Ali Mekki | Environmental science | Excellence in Research

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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)

 

 

Nitasha Vig | Environment Science | Young Scientist Award

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Dr Nitasha Vig |  Environment Science |  Young Scientist Award

Trinity Western University,  Canada

Nitasha Vig is a dedicated educator and researcher with over 5 years of experience in environmental pollution and its implications on public health. Currently serving as a Sessional Instructor at LaSalle College Vancouver, she specializes in Environmental Science and Sustainable Design. Nitasha is adept at translating complex environmental science concepts into engaging lessons, fostering student understanding, and promoting impactful learning experiences.

Publication Profile

🎓 Education:

  • MBA (International Business) | Trinity Western University, BC (2024-2026)
  • Ph.D. (Environmental Studies) | Panjab University, Chandigarh, India (2016-2023)
    Thesis: Environmental Impact of Coal Thermal Power Plants.
  • M.Sc. (Environmental Science) | Panjab University, India (2013-2015)
  • B.Ed. | Kurukshetra University, India (2012-2013)
  • B.Sc. (Microbiology) | Panjab University, India (2009-2012)

🧑‍🏫 Teaching & Research Interests:

  • 🌫 Environmental Pollution (Air, Soil, Water)
  • ♻️ Environmental Management
  • 💡 Sustainability & Public Health
  • 🔬 Advanced Instrumentation (Mass Spectroscopy, XRD, SEM-EDS)
  • 🌱 Agriculture

💼 Key Professional Roles:

  • Instructor (LaSalle College Vancouver, BC)
    Teaching Environmental Science and Sustainable Design.
  • Project Coordinator
    Community Environmental Empowerment Program (CEEP) at Panjab University, India.
  • Research Associate
    Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Clean Cooking Fuel Project.
  • Scientist B
    Air quality and health studies funded by the Department of Science & Technology, India.

🏆 Achievements:

  • 🥇 Gold Medalist in Medical Lab Technology
  • 🏅 Best Oral Presentation Award, 2021
  • 🏆 1st Prize at Chandigarh Science Congress, 2022

🌱 Research Focus

  • Environmental Pollution & Management
  • Public Health Risks
  • Agricultural Sustainability

Publication Top Notes

  • Ravindra, K., Vig, N., Biswal, M., Sehgal, R., & Mor, S. (2024). Characterization and Morphometric Identification of Household Fan Dust and its Human Health-Risk Implications. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 235(10), 614.
  • Ravindra, K., Vig, N., Chhoden, K., Narayan, S., & Mor, S. (2024). Impact of Massive Flood on Drinking Water Quality and Community Health Risk Assessment in Patna, Bihar, India. Sustainable Water Resources Management, 10(3), 104.
  • Ravindra, K., Vig, N., Agarwal, N., Attri, S.V., & Mor, S. (2024). Metal Contamination of Different Water Categories and Surface Soil Near Thermal Power Plants at Varied Geographic Sites of India and Their Health Risk Assessment. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 235(2), 152.
  • Mor, S., Vig, N., Mehta, S.K., & Ravindra, K. (2024). Physico-chemical Characterization of Coal Combustion By-products Derived from Thermoelectric Power Plants. Environment, Development and Sustainability. (Article in Press).
  • Vig, N., Ravindra, K., & Mor, S. (2023). Environmental Impacts of Indian Coal Thermal Power Plants and Associated Human Health Risk to the Nearby Residential Communities: A Potential Review. Chemosphere, 341, 140103.
  • Vig, N., Ravindra, K., & Mor, S. (2023). Heavy Metal Pollution Assessment of Groundwater and Associated Health Risks Around Coal Thermal Power Plant, Punjab, India. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 20(6), 6259–6274.
  • Vig, N., Ravindra, K., & Mor, S. (2023). Evaluation of Groundwater for Drinking and Irrigation Applications Concerning Physicochemical and Ionic Parameters Through Multiple Indexing Approach: A Case Study Around the Industrial Zone, Punjab, India. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 45(5), 2077–2097.
  • Vig, N., Mor, S., & Ravindra, K. (2023). The Multiple Value Characteristics of Fly Ash from Indian Coal Thermal Power Plants: A Review. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195(1), 33.
  • Kaur, K., Mor, S., Vig, N., & Ravindra, K. (2022). Assessing the Risk of Landfill Leachate on the Groundwater Quality of Chandigarh. Journal of Environmental Biology, 43(4), 593–603.
  • Mor, S., Vig, N., & Ravindra, K. (2022). Distribution of Heavy Metals in Surface Soil Near a Coal Power Production Unit: Potential Risk to Ecology and Human Health. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 194(4), 263.

 

 

 

Apourv Pant | Environment Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Apourv Pant | Environment Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Scientist -D at  IIT -Kanpur,  India

Dr. Apourv Pant is a Scientist-C at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in Bengaluru. He holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s in Environmental Science from Govindh Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. With over seven years of experience, Dr. Pant has led significant research projects on environmental chemicals, air pollution, and their impacts on public health, including studies on cancer incidence and the effectiveness of telemedicine for diabetes management. His work focuses on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and health technology assessments, contributing to policy-making. Dr. Pant has co-authored book chapters and is a member of professional bodies like SETAC and Cochrane Collaboration.

Publication profile:

🎓 Academic and Professional Background:

Dr. Apourv Pant holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Govindh Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. With over seven years of expertise in environmental solutions and public health, he has led various government-backed projects addressing environmental chemicals, air pollution, and their health impacts. As a Scientist-C at ICMR, Bengaluru, he focuses on systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and health technology assessments.

🔬 Research and Innovations:

  • Key Projects:
    • Air Pollution & Cancer Incidence
    • Telemedicine in Diabetes Management
  • Publications: Featured in high-impact journals like Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.
  • Book Contributions: Co-authored chapters, such as Plant Adaptation to Recalcitrant Chemicals.
  • Collaborations: Partnered with the National Institute of Hydrology and Wildlife Institute of India.

🧪 Areas of Research:

  • Environmental Science
  • Air Pollution
  • Bioremediation
  • Public Health
  • Health Technology Assessments

🏆 Contributions:

Dr. Pant’s research has provided crucial insights into the environmental hazards of chemicals, bioremediation of polluted sites, and the effects of air pollution on public health. His work has influenced policy-making through systematic reviews and health technology assessments, particularly concerning cancer and diabetes care in India.

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • Toxicological effect, bioaccumulative potential, and risk assessment of endosulfan
    K. Bhanot, A. Pant
    Hazardous Chemicals, 137-155, 2025
  • Ethical Considerations in the Management of Orthopedic Surgery Waste: Balancing Environmental Protection and Participant Safety
    A. Kar, A. Pant, R. Shah
    Cureus, 16(9), 2024
  • Treatment of pulp and paper mill effluent through combined aerobic and anaerobic suspended fixed‐bed bioreactor
    A. Pant, A.K. Dwivedi, S. Murasingh, D. Singh, M. Mayank, C.S.P. Ojha
    Water Environment Research, 96(9), e11133, 2024
  • The clinical effectiveness of telemedicine for managing type 2 diabetes in India: a meta-analysis of the impact of telemedicine with clinic visits
    A. Nath, S. Mathew, A. Pant, Y. Thadi
    Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, 1-10, 2024
  • Assessing the global impact of ambient air pollution on cancer incidence and mortality: A comprehensive meta-analysis
    T. Ramamoorthy, A. Nath, S. Singh, S. Mathew, A. Pant, S. Sheela, G. Kaur, …
    JCO Global Oncology, 10, e2300427, 2024
  • Interaction among heavy metals in landfill leachate and their effect on the phytoremediation process of Indian Marigold
    A. Bhagwat, C.S.P. Ojha, A. Pant, R. Kumar
    Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste, 27(1), 04022039, 2023
  • Numerical groundwater modelling for studying surface water-groundwater interaction and impact of reduced draft on groundwater resources in central Ganga basin
    S. Kumar, A.K. Dwivedi, C.S.P. Ojha, V. Kumar, A. Pant, P.K. Mishra, N. Patidar, …
    Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering, 19(11), 11114-11136, 2022
  • Application of Biochar on methane production through organic solid waste and ammonia inhibition
    A. Pant, J.P.N. Rai
    Environmental Challenges, 5, 100262, 2021
  • Assessing efficiency and economic viability in treating leachates emanating from the municipal landfill site at Gazipur, India
    A. Bhagwat, R. Kumar, C.S.P. Ojha, M.K. Sharma, A. Pant, B. Sharma, J.V. Tyagi
    Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 1-13, 2021
  • Impact of chlorpyrifos, TCP and N-substituted aromatic compounds on methane production from organic solid waste (OSW) using co-culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and …
    A. Pant, J.P.N. Rai
    Biofuels, 4, 2020
  • Biosurfactants Enhanced Methane Production from Organic Solid Waste using Co-culture of Methanosarcina mazei and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    A. Pant, J.P.N. Rai
    Journal of Biofuels, 11(1), 9-21, 2020
  • Spatiotemporal Trends of Microplastics Loading in the Sediments of River Ganga: First Observation on Occurrence, Identification and Quantification
    A. Baroth, A. Pant, R. Sah, S.A. Hussain, P. Chaudhary
    *SETAC Europe 29th Annual Meeting, Society of Environmental Toxicology And …, 2019
  • Bioremediation of chlorpyrifos contaminated soil by two phase bioslurry reactor: Processes evaluation and optimization by Taguchi’s design of experimental (DOE) methodology
    A. Pant, J.P.N. Rai
    Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 150, 305-311, 2018
  • Chlorpyrifos biodegradation and its process optimization employing Biphasic Bioslurry Bioreactor System (BBBS)
    A. Pant
    GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263145 (Uttarakhand), 2018
  • Plant adaptation strategies in changing environment
    V. Shukla, S. Kumar, N. Kumar
    Springer Singapore, 31, 2017
  • Nanotechnology Based Medication Conveyance at Cellular Level – A Review
    S. Kumar, A. Pant, P. Barteja
    Journal of Pure Applied and Industrial Physics, 7(6), 257-263, 2017
  • Plant adaptation to recalcitrant chemicals
    H. Khatoon, A. Pant, J.P.N. Rai
    Plant adaptation strategies in changing environment, 269-290, 2017
  • Effect of Liquid Polymer Stabilizer on geotechnical properties of fine-grained soil
    P.K. Kolay, A. Pant, V.K. Puri, S. Kumar
    Indian Geotechnical Conference IGC2016, 15-17, 2016
  • Water and climate change adaptation: Focus on the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system
    H.R. Hosterman, P.G. McCornick, E.J. Kistin, A. Pant, B.R. Sharma, L. Bharati
    International Water Management Institute, 2009
  • Mechanical properties of MoSi {sub 2}/SiC/20w net shape composites
    W. Chen, R. Sood, A. Pant
    American Ceramic Society, Westerville, OH (United States), 1996