Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel | Milieux aquatiques | Young Scientist Award
Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel, CEREGE – Aix Marseille université, France
Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel is a researcher in environmental chemistry, specializing in the risks associated with (nano)particle exposure in freshwater ecosystems. He holds a PhD (2020–2023) from Aix-Marseille University, focusing on the environmental impacts of tungsten-based nanomaterials. With research experience at CEREGE, France, and the University of Bejaia, Algeria, he has investigated nanoparticle aggregation, bio-lixiviation, and pollutant fate. He has presented at SETAC and Goldschmidt conferences and co-authored studies on nuclear dismantling exposure. Currently, he serves as an ATER at Aix-Marseille University. 🌍🔬📚
Publication Profile
🎓 Educational Background
Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel holds a PhD in Environmental Chemistry (2020–2023) from Aix-Marseille University, where he focused on the environmental risks associated with the life cycle of energy technologies, particularly the exposure and impacts of tungsten-based (nano)particles. He earned a Master’s degree (2018–2020) in Waste Management and Polluted Sites (GSDP, MAEVA) from Aix-Marseille University, conducting research at CEREGE. Prior to that, he completed a Master’s in Mineral Resource Valorization (2015–2017) at the University of Bejaia, Algeria. His academic journey has equipped him with expertise in environmental risk assessment, nanoparticle behavior, and sustainable resource management. 🌍🔬📚
🔬 Research Experience
Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel has gained extensive research experience in environmental chemistry and nanoparticle behavior. In 2020, he conducted a six-month research internship at CEREGE, Aix-en-Provence, France, studying the fate of TiO₂ and CeO₂ nanoparticles in freshwater ecosystems. In 2019, during a three-month internship at the same institute, he analyzed the hetero-aggregation kinetics of metal oxide nanoparticles with clays. Earlier, in 2017, he undertook a three-month research project at the BBBS Laboratory, University of Bejaia, Algeria, optimizing the physico-chemical parameters of bioleaching for gold ore mineralization. His work contributes to understanding environmental risks and nanoparticle interactions. 🌍🧪🔎
📚 Scientific Training
Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel is actively engaged in scientific training and outreach. Since 2020, he has participated in the Fête de la Science in Aix-en-Provence, France, presenting on nanoparticle properties 🧪🌍. In 2022, he completed the Aster’X training on X-ray spectroscopy, tomography, and emission analysis (32.5 hours) 🔬📊. Since 2023, he has been leading interactive workshops, including Fresques du Sol, de l’Économie Circulaire, Ma Terre en 180 Minutes, and Ma Terre en Classe, fostering environmental awareness and education 🌱📖. His contributions bridge scientific research and public engagement, promoting sustainability and technological understanding.
🎓 Teaching Experience
Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel has extensive teaching experience in environmental chemistry and geosciences. From 2020 to 2023, he served as a Teaching Associate (CME) at IUT d’Aix-Marseille, delivering practical chemistry courses in general and organic chemistry 🧪📚. He also developed a professional simulation project on water analysis 💧🔬. Since 2023, as a Temporary Lecturer and Researcher (ATER) at Aix-Marseille University (OSU Pythéas), he has been teaching biogeochemical cycles, soil science, ecotoxicology, and water chemistry 🌍📊. His expertise spans data analysis, GIS, and environmental risk assessment, integrating fieldwork and laboratory experiments to enhance student learning.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel specializes in environmental chemistry and nanoparticle ecotoxicology 🌍🧪. His research focuses on the behavior, fate, and environmental risks of metallic and engineered nanoparticles (e.g., tungsten, titanium dioxide, and cerium dioxide) in freshwater ecosystems 💧⚛️. He investigates nanoparticle aggregation, mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity in aquatic environments, assessing their impact on benthic organisms and water quality 🦠🦐. His work also contributes to nuclear decommissioning impact studies and sustainable waste management. His expertise spans biogeochemical cycles, soil-water interactions, and environmental risk assessment, advancing knowledge in pollution mitigation and ecosystem safety 🌱.
Publications Top Notes
1️⃣ Ouaksel A., Vidal V., Proux O., Pailles C., Rose J., Auffan M. (2023) – Coupling High-Energy Resolution Fluorescence Detected X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy with Microfluidic Cells for in Situ Monitoring of Tungsten Nanoparticles Redox Transformation. ACS Earth and Space Chemistry.
2️⃣ Ouaksel A., Carboni A., Slomberg D., Vidal V., Proux O., Santella C., Brousset L., Angeletti B., Thiéry A., Rose J., Auffan M. (2025) – Behavior and fate of ITER-like tungsten nanoparticles potentially released into freshwater ecosystems during tokamak reactor operation and maintenance. Journal of Hazardous Materials.
3️⃣ Slomberg D., Auffan M., Payet M., Carboni A., Ouaksel A., Brousset L., Angeletti B., Thiéry A., Grisolia C., Rose J. (2023) – Tritiated stainless steel (nano)particle release following a nuclear dismantling incident scenario: Significant exposure of freshwater ecosystem benthic zone. Journal of Hazardous Materials.