Muhammad Waqas

Interests

Research

Discrete Element Modeling, Artificial Intelligence Modeling, Mining Equipment Operations, Geomechanics

Teaching

Equipment Operations Technology, Surface Mine Planning and Design, Underground Construction Geomechanics, Mine Planning Software

Courses

Scholarly Contributions

Journals/Publications

• Fayyaz, A., Ali, N., Umar, Z., Asghar, H., Waqas, M., Ahmed, R., Ali, R., & Baig, M. (2024). CF-LIBS based elemental analysis of Saussurea simpsoniana medicinal plant: a study on roots, seeds, and leaves. Analytical Sciences, 40(3). doi:10.1007/s44211-023-00480-9
  More info

  The plant Saussurea Simpsoniana, which has been used in traditional medicine for its biocompatibility and abundant nutrients, offers a wide range of remedies. Local communities effectively utilize medicines derived from the plant’s roots to treat various ailments such as bronchitis, rheumatic pain, and abdominal and nervous disorders. In this study, we present an elemental analysis of the chemical composition (wt%) of this medicinal plant using the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. In the air atmosphere, an Nd:YAG (Q-switched) laser operating at a wavelength of 532 nm is utilized to create plasma on the sample’s surface. This laser has a maximum pulse energy of approximately 400 mJ and a pulse duration of 5 ns. A set of six miniature spectrometers, covering the wavelength range of 220–970 nm, was utilized to capture and record the optical emissions emitted by the plasma. The qualitative analysis of LIBS revealed the presence of 13 major and minor elements, including Al, Ba, C, Ca, Fe, H, K, Li, Mg, Na, Si, Sr, and Ti. Quantitative analysis was performed using calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS), ensuring local thermodynamical equilibrium (LTE) and optically thin plasma condition by considering plasma excitation temperature and electron number density. In addition, a comparison was made between the results obtained from CF-LIBS and those acquired through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.).
• Fayyaz, A., Baig, M., Waqas, M., & Liaqat, U. (2024). Analytical Techniques for Detecting Rare Earth Elements in Geological Ores: Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), MFA-LIBS, Thermal LIBS, Laser Ablation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Minerals, 14(10). doi:10.3390/min14101004
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  Rare earth elements (REEs) hold significant industrial, scientific, and modern technological worth. This study focused on detecting and quantifying REEs in various geological ore samples. These samples were collected from different REE-bearing locations recommended by geological experts. The analysis was conducted using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser ablation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LA-TOF-MS). In this work, LIBS methodology was employed using three different configurations: standard LIBS, LIBS with an applied magnetic field, and LIBS with both an applied magnetic field and target sample heating within an optimal temperature range. Elements from the REE group, specifically lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), and neodymium (Nd), were identified and quantified. To detect, quantify, and validate the results from LIBS and LA-TOF-MS, we utilized an array of analytical techniques—Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (ED-XRF), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Interestingly, the quantitative results for REEs (La, Ce, and Nd) in the ore samples obtained using the LIBS technique with various configurations were found to be in agreement with those from LA-TOF-MS, EDX, XRF, and ICP-OES. In addition, LIBS enables detailed microchemical imaging, allowing the map of the spatial distribution of elements within the mineral–ore matrix. The high-resolution microscale elemental mapping of REEs was accomplished using the emission lines Ce (II) at 446.0 nm, La (II) at 492.1 nm, and Nd (II) at 388.8 nm. By integrating multiple analytical techniques, our study enabled the construction of a complete elemental distribution map, providing new insights into the geochemical processes and mineral composition of rare earth ores, while advancing geochemistry and contributing valuable data for rare earth resource exploration.
• Fayyaz, A., Ali, R., Waqas, M., Liaqat, U., Ahmad, R., Umar, Z. A., & Baig, M. A. (2023).

  Analysis of Rare Earth Ores Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Laser Ablation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

  . Minerals, 13(6), 787. doi:10.3390/min13060787
• Fayyaz, A., Asghar, H., Waqas, M., Kamal, A., Al-Onazi, W. A., & Al-Mohaimeed, A. M. (2023).

  Multi-Spectroscopic Characterization of MgO/Nylon (6/6) Polymer: Evaluating the Potential of LIBS and Statistical Methods

  . Polymers, 15(15), 3156. doi:10.3390/polym15153156

Proceedings Publications

• Emad, M. Z., Majeed, Y., Waqas, M., & Rehman, G. (2023).

  Rock Salt Block Extraction Using Conventional Rock Mining Methods

  . In ARMA.
• Emad, M., Waqas, M., & Khan, M. (2023). Investigating the impacts of porosity on the rock mechanical properties of sandstone. In ARMA.
  More info

  Laboratory testing of rocks and developing their interrelationships is a good way for assessment of rock behavior for mining and construction industries. A detailed testing program was envisaged to establish possible correlations between porosity and mechanical properties of sedimentary rocks from Salt range Punjab, Pakistan. Sandstone samples were collected from different formations of the salt range area. Sample preparation was carried out at the rock mechanics laboratory at UET Lahore as per suggested methods of ISRM. Samples with partings or defects were removed from the testing program. Acceptable samples were tested for porosity, density, UCS, BTS, and other properties. The test results obtained were used for statistical analysis to find possible correlations using MS Excel. The analysis showed that the rocks can be divided into two groups. The predictive relationships were determined between porosity and static mechanical properties of rocks, and between porosity and dynamic mechanical properties.
• Waqas, M., & Emad, M. Z. (2022). Design of Larger Span Overhanging Cliffs Constructed in Himalayas. In ARMA.