Mohamed Fawaz FAWZER | Urban Water Management | Best Researcher Award

Mr.Mohamed Fawaz FAWZER | Urban Water Management | Best Researcher Award

PhD student,Western Sydney University

Fawaz Fawzer is a dedicated researcher and chemical & environmental engineer specializing in water and wastewater treatment. Currently pursuing a PhD at Western Sydney University, he focuses on bacterial regrowth in chemically disinfected drinking water. With hands-on experience in process engineering, research, and academia, he has contributed to the design and optimization of water treatment systems. Fawaz has worked as a Research Assistant, Tutor, and Demonstrator, guiding students in laboratory experiments and theoretical studies. His professional background includes roles in pharmaceutical process engineering and industry-focused water treatment research. Passionate about sustainable solutions, he combines technical expertise with practical applications to address real-world water challenges.

profile

Scholar

Education 

Fawaz is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Engineering at Western Sydney University (2024–Present), focusing on bacterial regrowth in chlorinated drinking water. He holds an MPhil in Civil & Environmental Engineering (2021–2023) from the same institution, where he investigated bacterial survival in primary and secondary chlorinated water. His undergraduate degree is a BSc (Hons) in Chemical & Process Engineering (2013–2017) from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Additionally, he completed an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (2012–2013) from the Chartered Institute of Accountants (CIMA), UK, strengthening his expertise in financial and project management within engineering contexts.

Experience 

Fawaz has been a Research Assistant, Tutor, and Demonstrator at Western Sydney University (2021–Present), mentoring students and supporting research on smart chloraminated pilot plants. Since 2019, he has worked at Krispy Kreme Australia, managing production optimization and product formulations. Previously, he was a Project Process Engineer (2017–2019) at Premium International Technologies, Sri Lanka, contributing to large-scale pharmaceutical projects, designing process systems, and ensuring regulatory compliance. He also gained experience as an Engineering Trainee (2015–2016) at Premium International (Pvt) Ltd., Sri Lanka, assisting in conceptual design for manufacturing facilities and conducting feasibility studies.

Awards & Honors 

Fawaz has been recognized for his contributions to environmental engineering and water research. His work on bacterial regrowth in chlorinated drinking water has received academic and industry appreciation. He was awarded a Research Excellence Grant from Western Sydney University for his innovative studies in water treatment. Additionally, he received a Best Paper Presentation Award for his publication on chlorine decay in bulk water microbes. His contributions to process engineering projects earned him an Outstanding Project Engineer Award during his tenure at Premium International Technologies. His technical proficiency and commitment to sustainability have made him a recipient of multiple scholarships and research funding opportunities.

Research Focus 

Fawaz’s research primarily revolves around water and wastewater treatment, bacterial regrowth in chemically disinfected drinking water, and chlorine decay dynamics. His PhD work examines microbial survival in chlorinated water systems to enhance disinfection strategies. His previous studies have compared primary and secondary chlorination for bacterial control, providing insights into improving water quality management. Additionally, he explores smart water grids, process optimization in water treatment plants, and advanced water quality modeling. His research contributes to sustainable and efficient water management solutions, aiming to reduce contamination risks and enhance public health safety.

Conclusion

Fawaz Fawzer is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with expertise in water treatment, academic mentorship, and industry applications. Strengthening his publication record and research funding could further solidify his position as a leading researcher.

Publication

Title: Bulk Water Microbes Could Accelerate Chlorine Decay at Low Chlorine Concentrations
Year: 2025
Authors: MF Fawzer, G Kastl, KC Bal Krishna, I Fisher, A Sathasivan
Citation: Fawzer, M. F., Kastl, G., Bal Krishna, K. C., Fisher, I., & Sathasivan, A. (2025). Bulk Water Microbes Could Accelerate Chlorine Decay at Low Chlorine Concentrations. Water, 17(5), 624.

Amazigh Ouaksel | Milieux aquatiques | Young Scientist Award

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

Scopus

🎓 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.