Roberta Trani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Roberta Trani |  Environmental Science |  Best Researcher Award

Researcher fellow at  University of Bari Aldo Moro,  Italy

Dr. Roberta Trani is a Research Fellow at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy. With a strong background in agricultural sciences, she focuses on innovative research to enhance sustainable farming practices. Passionate about scientific advancement, she actively contributes to academia through research and collaborations.

Profile:

Education & Certifications:

  • PhD in Biodiversity, Agriculture & Environment (2021), University of Bari Aldo Moro
    • Thesis: Marine Multi-Trophic Bioremediation in Aquaculture & Biomass Valorization
  • Scientific Diver Certification (2024), A.I.O.S.S.
  • Professional Qualification in Biology – Section A (2021)
  • Foreign Internship on Marine Natural Products Extraction (2019), University of the Balearic Islands, Spain

Work Experience:

Current Roles

  • Principal Investigator (2024–Present): MaSBIA Project – Marine Sponges as Bioremediators in Integrated Aquaculture (ERC SEEDS UNIBA)
  • Research Fellow (2021–Present): Macrozoobenthic Community Analysis in Corallium rubrum Habitats, Puglia
  • Subject Expert in Zoology & Animal Biodiversity (2021–Present), University of Bari Aldo Moro

Previous Roles

  • Research Fellow (2021–2023): Rete Natura 2000 – Habitat & Species Monitoring in Puglia
  • Underwater Surveys & Marine Strategy Puglia Project (2021), CoNISMa
  • Field Research Support in Hard Substrate Benthos Analysis (2021), CoNISMa
  • Bioremediation & Benthos Invertebrate Management (2021), University of Bari
  • REMEDIA Life Project Team Member (2017–2020), University of Bari

Academic and Professional Background

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences (2012)
  • Master’s Degree in Environmental Biology (2015)
  • PhD in Environmental Sciences (2021), University of Bari Aldo Moro
  • Over 14 years of research experience in marine zoology and ecology, with training in Italy, Russia, and the Balearic Islands
  • Since 2018, research focus on marine bioremediation via Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), contributing to the REMEDIA Life project
  • Current research on marine filter-feeding invertebrates for ecosystem restoration and sustainability

Areas of Research

  • Bioremediation
  • Marine Biodiversity & Ecology
  • Aquatic Ecosystems
  • Marine Zoology & Biology
  • Marine Environment & Natural Product Extraction
  • Underwater Monitoring & Sampling

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 251
  • Citations Since 2020: 249
  • h-Index: 9
  • h-Index Since 2020: 9
  • i10-Index: 9
  • i10-Index Since 2020: 9

Publication Top Notes:

  • An Innovative IMTA System: Polychaetes, Sponges and Macroalgae Co-Cultured in a Southern Italian In-Shore Mariculture Plant (Ionian Sea)
  • Chaetomorpha linum in the Bioremediation of Aquaculture Wastewater: Optimization of Nutrient Removal Efficiency at the Laboratory Scale
  • Filtering Activity and Nutrient Release by the Keratose Sponge Sarcotragus spinosulus Schmidt, 1862 (Porifera, Demospongiae) at the Laboratory Scale
  • Environmental Quality Improvement of a Mariculture Plant After Its Conversion Into a Multi-Trophic System
  • Sponges as Emerging By-Product of Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA)
  • Biofouling Role in Mariculture Environment Restoration: An Example in the Mar Grande of Taranto (Mediterranean Sea)
  • An Integrated Monitoring Approach to the Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of an Inshore Mariculture Plant (Mar Grande of Taranto, Ionian Sea)
  • Nitrogen Metabolism at Tillering Stage Differently Affects the Grain Yield and Grain Protein Content in Two Durum Wheat Cultivars
  • Bioremediation Capabilities of Hymeniacidon perlevis (Porifera, Demospongiae) in a Land-Based Experimental Fish Farm
  • Invertebrate Diversity Associated With a Shallow Rhodolith Bed in the Mediterranean Sea (Mar Piccolo of Taranto, South-East Italy)
  • Anti-Fouling Activity and Toxicity of the Mediterranean Alien Sponge Paraleucilla magna Klautau, Monteiro & Borojevic, 2004 (Porifera, Calcarea)
  • Influence of an Innovative IMTA System (Mediterranean Sea, Italy) on Environmental and Biological Parameters: Seasonal Analysis
  • The REMEDIA LIFE Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture System as a Powerful Sponge Biomass Supply
  • Porifera in the REMEDIA LIFE Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) System
  • Do Sustainably Reared Marine Sponges Represent a Potential New Product in Aquariology? A Citizen Science-Based Approach
  • Metodologie di Allevamento di Poriferi in un Sistema di Acquacoltura Multi Trophica Integrata
  • Synthesis of Brominated Lactones Related to Mycalin A: Selective Antiproliferative Activity on Metastatic Melanoma Cells and Inhibition of the Cell Migration
  • Tethya meloni (Porifera, Demospongiae): A Promising Bioremediator Species and Source of Marine Natural Products
  • Integrated Study for the Assessment of an Inshore Mariculture Plant Impact on the Surrounding Environment (Ionian Sea)
  • Multi-Trophic Species Interactions in a Marine Bioremediation Model Assessment

 

Ali Mekki | Environmental science | Excellence in Research

Prof Ali Mekki  |  Environmental science |  Excellence in Research

Sfax University,  Tunisia

Professor Ali Mekki has over 20 years of teaching and research experience in Biological Engineering, focusing on Environmental Bioprocesses, Soil Science, and Biochemistry. He has made significant contributions in the field of Environmental Bioremediation, helping to advance sustainable practices in managing soil and environmental health.

 

Publication Profile

Education:

  • HDR in Biology – Sfax University, Tunisia (2015)
  • Doctorate in Biology – Sfax University, Tunisia (2006)
  • Master of Ecology – Sfax University, Tunisia (2002)
  • License in Natural Sciences – Sfax University, Tunisia (1998)
  • Bachelor of Experimental Science – Bourguiba School, Mahres, Sfax, Tunisia (1994)

Work Experience:

  • Since July 2018 – Present: Full Professor and Senior Researcher in Biological Engineering, Environmental Bioprocesses, Soil Biochemistry and Microbiology, Gafsa University and Sfax University, Tunisia
  • 2016 – 2018: Associate Professor, Head of the Experimental Station at Olive Tree Institute, Sfax, Tunisia
  • 2008 – 2016: Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Gafsa University, Tunisia
  • 2006 – 2008: Assistant in Metabolism Biochemistry and Enzymology, Gafsa University, Tunisia
  • 2002 – 2006: Contractual Assistant of Biochemistry and General Biology, Gafsa University, Tunisia
  • 2000 – 2002: Contractual Student Researcher, Sfax University, Tunisia

Teaching Activities:

  • Biochemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Biotechnology, Metabolism, Enzymology, Bioremediation, General Biology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Microbial Processes, Methanization.

International & National Research Projects:

  • Bilateral International Project IRD-CESBIO (France)-IO-IRESA-Tunisia: 2017-2020
  • International CLARA Project (EU 7th Framework Program): 2011-2014
  • International INCO-MED Project (Mediterranean Usage of Biotechnological Treated Effluent Water): ICA3-CT-1999-00010
  • Tuniso–Moroccan Project: 2006-2008

Academic Citations:

  • Total Citations: 1,398
  • Citations Since 2019: 796
  • H-Index: 16 (Overall), 15 (Since 2019)
  • I10-Index: 19 (Overall), 18 (Since 2019)

Publication Top Note:

  • Changes in microbial and soil properties following amendment with treated and untreated olive mill wastewater
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, S Sayadi
    Microbiological Research, 161(2), 93-101
    Citations: 281 (2006)
  • Polyphenols dynamics and phytotoxicity in a soil amended by olive mill wastewaters
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, S Sayadi
    Journal of Environmental Management, 84(2), 134-140
    Citations: 218 (2007)
  • Effects of olive mill wastewater application on soil properties and plant growth
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, S Sayadi
    International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, 2, 1-7
    Citations: 169 (2013)
  • Olive wastewater as an ecological fertilizer
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, F Aloui, S Sayadi
    Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 26(1), 61-67
    Citations: 141 (2006)
  • Assessment of toxicity of the untreated and treated olive mill wastewaters and soil irrigated by using microbiotests
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, F Feki, S Sayadi
    Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 69(3), 488-495
    Citations: 87 (2008)
  • Evolution of several soil properties following amendment with olive mill wastewater
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, S Sayadi
    Progress in Natural Science, 19(11), 1515-1521
    Citations: 83 (2009)
  • Long-term effects of olive mill wastewaters application on soil properties and phenolic compounds migration under arid climate
    O Meftah, Z Guergueb, M Braham, S Sayadi, A Mekki
    Agricultural Water Management, 212, 119-125
    Citations: 66 (2019)
  • Agro-physiological and biochemical responses of Sorghum bicolor in soil amended by olive mill wastewater
    L Bargougui, Z Guergueb, M Chaieb, M Braham, A Mekki
    Agricultural Water Management, 212, 60-67
    Citations: 46 (2019)
  • Study of heavy metal accumulation and residual toxicity in soil saturated with phosphate processing wastewater
    A Mekki, S Sayadi
    Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 228, 1-10
    Citations: 46 (2017)
  • Influence of biowaste compost amendment on soil organic carbon storage under arid climate
    A Mekki, F Aloui, S Sayadi
    Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 69(7), 867-877
    Citations: 32 (2019)