Mahmoud Bali | Wastewater Treatment | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Mahmoud Bali | Wastewater Treatment | Best Researcher Award

Professor | University of Gabes | Tunisia

Prof. Mahmoud Bali, Associate Professor at the Higher Institute of Water Sciences and Techniques, University of Gabès, Tunisia, is a distinguished environmental geologist renowned for his innovative research in wastewater treatment, water quality management, and sustainable environmental technologies. He holds a Habilitation (HDR) in Environmental Geology, a Doctorate in Geological Sciences, a DEA in Environmental Geology, and a Master’s in Natural Sciences from the University of El Manar, Tunisia. His professional journey spans academic leadership, research supervision, and environmental consultancy, serving notably as Head of the Department of Water Resources and Director of the Common Service Unit at the University of Gabès. Dr. Bali’s research centers on eco-friendly wastewater purification systems, magnetic water treatment, infiltration–percolation modeling, and advanced oxidation processes, contributing significantly to sustainable water management in arid regions. He has authored extensively in high-impact international journals, holds several international patents, and actively participates in European Union–funded projects focused on ecological sanitation and water reuse. His numerous honors include the ISESCO Prize for Environmental Management in the Islamic World, along with editorial board roles and memberships in prominent international scientific committees. A recognized leader in environmental innovation and applied hydrogeology, Dr. Bali’s scholarly impact is reflected in his 301 citations, 26 publications, and an h-index of 8, underscoring his enduring contributions to environmental and water sciences.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Fitouri, S., Hecini, L., Lissir, B., & Bali, M. (2025). Urban wastewater treatment by coupling infiltration–percolation and electrocoagulation processes for reuse. Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration.

2. Bali, M. (2025). Development of a biochar/chalcopyrite photocatalyst for efficient treatment of Moorish bath wastewater using solar irradiation. Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration.

3. Tlili, H., Bali, M., & Boukchina, R. (2025). Seasonal evaluation of pollutant removal in a vertical constructed wetland in Tunisia’s arid climate. International Journal of Phytoremediation.

4. Bali, M. (2025). Physicochemical and geotechnical evaluation of stability of natural smectite/kaolinite soils as geological discharge site of acidic solid waste in Tunisia. Studia Quaternaria.

Nashwa Sallam | Biological Control | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Nashwa Sallam | Biological Control | Women Researcher Award

Faculty of Agriculture | Assiut University | Egypt 

Prof. Dr. Nashwa Mohamed Atef Ahmed Sallam is a prominent researcher in plant pathology at Assiut University, Egypt, whose scientific contributions have significantly advanced sustainable plant disease management and biological control strategies. Her research primarily focuses on understanding the complex interactions between plants and pathogenic microorganisms, particularly fungi and bacteria, and developing eco-friendly biocontrol approaches to replace conventional chemical treatments. Dr. Sallam has extensively investigated the use of beneficial microorganisms such as Bacillus spp., Trichoderma spp., and endophytic yeasts to suppress soil-borne and foliar diseases in economically important crops including tomato, onion, pepper, and legumes. Her pioneering studies have demonstrated the potential of microbial metabolites, essential oils, and plant extracts in inducing systemic resistance and enhancing crop resilience under biotic stress. With over thirty peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals, she has established herself as a respected voice in biological pest control, postharvest disease suppression, and microbial biotechnology. Her collaborative research with global institutions, including the University of Hohenheim and the Biologische Bundesanstalt für Land-und Forstwirtschaft in Germany, reflects her international engagement and leadership in advancing phytopathological sciences. Through innovative experimentation and integrated disease management approaches, Dr. Sallam’s work has contributed to improving agricultural productivity, environmental safety, and global food security. Her research not only provides a scientific foundation for sustainable crop protection but also inspires the next generation of scientists to pursue environmentally responsible solutions to plant health challenges.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Zhang, X., Yang, Q., Solairaj, D., Sallam, N. M. A., Zhu, M., You, S., & Zhang, H. (2024). Volatile organic compounds of Wickerhamomyces anomalus prevent postharvest black spot disease in tomato. Foods, 13(12), 1949.

El-Fawy, M. M., Abo-Elyousr, K. A. M., Sallam, N. M. A., El-Sharkawy, R. M. I., & Ibrahim, Y. E. (2023). Fungicidal effect of guava wood vinegar against Colletotrichum coccodes causing black dot disease of potatoes. Horticulturae, 9(6), 710.

Imran, M., Abo-Elyousr, K. A. M., Al-Harbi, M. S., Ali, E. F., Sallam, N. M. A., & Bagy, H. M. M. K. (2022). Antibacterial efficacy of clove essential oil against Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. phaseoli and its influence on pathogen responses in bean. Gesunde Pflanzen, 74, 705–715.

Abo-Elyousr, K. A. M., Imran, M., Almasoudi, N. M., Ali, E. F., Hassan, S., Sallam, N. M. A., Youssef, K., Abdel-Rahim, I. R., & Bagy, H. M. M. K. (2022). Controlling of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli by induction of phenolic compounds in bean plants using salicylic and benzoic acids. Journal of Plant Pathology, 104, 1335–1345.

Abo-Elyousr, K. A. M., Ali, E. F., & Sallam, N. M. A. (2022). Alternative control of tomato wilt using the aqueous extract of Calotropis procera. Horticulturae, 8(3), 197.