My Major research focus is on the oceanic nitrogen cycle (N20) and I use novel stable isotopic techniques for the studies. Other research areas are ocean Biogeochemistry, Synthesis of Nanoparticles from Macro Algae and their applications. I have presented my research works in more than 50 international conferences in 10 different countries. I have secured various international awards and support for my work from different international agencies and institutes, including AGU, SOLAS, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, IAGS, GEOMAR, NZMSS, and GRC. I have worked as a guest scientist/researcher in the Isotrace research group, New Zealand; USM Malasia, Northumbria University, UK; and GEOMAR, Kiel. I have also worked as a reviewer and editorial board member for various research journals.

Research Projects

Feb 2011- 2017: PhD Project: “Oceanic Nitrous Oxide Distribution and Production: A Stable Isotopic Approach”

Dec 08- Apr 09:  M. Sc  Project:  “Heavy  metals   distribution  and   organic   pollution in the core and surficial sediments of Akkulam –Veli lake” at Chemical sciences division, Centre for earth science studies, CESS, Government of Kerala, India

Research Projects:

Mullungal, M. N. (Co-Lead Principal Investigator), Harnessing mangrove microbial communities as electricity-eating  microbes  for  CO2  utilization  toward  net  zero  future.,  ARG02-0503-240470.,

$604,340.00, August 2025-August 2028.

Seafood Origin and Authenticity using nucelar and related technologies” from IAEA as Co-PI -D 52046-collaboration with USM-Malasia

Mullungal, M. N. (Co-Lead Principal Investigator), “Green synthesis of nanoparticles from seaweed Hormophysa triquetra of the Arabian Gulf and their application in the remediation of crystal violet from wastewater,” Local(Excluding Qatar University), $30,000.00. (December 2022 – December 2023).

Mullungal, M. N. (Co-Lead Principal Investigator), “Seasonal Zooplankton Diversity, Distribution and Valorization along a coastal to offshore gradient in Qatar’s  Pelagic Ecosystem,” Local(Excluding Qatar University), $20,000.00. (November  6, 2021 – December 2022).

Research Cruises Participated

2015-2022: Many times Participated in time series sampling cruise in the Qatar EEZ in RV-Janan.

2011- 2015: Five times Participated in a Bimonthly time series sampling cruise in the Otago Continental Shelf Transect in University of Otago research vessel RV- Polaris- II.

9 -20 July 2012: Monsoon Upwelling Cruise program conducted by Ministry of Earth Science Institute, CMLRE, India in FORV-Sagar Sampada.

27 Sep – 4 Oct 2011: NIWA’S Spring Biophysical Mooring cruise program in RV Tangaroa. 14 Jan-15 Feb 2010 National research cruise program “Equatorial Indian Ocean Process Study (EIOPS)” in ORV-Sagarkanya.

2008-2010: Many times participated in sampling and demonstration trips in  RV- Anveshika in the Cochin estuarine system.

Published Intellectual Contributions

Jesith K, Megha PU, Abhitha PA (2025) Chitosan–capped silver nanoparticles against opportunistic and human pathogens: a promising weapon in the fight against infections. Progress Chem Application Chitin Its Deriv 30:117–129. https://doi.org/10.15259/PCACD.30.007

Kirthiga, R. Dhinesh, Anu Gopinath, Muhammed Nayeem Mullungal, S.S. Shaju, Resmi P. Murali, Jijo Lukose, Paromita Chakraborty, Baseline investigation, GIS-based sediment transport index and risk assessment for microplastics and pesticides profiling in the inter- fjord Arctic systems, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Volume 13, Issue 3, 2025,  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2025.116968

Sruthi, M. Muhammed Nayeem, P.R.K. Sajna, C.S. Resmi, P., p. m, s., & c. h, s. Composition and vertical distribution of organic matter in Central Indian Ocean sediment cores Sci. Rep., 14 (1) (2024), p. 2157, 10.1038/s41598-023-49116-y

K.M. Aarif, K.A. Rubeena, A. Nefla, Z. Musilova, P. Musil, S.S. Shaju, J. Joseph, M.N. Mullungal, S.

B. Muzaffar Heavy metals in wetlands of southwestern India: from sediments through invertebrates to migratory shorebirds Chemosphere, 345 (2023), Article 140445, 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140445

Ng WL, Chen CA, Teng ST, Tuzan AD, Mullungal MN, Chan TY (2023) A new record of Panulirus homarus homarus (Panulirus spp.) from Malaysia waters with its molecular phylogeny. Borneo Journal of Resource Science and Technology 13(2): 175–185. https://doi.org/10.33736/BJRST.6033.2023

Bibi, S., A. Bibi, M. N. Mullungal, M. Abu-Dieyeh, and M. A. Al-Ghouti. 2023. “Macroalgae as an Eco-Friendly and Successful Green Technology for the Removal of Crystal Violet from Synthetic and Real Wastewater.” Arabian Journal of Chemistry 16 (10): 105191.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.105191

Hussain, M.B.; Al-Hadidi, S.H.; Erfanian, M.B.; Yahia, M.N.D.; Mullungal, M.N.; Alsafran, M.; Bai, Y.; Alatalo, J.M. Photodegradation and Its Effect on Plant Litter Decomposition in Terrestrial Ecosystems: A Systematic Review. Soil Syst. 2023, 7, 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7010006

Mullungal, M.N., Thalayappil, S., Peediyakkathodi, S. et al. Vertical Distribution of Phosphorous Fractions and Bioavailability of the Nutrient in the Southern Indian Ocean. Int J Environ Res 16, 77 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41742-022-00448-z

Book Chapters

Kutty, N.M.; Mullungal, M.N. Going Green for Profit: Market Analysis and Economic Feasibility of Sustainable Polymer Composites. In Macro, Micro and Nanocomposites from Sustainable Sources; Advanced Structured Materials; Springer Nature: Singapore, 2026; pp. 717–732

M.N. Mullungal, S.S. Shaju Advanced polymer composites for eco-friendly marine applications Macro, Micro and Nanocomposites from sustainable sources: Shrinking environmental

footprints, Springer nature Singapore, Singapore (2026), pp. 431-447, 10.1007/978-981-95-2469-3_14

Mullungal, M.N., Peediyakkathodi, S., Bibi, S., Ratheesh Kumar, C.S., Abu-Dieyeh, M. (2024). Nutrient Contamination in Marine Environment. In: Alshemmari, H., Hashmi, M.Z., Kavil, Y.N., Shu- hong, W. (eds) Contaminated Land and Water. Emerging Contaminants and Associated Treatment Technologies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-65129-8

Grants and Sponsored Research

Mullungal, M. N. (Co-Lead Principal Investigator), Harnessing mangrove microbial communities as electricity-eating  microbes  for  CO2  utilization  toward  net  zero  future.,  ARG02-0503-240470.,

$604,340.00, August 2025-August 2028.

Mullungal, M. N. (Co-Lead Principal Investigator), “Green synthesis of nanoparticles from seaweed Hormophysa triquetra of the Arabian Gulf and their application in the remediation of crystal violet from wastewater,” Local(Excluding Qatar University), $30,000.00. (December 2022 – December 2023).

Mullungal, M. N. (Co-Lead Principal Investigator), “Seasonal Zooplankton Diversity, Distribution and Valorization along a coastal to offshore gradient in Qatar’s  Pelagic Ecosystem,” Local(Excluding Qatar University), $20,000.00. (November  6, 2021 – December 2022).