Salma Fatnassi | Soil | Soil Health Advocate Award

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Dr. Salma Fatnassi | Soil | Soil Health Advocate Award

National Institute of Research in Rural Eaux and Forets | Tunisia

Salma Fatnassi is a researcher in soil science and environmental geochemistry whose work focuses on understanding the behavior of micronutrients and trace metals in agricultural systems irrigated with treated wastewater, generating important knowledge on soil–water–plant interactions and contaminant mobility. Her research involves designing and managing collaborative studies that assess soil contamination risks, nutrient cycling, and the environmental sustainability of wastewater reuse in agriculture. She is skilled in soil and water sampling, geochemical laboratory techniques, environmental monitoring, and the application of statistical and spatial tools for interpreting complex environmental datasets. With strong expertise in data analysis using R, Excel, ArcGIS, and SPSS, she evaluates metal bioavailability, transport pathways, and ecological impacts with high analytical rigor. Her scientific contributions include 4 published documents, 24 citations, and an h-index of 3, reflecting her growing influence in the field. Salma Fatnassi has also strengthened her methodological foundation through training in bibliographic research, pedagogy, statistical analysis, and innovative water treatment technologies, enabling her to support interdisciplinary and international research collaborations. Overall, her work advances sustainable soil and water management, improves understanding of trace element dynamics, and supports evidence-based environmental protection strategies in agricultural ecosystems.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Fatnassi, S., Hörmann, G., Fohrer, N., Navarro-Pedreño, J., & Hachicha, M. (2025). Boron in soil, drainage water and groundwater in long-term irrigated area by treated wastewater in Northeast Tunisia. Soil Systems.

Shivanand Pawar | Soil Science | Best Faculty Award

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Dr. Shivanand Pawar | Soil Science | Best Faculty Award

Jain University | India

Dr. Shivanand Pawar’s research demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing sustainable rural development through evidence-based community education interventions. His work focuses on assessing how structured community engagement can drive measurable progress toward Sustainable Development Goals, particularly within rural settings. By designing and implementing a comprehensive Sustainable Rural Community Development Module, he conducted an empirical study involving women, farmers, and youth, applying quantitative interviews, focus group discussions, observational follow-ups, and pre- and post-intervention assessments to examine shifts in awareness, participation, and community-led action. The study generated valuable insights into how targeted education can strengthen human capital, enhance local capacities, and support long-term sustainability outcomes. His intervention model emphasizes participatory learning, social inclusion, and empowerment as core drivers of development, ultimately positioning community education as a transformative tool for rural advancement. The research has resulted in recognized scholarly contributions, including an award-winning paper on human capital and sustainable development. His academic impact is reflected in an h-index of 2, citation count of 22, and an i10-index of 1, indicating growing influence in the field of social work and sustainable development research. These metrics highlight both the relevance and emerging impact of his contributions toward advancing community-centered development practices.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Pawar, S. (2025). Human capital and stakeholder engagement intervention: A women empowerment pathway to achieve sustainable community development in water, sanitation, and hygiene at Vaijapur Village of Karnataka, India.

Pawar, S. (2023). Influence of decision-making styles and affective styles on academic procrastination among students.

Pawar, S. (2022). Internet gaming disorder among adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic: A case report of Kerala students, India

Pawar, S. (2022). Psychological wellbeing status of Schedule Caste during COVID-19 pandemic of Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu, India

Alassane Boukari soumaila | Soil Remediation | Soil Remediation Innovation Award

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Dr. Alassane Boukari soumaila | Soil Remediation | Soil Remediation Innovation Award

Dr. Alassane Boukari Soumaila, Institut National Polytechnique FELIX HOUPHOUET BOIGNY, Ivory Coast

Dr. Alassane Boukari Soumaila is a PhD-Engineer in Environmental Management from the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB), Côte d’Ivoire. His expertise spans environmental impact assessments, mine site rehabilitation, and environmental auditing. With a strong background in mining and environmental sciences, he has contributed to research on soil and water pollution from gold mining in West Africa. Dr. Soumaila is a published researcher, scientific trainer, and recipient of the U7+ Student Challenge Prize in Canada. He is also actively involved in academic networks and international workshops focused on sustainable mining and environmental governance.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Dr. Alassane Boukari Soumaila is a dynamic environmental researcher whose work in mining site assessment and soil contamination in West Africa is scientifically rigorous and socially relevant. His academic foundation, real-world engagement, and regional leadership in research make him a strong contender for the Soil Remediation Innovation Award. His research contributes valuable data and analysis critical for developing sustainable soil remediation strategies in post-mining environments.

🎓 Education

Alassane Boukari Soumaila holds a PhD in Environmental Management from the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire (2020–2024). He earned an Integrated Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey (2018–2019), and previously completed an Engineering degree in Mining and Environmental Studies at the School of Mining, Industry and Geology (EMIG), Niamey (2015–2017). He also holds a Senior Oilfield Technician certificate (2015–2016) and a Bachelor’s degree in Bio-Geoscience and Environment from Abdou Moumouni University (2012–2015).

💼Experience

He has served in various capacities including Environmental Manager at UBO GAZ (2020–2021), Health, Safety and Environment Manager with NGO GVD Africa (2019–2020), and intern in occupational safety at SORAZ Refinery (2018). His engineering internships include roles at SOMAÏR, focusing on optimization of sulfuric acid use in uranium ore treatment and on-site safety management. Additionally, he co-founded Cabinet Plead in Niger to mentor students and professionals in scientific and documentary research. From 2021 to 2023, he served as the Communications Secretary for the PhD student network at INP-HB and completed his National Civic Service in the Ministry of Mines in Niger.

🔬Research Focus

His research interests lie in post-mining environmental impacts, soil contamination by trace metals, and environmental monitoring. He has contributed to environmental assessments of gold mining impacts on water and soil in Guinea and Niger. Notable published works include studies on the Komabangou gold mining area and groundwater impacts in Kiniéro. He was awarded the U7+ 3rd Prize in Ottawa, Canada in 2023, and is a laureate of the Eugen Ionescu AUF scholarship in Romania.

🛠️Skills

Alassane specializes in environmental impact assessments, environmental auditing, waste management, health and safety, and scientific research training. He is skilled in software such as Microsoft Office, XLStat, Origin, and Surpac. His personal strengths include thoroughness, team spirit, dynamism, and strong communication.

🏆Awards

Alassane has actively participated in international symposia and workshops across Canada, Romania, Morocco, France, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso. These include the “Mining the Connections” Conference (Morocco, 2024), EUR TESS School on Spectral Measurements (Côte d’Ivoire, 2022), and the Journées Scientifiques du CAMES (Senegal, 2023). He has also contributed papers on eco-materials and mining restoration efforts.

📚 Publications

  1. Title: Kinetics of Potentially Toxic Elements Decontamination of Soil at Komabangou Gold Mine Using Indigenous Plants
    Author: Soumaila Alassane Boukari
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Results in Engineering

  2. Title: Morphological and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Soils from Gold Panning in Komabangou, Niger
    Author: Soumaila Alassane Boukari
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Key Engineering Materials

     

  3. Title: Contents of Metallic Elements and Pollution Parameters in the Soil of Komabangou Gold Mining Area in Niger
    Author: Soumaila Alassane Boukari
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Journal of Materials and Environmental Science

Conclusion:

Dr. Soumaila’s experience and contributions position him well for the award, especially given his commitment to environmental impact studies in challenging contexts. With additional emphasis on active remediation innovation and broader dissemination of his findings, he could emerge as a leading voice in soil remediation science on the African continent and beyond.