal and marine environments.

GraphPad Prism

Biostatistics, nonlinear regression, and publication-quality scientific figures.

Google Earth Engine

Cloud-based geospatial analysis, satellite imagery processing, and land cover mapping.

News

2025

NEW!AwardRSC Outstanding Peer Reviewer 2025 — Recognized by the Royal Society of Chemistry for outstanding contributions to Environmental Science: Advances. View award →

2025

NEW!Paper“Exploring the impact of microplastics in groundwater on human health” published in Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health.

2024

AwardTexas Sea Grant awarded for remote sensing-based oyster mariculture mapping along the Texas Coast (2024–2025).

2024

ConferencePoster presentation at AGU Fall Meeting 2024 — Spatiotemporal trends of microplastic contamination in the Karnaphuli River estuary, Washington D.C.

2024

ConferencePoster presentation at ACS Fall 2024 — Microplastics in shore sediments of Moheshkhali Channel, Bay of Bengal.

2024

ConferencePoster presentation at Micro2024 (Spain) — Microplastics in Saint Martin Island, Bay of Bengal.

2023

PositionJoined UTRGV as Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, School of Ocean, Earth and Coastal Science, Texas.

2023

Paper“First record of plastiglomerate and pyroplastic pollution in the world's longest natural beach” published in Science of The Total Environment.

Selected Publications

All publications →

2025

★ Exploring the impact of microplastics in groundwater on human health: A comprehensive review

Rakib, M.R.J., Mohiuddin, M., Masud, M.A.A., Murshed, M.F., Senapathi, V., Islam, M.A., Jakariya, M.

Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health, 44, 100605

2023

★ First record of plastiglomerate and pyroplastic pollution in the world's longest natural beach

Rakib, M.R.J., De-la-Torre, G.E., Jolly, Y.N., Al Nahian, S., Khan, N.I., Idris, A.M.

Science of The Total Environment, 891, 164369

2021

★ Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in Cox's Bazar

Rakib, M.R.J., De-la-Torre, G.E., Pizarro-Ortega, C.I., Dioses-Salinas, D.C., Al-Nahian, S.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 169, 112497

Highlights

Publications

Peer-reviewed papers in reverse chronological order · ★ = first author · REVIEW = review article

Google Scholar citations: 4,000+ · View full profile →

2026

2 publications

Human health hazards associated with metal contamination in seven commercially important fishes from the Bay of Bengal: a multi-index analysis

Rahman, M.M., Akter, J., Jolly, Y.N., Sultana, S., Rakib, M.R.J., Baek, H.J., Ngah, N., et al.

Food Control, 2026

Agricultural byproducts converted to biochar to enhance soil functionality through sustainable innovation

Sarker, A., Masud, M.A.A., Deepo, D.M., Das, K., Kebede, M.M., Rakib, M.R.J., et al.

Discover Soil, 2026

2025

5 publications

★ Exploring the impact of microplastics in groundwater on human health: A comprehensive review Review

Rakib, M.R.J., Mohiuddin, M., Al Masud, M.A., Murshed, M.F., Senapathi, V., Islam, M.A., Jakariya, M.

Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health, 44, 100605

Microplastic accumulation in soils: Unlocking the mechanism and biodegradation pathway Review

Nguyen, M.K., Rakib, M.R.J., Hwangbo, M., Kim, J.

Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 2025

Assessment of heavy metal pollution and spatial distribution in waterfalls of Chattogram district, Bangladesh

Azad, A.R., Karim, M.R., Rakib, M.R.J., Uddin, M.R.

Environmental Advances, 2025

Multi-Elemental Analysis and Risk Evaluation of Trace Metals in Coastal Sediments of the Northern Bay of Bengal Using EDXRF

Al Mahmud, A., Hamid, T., Hossain, S., Jolly, Y.N., Akter, S., Kabir, J., Mamun, K.M., Rakib, M.R.J., et al.

Next Research, 2025

Is micro(nano)plastic contamination in wet atmospheric deposition a prominent issue requiring heightened attention? Review

Nguyen, M.K., Rakib, M.R.J., Lin, C., Hwangbo, M., Kim, J.

Journal of Hazardous Materials, 476, 135027

2024

14 publications

★ Delineation of trace metal level in fish feed and farmed Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and their consequences on human health

Rakib, M.R.J., Miah, S., Hossain, M.B., Kumar, R., Jolly, Y.N., Akter, S., Islam, M.S., et al.

Regional Studies in Marine Science, 71, 103403

★ A critical review on heavy metal contamination in aquatic food webs by edible fish species: a special case concerning Bangladesh Review

Rakib, M.R.J., Sarker, A., Nahida, Z.T., Islam, A.R.M.T., Mia, M.Y., Rahman, M.N., et al.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2024

★ Spatiotemporal distribution, trophic transfer, and research uncertainty of heavy metals in a subtropical highly polluted Buriganga River: a critical review Review

Rakib, M.R.J., Sarker, A., Mejjad, N., Islam, A.R.M.T., Kumar, R., Sharma, P., Idris, A.M.

Regional Studies in Marine Science, 2024

Unaccounted plastic: estimating waste generation from marine vessels in Bangladesh

Ahmed, R., Rakib, M.R.J., Murshed, M.F., Saad, S., De-la-Torre, G.E., Alam, M.S., Jakariya, M.

Regional Studies in Marine Science, 78, 103784

Interactions between microplastic and heavy metals in the aquatic environment: Implications for toxicity and mitigation strategies Review

Narwal, N., Kakakhel, M.A., Katyal, D., Yadav, S., Rose, P.K., Rene, E.R., Rakib, M.R.J., et al.

Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 235(9)

Gujarat's plastic plight: unveiling characterization, abundance, and pollution index of beachside plastic pollution

Yogi, K.K., Rabari, V., Patel, K., Patel, H., Trivedi, J., Rakib, M.R.J., Kumar, R., et al.

Discover Oceans, 2024

Microplastic contamination in filter-feeding oyster Saccostrea cuccullata: novel insights in a marine ecosystem

Joshi, K., Rabari, V., Patel, H., Patel, K., Rakib, M.R.J., Trivedi, J., Paray, B.A., et al.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 202, 116326

Occurrence and fate of pharmaceutical pollutants in wastewater: insights on ecotoxicity, health risk, and state-of-the-art removal Review

Nguyen, M.K., Lin, C., Bui, X.T., Rakib, M.R.J., Nguyen, H.L., Truong, Q.M., et al.

Chemosphere, 2024

Microplastic prevalence in epipelagic inhabiting prawns of north-west Arabian Sea

Rabari, V., Rakib, M.R.J., Patel, H., Idris, A.M., Malafaia, G., Trivedi, J.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 200, 116137

Release of micro/nanoplastics from face masks into the marine environment: measurements and ecotoxicity

De-la-Torre, G.E., Pizarro-Ortega, C.I., Dioses-Salinas, D.C., Rakib, M.R.J., et al.

Advances in Chemical Pollution, Environmental Management and Protection, 2024

A review of microplastic threat mitigation in Asian lentic environments Review

Sadia, M.R., Hasan, M., Islam, A.R.M.T., Jion, M.M.M.F., Al Masud, M.A., Rakib, M.R.J., et al.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 2024

The path of microplastics through the rare biodiversity estuary region of the northern Bay of Bengal

Mubin, A.N., Islam, A.R.M.T., Hasan, M., Islam, M.S., Ali, M.M., Siddique, M.A.B., Rakib, M.R.J., et al.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 2024

A mini review on plasticrusts: occurrence, current trends, potential threats, and recommendations for coastal sustainability Review

Nguyen, M.K., Rakib, M.R.J., Nguyen, H.L., Lin, C., Malafaia, G., Idris, A.M.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 196(2), 137

A new approach from public behavioral attitudes and perceptions towards microplastics: influencing factors and policy proposals

Al-Masud, M.A., Rakib, M.R.J., Malafaia, G., et al.

Ocean and Coastal Management, 253, 2024

2023

12 publications

★ First record of plastiglomerate and pyroplastic pollution in the world's longest natural beach

Rakib, M.R.J., De-la-Torre, G.E., Jolly, Y.N., Al Nahian, S., Khan, N.I., Idris, A.M.

Science of The Total Environment, 891, 164369

★ Spatiotemporal trends and characteristics of microplastic contamination in a large river-dominated estuary

Rakib, M.R.J., Al Nahian, S., Madadi, R., Haider, S.M.B., De-la-Torre, G.E., Walker, T.R., Idris, A.M.

Environmental Science: Processes and Impacts, 2023

★ Microplastic toxicity in aquatic organisms and aquatic ecosystems: a review Review

Rakib, M.R.J., Sarker, A., Ram, K., Uddin, M., Walker, T.R., Idris, A.M.

Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 234(1)

Microplastic as an invisible threat to the coral reefs: sources, toxicity mechanisms, policy intervention, and the way forward

Rahman, M.N., Shozib, S.H., Akter, M.Y., Islam, A.R.M.T., Islam, M.S., Sohel, M.S., Rakib, M.R.J., et al.

Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2023

Deciphering the source of heavy metals in industrially affected river sediment of Shitalakshya river, Bangladesh

Jolly, Y.N., Rakib, M.R.J., Kumar, R., Islam, A.R.M.T., Rabby, A., Mamun, K.M., et al.

Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 2023

Adsorptive behavior of micro(nano)plastics through biochar: co-existence, consequences, and challenges in contaminated ecosystems Review

Kumar, R., Verma, A., Rakib, M.R.J., Gupta, P.K., Sharma, P., Garg, A., Aminabhavi, T.M.

Science of The Total Environment, 856, 159097

Distribution, characteristics, and risk assessments of microplastics in shore sediments and surface water of Moheshkhali Channel, Bay of Bengal

Al Nahian, S., Rakib, M.R.J., Kumar, R., Haider, S.M.B., Sharma, P., Idris, A.M.

Science of The Total Environment, 2023

Abundance and characterization of personal protective equipment (PPE) polluting Kish Island, Persian Gulf

Mohamadi, S., Madadi, R., Rakib, M.R.J., De-la-Torre, G.E., Idris, A.M.

Science of The Total Environment, 2023

A comprehensive review on ecological effects of microplastic pollution: interaction with pollutants in ecosystems and future perspectives Review

Nguyen, M.K., Rakib, M.R.J., Lin, C., Hung, N.T.Q., Le, V.G., Nguyen, H.L., et al.

TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 2023

Pollution trends and ecological risks of heavy metal(loid)s in coastal zones of Bangladesh: a chemometric review

Jannat, J.N., Mia, M.Y., Jion, M.M.M.F., Islam, M.S., Ali, M.M., Siddique, M.A.B., Rakib, M.R.J., et al.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2023

Evaluation of surface water quality near pollution sources in Buriganga River and deciphering their probable emergence, ecological, and health risk aspects

Jolly, Y.N., Rakib, M.R.J., Kumar, R., Sultana, S., Rahman, S.M.M., Kabir, J., Akter, S., et al.

Regional Studies in Marine Science, 2023

Personal protective equipment-derived pollution during COVID-19 era: a critical review of ecotoxicology impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges Review

Hasan, M., Islam, A.R.M.T., Jion, M.M.M.F., Rahman, M.N., Rakib, M.R.J., et al.

Science of the Total Environment, 2023

2022

20 publications

★ Macro marine litter survey of sandy beaches along the Cox's Bazar Coast of Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Rakib, M.R.J., Ertas, A., Walker, T.R., Rule, M.J., Khandaker, M.U., Idris, A.M.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 174, 113246

★ A comprehensive review of heavy metal pollution in the coastal areas of Bangladesh: abundance, bioaccumulation, health implications, and challenges Review

Rakib, M.R.J., Rahman, M.A., Onyena, A.P., Kumar, R., Sarker, A., Hossain, M.B., Sun, X., et al.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(45), 67532–67558

★ Ecohydrological features and biodiversity status of estuaries in Bengal delta, Bangladesh: a comprehensive review Review

Rakib, M.R.J., Hossain, M.B., Islam, M.S., Hossain, I., Rahman, M., Kumar, R., Sharma, P.

Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2022

★ Spatial distribution and risk assessments due to the microplastics pollution in sediments of Karnaphuli River Estuary, Bangladesh

Rakib, M.R.J., Hossain, M.B., Kumar, R., Ullah, M.A., Al Nahian, S., Rima, N.N., et al.

Scientific Reports, 2022

★ Assessment of trace element toxicity in surface water of a fish breeding river in Bangladesh: a novel approach for ecological and health risk evaluation

Rakib, M.R.J., Jolly, Y.N., Begum, B.A., Choudhury, T.R., Fatema, K.J., Islam, M.S., et al.

Toxin Reviews, 2022

★ EDXRF detection of trace elements in salt marsh sediment of Bangladesh and probabilistic ecological risk assessment

Rakib, M.R.J., Hossain, M.B., Jolly, Y.N., Akther, S., Islam, S.

Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal, 2022

First record of plastiglomerates, pyroplastics, and plasticrusts in South America

De-la-Torre, G.E., Pizarro-Ortega, C.I., Dioses-Salinas, D.C., Rakib, M.R.J., et al.

Science of The Total Environment, 833, 155179

Baseline marine litter abundance and distribution on Saint Martin Island, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Al Nahian, S., Rakib, M.R.J., Haider, S.M.B., Kumar, R., Walker, T.R., et al.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2022

Occurrence, spatial distribution, and risk assessment of microplastics in surface water and sediments of Saint Martin Island in the Bay of Bengal

Al Nahian, S., Rakib, M.R.J., Haider, S.M.B., Kumar, R., Mohsen, M., Sharma, P., et al.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2022

Contamination and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in water and sediment from hubs of fish resource river in a developing country

Ali, M.M., Ali, M.L., Rakib, M.R.J., Islam, M.S., Habib, A., Hossen, S., Ibrahim, K.A., et al.

Toxin Reviews, 2022

Seasonal behavior and accumulation of some toxic metals in commercial fishes from Kirtankhola tidal river of Bangladesh

Ali, M.M., Ali, M.L., Rakib, M.R.J., Islam, M.S., Bhuyan, M.S., Senapathi, V., et al.

Chemosphere, 2022

Microplastics pollution load in Sundarban delta of Bay of Bengal

Kumar, R., Sinha, R., Rakib, M.R.J., Padha, S., Ivy, N., Bhattacharya, S., Dhar, A., et al.

Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 2022

Potential toxic elements in sediment and fishes of an important fish breeding river in Bangladesh

Jolly, Y.N., Rakib, M.R.J., Islam, M.S., Akter, S., Idris, A.M., Phoungthong, K.

Toxin Reviews, 2022

Impact of industrially affected soil on humans: a soil-human and soil-plant-human exposure assessment

Jolly, Y.N., Rakib, M.R.J., Sakib, M.S., Shahadat, M.A., Rahman, A., Akter, S., et al.

Toxics, 2022

Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution in the Caspian Sea, the largest enclosed inland water body in the world

Hatami, T., Rakib, M.R.J., Madadi, R., De-la-Torre, G.E., Idris, A.M.

Science of the Total Environment, 2022

Assessment of potentially toxic metals adsorbed on small macroplastics in urban roadside soils in southeastern Nigeria

Enyoh, C.E., Wang, Q., Eze, V.C., Rabin, M.H., Rakib, M.R.J., Verla, A.W., Ibe, F.C., et al.

Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 2022

Are we underestimating floating microplastic pollution? A quantitative analysis of two sampling methodologies

De-la-Torre, G.E., Pizarro-Ortega, C.I., Dioses-Salinas, D.C., Loayza, J.C., Rakib, M.R.J., et al.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2022

Distribution of heavy metals in water and sediment of an urban river in a developing country: a probabilistic risk assessment

Ali, M.M., Rahman, S., Islam, M.S., Rakib, M.R.J., Hossen, S., Rahman, M.Z., et al.

International Journal of Sediment Research, 2022

Human health risk assessment for exposure to heavy metals in finfish and shellfish from a tropical estuary

Mohiuddin, M., Hossain, M.B., Ali, M.M., Hossain, M.K., Habib, A., Semme, S.A., Rakib, M.R.J., et al.

Journal of King Saud University – Science, 2022

Heavy metals contamination and associated health risks in food webs — a review focuses on food safety and environmental sustainability in Bangladesh

Sarker, A., Kim, J.E., Islam, A.R.M.T., Bilal, M., Rakib, M.R.J., Nandi, R., Rahman, M.M., et al.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2022

2021

9 publications

★ Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in Cox's Bazar, the longest natural beach in the world

Rakib, M.R.J., De-la-Torre, G.E., Pizarro-Ortega, C.I., Dioses-Salinas, D.C., Al-Nahian, S.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 169, 112497

★ Microplastics pollution in salt pans from the Maheshkhali Channel, Bangladesh

Rakib, M.R.J., Al Nahian, S., Alfonso, M.B., Khandaker, M.U., Enyoh, C.E., Islam, M.A.

Scientific Reports, 11(1)

★ Levels and health risk assessment of heavy metals in dried fish consumed in Bangladesh

Rakib, M.R.J., Jolly, Y.N., Enyoh, C.E., Khandaker, M.U., Hossain, M.B., Akther, S., et al.

Scientific Reports, 11(1)

★ Macroalgae in biomonitoring of metal pollution in the Bay of Bengal coastal waters of Cox's Bazar and surrounding areas

Rakib, M.R.J., Jolly, Y.N., Dioses-Salinas, D.C., Pizarro-Ortega, C.I., De-la-Torre, G.E., Bradley, D.A.

Scientific Reports, 11(1)

Occurrence of personal protective equipment (PPE) associated with the COVID-19 pandemic along the coast of Lima, Peru

De-la-Torre, G.E., Rakib, M.R.J., Pizarro-Ortega, C.I., Dioses-Salinas, D.C.

Science of the Total Environment, 774, 145774

Metals uptake and translocation in salt marsh macrophytes, Porteresia sp. from Bangladesh coastal area

Hossain, M.B., Rakib, M.R.J., Jolly, Y.N., Rahman, M.

Science of the Total Environment, 2021

Ecological and human health risk evaluation using pollution indices: a case study of the largest mangrove ecosystem of Bangladesh

Hossain, M.S., Hossain, M.B., Rakib, M.R.J., Jolly, Y.N., Ullah, M.A., Elliott, M.

Regional Studies in Marine Science, 2021

Governance strategies for mitigating microplastic pollution in the marine environment: a review

Onyena, A.P., Aniche, D.C., Ogbolu, B.O., Rakib, M.R.J., Uddin, J., Walker, T.R.

Microplastics, 2021

Hydrological distribution of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in surface water and their ecotoxicological implications in the Bay of Bengal coast of Bangladesh

Islam, M.S., Idris, A.M., Islam, A.R.M.T., Ali, M.M., Rakib, M.R.J.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2021

2020

1 publication

★ An assessment of heavy metals contamination in saltmarsh sediments of a tropical estuary, southern Bangladesh

Rakib, M.R.J., Hossain, M.B., Ha, H., Bhatt, P., de Boer, W.F., et al.

Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring and Management, 14, 100372

Research Projects

Funded research grants and collaborative projects

Remote Sensing-Based Mapping and Carbon Sequestration of Potential Oyster Mariculture Sites Along the Texas Coast

Two-year spatial modeling study; GIS-based suitability analysis for blue carbon and mariculture optimization.

Texas Sea Grant
2024–2025

SURF-IT: Spatial Surge Forecasting using AI and Community Knowledge for Inclusive and Transformative Early Action

AI-driven coastal surge forecasting system integrating community knowledge for early warning and climate resilience.

IDRC
2023–2026

Distribution, Characteristics, and Risk Assessments of Microplastics in Shore Sediments, Moheshkhali Channel, Bay of Bengal

Comprehensive characterization with support from King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia and BORI.

MoST Bangladesh / KKU
Grant SL No. 379

Microplastic Contamination and its Risks in Coral Reef Ecosystems

Large group research with IF Goiano and CNPq, Brazil.

King Khalid University
R.G.P.2/324/44

Baseline Marine Litter Assessment on Saint Martin Island, Bay of Bengal

First comprehensive litter baseline survey at Saint Martin Island.

King Khalid University
R.G.P.2/103/44

Trace Metal Assessment in Riverine Ecosystems — Bhairab River, Bangladesh

Source identification and probabilistic health risk assessment; collaboration with KUET.

King Khalid University
GRP-88-42

Marine Microplastic Risk Analysis using GIS-Based Mapping on Cox's Bazar Coast

Spatial risk analysis using GIS tools, supported by MoST Bangladesh and BORI.

KKU / BORI
R.G.P.2/33/42

Microplastics in Organic Composts and Agricultural Soils

Small group research with NKUST Taiwan and CNPq, Brazil.

King Khalid University
RGP1/436/44

Spatial and Ecological Risks of Heavy Metals and Microplastics in Bangladesh Coastal Ecosystems

NST Fellowship project with collaboration from Patuakhali Science and Technology University.

NST Fellowship
NST-2014-15

Coastal Litter Monitoring and Public Engagement in Bangladesh

Community outreach and quantitative litter monitoring with NSTU and BORI.

Sunway University Malaysia
GRTIN-RRO-59-2022

Experience and Education

Academic and research positions

Aug 2023 – Present

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant

School of Ocean, Earth and Coastal Science — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX

Development of research protocols; training for analytical instrument operation; mentoring research progress; manuscript and report writing.

Nov 2023 – Jul 2024

Research Assistant

Department of Environmental Science and Management — North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

All research, academic collaboration, and related activities per NSU service rules.

Jan 2023 – Jul 2023

Research Assistant

Department of Aquaculture — Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1216

Research protocol development; supervision of undergraduate students; field work; analytical instrument training; report and manuscript writing.

Apr 2022 – Dec 2022

Research Assistant

Environmental Oceanography and Climate Lab (EOCL) — Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI), Cox's Bazar

Regular field monitoring for marine debris surveys; sample collection from aquatic ecosystems; protocol development; manuscript writing.

Feb 2021 – Mar 2022

Research Assistant

Department of Fisheries and Marine Science — Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814

Field visits; water, sediment, and fish sample collection; statistical data analysis; project proposal development.

Mar 2019 – Jun 2019

Intern

Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI), Ramu, Cox's Bazar

Instrument principles; data collection; report writing.

Jan 2017 – Mar 2018

Undergraduate Thesis Student

Bangladesh Atomic Energy Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Research protocol development; sample preparation and analysis.

Education

2023+

M.S. in Ocean, Coastal and Earth Sciences

Chemical Oceanography

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX 78500

Graduate RA/TA Scholarship recipient

2022

M.Sc. in Marine Biology

February 2022

Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

2018

B.Sc. in Fisheries (Honours)

September 2018

Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

2012

HSC — Science

Dhaka Board, Bangladesh

Service

Professional contributions, peer review, and society memberships

Society Memberships

Member — American Chemical Society (ACS)
Member — American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Member — Surfrider Foundation at UTRGV

Peer Reviewer — 42+ Journals

Journal of Hazardous MaterialsACS Environmental Science and TechnologyACS Agricultural Science and TechnologyACS EST WaterMarine Pollution BulletinScience of The Total EnvironmentScientific ReportsChemical Engineering JournalChemosphereEnvironmental ProcessEnvironmental PollutionWater, Air and Soil PollutionFrontiers in Environmental ScienceEarth Systems and EnvironmentJournal of Environmental ManagementEnvironmental Science and Pollution ResearchPLOS ONEFood ControlHeliyonJournal of Hazardous Materials AdvancesFood Science and NutritionArabian Journal of GeosciencesInternational Journal of Environmental Analytical ChemistryDrug and Chemical ToxicologyEnvironmental Claims JournalChemistry and EcologySoil and Sediment ContaminationToxin ReviewsEnvironmental Monitoring and AssessmentDiscover Applied SciencesInt. Journal of River Basin ManagementEnergy and EnvironmentBulletin of Environmental Contamination and ToxicologyInt. Journal of Environmental Health ResearchJournal of Oceanology and LimnologyPLOS WaterEnvironmental Science: AdvancesEnvironmental ResearchiScienceJournal of Environmental Chemical EngineeringJournal of Environmental ScienceRegional Studies in Marine Science

Awards and Recognition

Honors received for peer review, research, and academic service

⭐

Outstanding Peer Reviewer 2025

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) — Environmental Science: Advances

2025

Recognized as an Outstanding Peer Reviewer by the Royal Society of Chemistry for exceptional contributions to the peer review process of Environmental Science: Advances. RSC celebrates outstanding reviewers annually to acknowledge those whose detailed, timely, and high-quality reviews make a vital contribution to maintaining the integrity of scientific publishing.

🎉 View on RSC Website →

“Join us in celebrating our outstanding peer reviewers for 2025. Dr Md. Refat Jahan Rakib, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Institute of Technology (NJIT), United States, ORCID 0000-0003-0401-4998.”

— RSC Environmental Science: Advances, 2025 Outstanding Peer Reviewers

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Peer Reviewer Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation

American Chemical Society (ACS) Publications — 2024

2024

Awarded the 2024 ACS Publications Peer Reviewer Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation for valuable contributions to the peer review process. ACS Publications issues this certificate to recognize reviewers whose time and commitment are vital to ensuring ACS journals maintain the highest editorial standards. Also received the ACS Peer Review Recognition in 2023.

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Peer Reviewer Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation

American Chemical Society (ACS) Publications — 2023

2023

Awarded the 2023 ACS Publications Peer Reviewer Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation for outstanding contributions to the peer review process of ACS journals, signed by the President of ACS Publications and SVP and Chief Publishing Officer.

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Peer Review Service

Verified reviewer for 40+ international journals

2023

Gallery

Field work, conferences, lab work andresearch highlights — click any photo to expand

Showing 79 photos

Conference

AGU 2024 — Conference

American Geophysical Union, Washington D.C.

Conference

AGU 2024 — Poster Presentation

Microplastic contamination in river-dominated estuary

Conference

ACS Fall 2024 — Poster Presentation

Networking

NYC Microplastics Symposium

Networking

Research Symposium — UTRGV

International

Certificate of Completion — Chinese Academy of Sciences

International course on Environmental Microorganisms, China

International

International Training — Chinese Academy of Sciences

Field Work

Field Sampling — Bay of Bengal

Conference

AGU 2024 — Washington D.C.

Field Work

Beach Cleanup — Surfrider Foundation at UTRGV

Lab & Research

Laboratory Work — UTRGV

Conference

AGU 2024 — Poster Session

Conference

AGU 2024 — Poster Session

Conference

AGU 2024 — Poster Session

Milestone

Graduation Ceremony

Field Work

Field Sampling — Lake

Water quality and microplastics survey

Field Work

Sediment Coring — Field Work

Field Work

Wetland Field Survey

Team with field equipment, safety vests

Field Work

Field Data Collection Wetland

Field Work

Wetland Sampling

Field Work

Lake Sampling

Microplastics survey at shoreline

Field Work

Boat Sampling — Texas Coast

Estuary water and sediment collection

Field Work

Urban Soil Sampling (Winter)

Roadside microplastics survey

Field Work

Urban Soil Sampling (Winter)

Field Work

Estuary Field Sampling — Texas

Wading in shallow estuary with coring equipment

Field Work

Beach Cleanup — Surfrider Foundation

South Padre Island, Texas

Field Work

Field Sampling — Corpus Christi Bay

Texas coast research

Field Work

Seagrass Estuary — South Texas

Coastal ecosystem study site

Field Work

Research Vessel — Gulf of Mexico

Field Work

Stormwater Study Site — Texas

Drainage outfall microplastics research

Field Work

Mangrove Sediment Coring — Texas

Laguna Madre, South Texas

Field Work

Sediment Core Extraction — Texas

Field Work

Mangrove Sampling — Texas Coast

Field Work

Field Crew — Research Vessel

Field Work

Ready to Sample — Texas Estuary

Wading suit for field sampling

Field Work

Field Work — Texas Estuary

Field Work

Mangrove Study Area — Texas

Coastal vegetation research site

Field Work

Mangrove Research Site — Texas

Field Work

Field Sampling Expedition — Texas

Field Work

Plastic Pollution — Field Documentation

Documenting plastic waste in the environment

Field Work

Field Survey — Texas Coast

Field Work

Field Work — Coastal Texas

Field Work

Field Survey — Port Aransas, Texas

Field Work

Field Work — Coastal Lagoon, Texas

Field Work

Mangrove Sampling — Texas Laguna Madre

Sediment coring in mangrove forest

Field Work

Beach Team — Texas Field Work

Field Work

Sargassum — Beach Specimen

Sargassum seaweed collected from Texas beach

Lab & Research

Microplastics Identification — Lab Analysis

Microplastic fragments sorted from environmental samples

Lab & Research

Chemical Analysis — Research Lab

Sample preparation with chemical reagents

Lab & Research

Sediment Sieving — Lab Work

Sorting sediment samples for microplastic analysis

Lab & Research

Sediment Processing — Lab Work

Lab & Research

Sediment Sorting — Microplastics Analysis

Lab & Research

Sample Processing — Lab Work

Lab & Research

Stereomicroscopy — Leica M125 C

Microplastic identification under fluorescence

Lab & Research

Leica Stereomicroscope — Fluorescence Imaging

Identifying microplastics using fluorescence

Lab & Research

Microscopy — Sample Analysis

Lab & Research

Sediment Processing — UTRGV Lab

Sample preparation for microplastic extraction

Lab & Research

FTIR Analysis — Chemical Characterization

Identifying plastic polymer types by FTIR spectroscopy

Conference AGU 2024 — Poster Session, Washington D.C.

AGU 2024 — Poster Session

American Geophysical Union, Washington D.C.

Conference

AGU Fall Meeting 2024 — Washington D.C.

Networking

NYC Microplastics Symposium

New York City

Networking

NYC Microplastics Symposium — Networking

Networking

NYC Microplastics Symposium — Colleagues

Networking

NYC Microplastics Symposium — Group

Networking

Conference Networking — Rutgers University

Networking

NYC Microplastics Symposium — with Prof. Yan

with Prof. Beizhian Yan

Networking

NYC Microplastics Symposium — Award Ceremony

Team

Lab Team Dinner — UTRGV

Team

Lab Group Outing — UTRGV

Team

Research Team — UTRGV Campus

Team

NYC Visit — Conference Team

New York City

Team

Research Meeting — UTRGV

Team

Study Session — UTRGV

Team

Team Dinner — Field Campaign

Team

Lab Group — UTRGV Campus

Lab group walk along the river

Teaching

Teaching Lab — Environmental Science

Hands-on water quality lab with students

Teaching

Lab Instruction — Water Quality

International

Training Workshop — Bangladesh

Safeguarding and protection training

International

International Training Course — Chinese Academy of Sciences

Environmental Microorganisms, China

Md Refat Jahan Rakib

Publications

Research Projects

Experience and Education

Service

Awards and Recognition

Gallery

Collaborators