Majdi Benamara | Environmental Engineering | Breakthrough Research Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Majdi Benamara | Environmental Engineering | Breakthrough Research Award

Postdoc | University of Minho | Portugal

Dr. Majdi Benamara is a dedicated researcher in physics whose work spans advanced functional materials, nanostructured oxides, and energy‐related applications. With a publication record of 22 peer-reviewed articles, his contributions demonstrate strong expertise in semiconductor metal oxides, ferroelectric thin films, photocatalysts, and gas-sensing materials. His research consistently integrates experimental synthesis, structural and electrical characterization, and application-driven performance evaluation. Over the years, he has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams across Switzerland, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, and Tunisia, contributing to internationally relevant projects focused on sustainable materials and next-generation electronic devices. His recent appointment as a researcher at EMPA – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology reflects his growing impact in advanced materials engineering, particularly in building energy materials and hybrid oxide systems. Previous research experience at the University of Minho involved ferroelectricity in binary oxide thin films for high-performance capacitors, further solidifying his expertise in electronic materials and thin-film technologies. Earlier roles and internships at Materia Nova (Belgium), the University of Aveiro (Portugal), and the University of Sevilla (Spain) contributed to his strong technical foundation in sol–gel chemistry, supercritical drying, spark plasma sintering, pulsed laser deposition, and ion-beam sputtering. Dr. Benamara’s work has generated advances in gas sensors for environmental monitoring, visible-light photocatalysts for pollutant degradation, and doped oxide systems for electronic and dielectric applications. His collaborations with leading researchers and laboratories have strengthened his scientific visibility and enabled the development of innovative materials addressing global challenges in air quality, environmental remediation, and sustainable energy technologies. Through his consistent scholarly output and broad experimental capabilities, he continues to contribute significantly to the progress of materials science and applied physics on an international scale.

Profile: Google Scholar
Publications

1. Bembibre, A., Benamara, M., Hjiri, M., Gómez, E., Alamri, H. R., Dhahri, R., & others. (2022). Visible-light driven sonophotocatalytic removal of tetracycline using Ca-doped ZnO nanoparticles. Chemical Engineering Journal, 427, 132006.

2. Jaballah, S., Benamara, M., Dahman, H., Ly, A., Lahem, D., Debliquy, M., & El Mir, L. (2020). Effect of Mg-doping ZnO nanoparticles on detection of low ethanol concentrations. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 255, 123643.

3. Jaballah, S., Benamara, M., Dahman, H., Lahem, D., Debliquy, M., & El Mir, L. (2020). Formaldehyde sensing characteristics of calcium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles-based gas sensor. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 31(11), 8230–8239.

4. Benamara, M., Gómez, E., Dhahri, R., & Serrà, A. (2021). Enhanced photocatalytic removal of cyanotoxins by Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles with visible-LED irradiation. Toxins, 13(1), 66.

5. Benamara, M., Massoudi, J., Dahman, H., Dhahri, E., El Mir, L., Ly, A., & others. (2020). High response to sub-ppm level of NO₂ with 50% RH of ZnO sensor obtained by an auto-combustion method. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 31(17), 14249–14260.

Nelson Rubens Nascimento Del’Antonio | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Prof. Dr. Nelson Rubens Nascimento Del’Antonio | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Federal Institute of Education | Brazil

Prof. Dr. Nelson Rubens Nascimento Del’Antonio’s research focuses on environmental engineering with emphasis on water treatment, effluent management, and pulp and paper industry sustainability. His studies contribute significantly to improving industrial wastewater quality through the application of activated carbon and sequencing batch reactors in treating kraft pulp mill effluents. Nelson’s work explores the reduction of chronic toxicity and estrogenicity in pulp mill discharges, promoting environmentally safer industrial practices. His investigations into the influence of process variables—such as acid leaching of wood chips and maintenance shutdowns—highlight the relationship between production efficiency and environmental performance. Through multiple collaborations with experts like Cláudio Mudadu Silva and Jorge Luiz Colodette, Nelson integrates applied chemistry, hydrology, and industrial ecology to enhance effluent biodegradability and optimize pulp bleaching processes. His scholarly output in leading journals such as Chemosphere, Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal, and International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology demonstrates technical depth and practical impact in environmental sustainability. In addition to his research, Nelson’s professional experience includes teaching and technical leadership roles in environmental regulation, hydrological management, and industrial sanitation, providing him a holistic understanding of environmental systems and policy frameworks. His academic trajectory reflects a continuous commitment to developing eco-efficient technologies and advancing environmental quality standards within the forest-based and manufacturing sectors. Nelson Rubens Nascimento Del’Antonio has achieved substantial recognition through his multidisciplinary approach, integrating science, engineering, and environmental management to contribute toward sustainable industrial development and improved water resource protection.

Profile: ORCID
Featured Publications

Del’Antonio, N. R. N., Amaral, J. P., & Silva, C. M. (2025). Effect of adding powdered activated carbon in sequencing batch activated sludge reactors for treating pulp mill effluents. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology.

Del’Antonio, N. R. N., Mounteer, A. H., da Silva, P. R., Monteiro, K. A., Furley, T. H., & Silva, C. M. (2025). Reduction of chronic toxicity and estrogenicity in kraft pulp mill effluents through the addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) in sequencing batch activated sludge reactors (SBR). Chemosphere.

Del’Antonio, N. R. N., Silva, C. M., de Oliveira, K. D., Nascimento, B. A., & Amaral, J. P. F. (2025). Evaluation of the potential use of powdered activated carbon in the treatment of effluents from bleached kraft pulp mills. Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal.

Del’Antonio, N. R. N., Fioreze, M., Caliari, M., Amaral, J. P., & Silva, C. M. (2023). Effects of programmed maintenance shutdowns on effluent quality of a bleached kraft pulp mill. Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal.