Prof. Ahmed Kettab - water - Best Researcher Award

National Polytechnic School-Algiers - Algeria

Author Profile

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Professor Kettab Ahmed began his academic journey at the national agronomic school of algiers (1972–1977), where he specialized in rural engineering with a focus on water treatment. his dedication to the water sector continued through a doctorate in engineering from the national polytechnic institute of lorraine, nancy, france (1979–1981). further strengthening his academic profile, he completed a research thesis at the national polytechnic institute of toulouse (1986–1990), followed by a postdoctoral position as an associated guest researcher at the same institute (1995–1996). his multidisciplinary foundation paved the way for a career that seamlessly bridged engineering sciences with real-world challenges, particularly integrating power electronics into water treatment technologies.

🧑‍🏫 Professional endeavors

Professor Ahmed currently serves as professor and director of research at the national polytechnic school, algiers. over four decades, he has held influential positions across national and international platforms. he has served as vice-president of the mediterranean network of engineering schools in france, coordinated the water mediterranean group (rmei), and founded the arab water council. at the national level, he has been instrumental in shaping water research through his leadership in the water sciences and research laboratory (lrs-eau), participation in the national academic commission (cun), and involvement in various national scientific councils and commissions. in his many roles, he consistently advocates for integrated approaches that combine traditional hydraulics with modern innovations, including power electronics for sustainable water infrastructure.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Professor Kettab has dedicated over 40 years to advancing water science and technology. his research spans technical, scientific, economic, institutional, and strategic dimensions of water water governance. he has contributed significantly to the development and implementation of strategies that ensure access to water in both quality and quantity. among his most notable initiatives is his coordination of the european eranetmed project "irrigation", which focuses on the reuse of treated wastewater in the mediterranean. his multidisciplinary approach often combines water systems with smart technologies, a field where power electronics is crucial for automation, energy efficiency, and control systems in modern water treatment plants.

🌍 Impact and influence

Professor Ahmed’s influence extends from algeria to the broader mediterranean, arab, and islamic countries. he is recognized as a global water expert and has worked with leading institutions water such as the global water council, the french academy of water, and the mediterranean water institute. he has also played a major role in organizing international conferences, symposiums, and collaborative research initiatives. his scientific insight and leadership have made him a key contributor to water policy, legal frameworks, and institutional reform across regions.

📚 Academic cites

His extensive work is reflected in contributions to scientific committees of renowned journals and participation in academic councils like the crstra and the national research program on water resources and environment. as a research professor, he has supervised numerous studies and mentored future water scientists. his presence in international scientific associations such as water aghtm, iwa, and iahs underlines his scholarly commitment and recognition by the global academic community.

🏆 Legacy and future contributions

Professor Kettab’s legacy lies in his unwavering dedication to the sustainable development of the water sector. he has inspired generations of researchers through his teaching, leadership, and vision. his future efforts are centered on fostering innovation, especially in the integration of cross-disciplinary approaches that merge science, policy, and engineering. with an enduring water passion for research and a strategic outlook, he continues to drive impactful initiatives that promise long-term benefits for water resource management and education.

Notable Publications

Title: Optimization and Validation of a Method Based on QuEChERS Extraction and Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Analysis for the Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Olive Fruits Irrigated with Treated Wastewaters
Author(s): Maria Concetta Bruzzoniti, Luca Rivoira, Michele Castiglioni, Donatella Fibbi, Massimo Del Bubba
Journal: Separations, 2022
Title: Mesoporous Materials for Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Wastewater
Author(s): Nabila Bensacia, Ioana Fechete, Khalida Boutemak, Ahmed Kettab
Journal: Book Chapter
Title: Removal of organic and nitrogen compounds from landfill leachates by coagulation, fenton, and adsorption coupling processes
Author(s): Nesrine Turki, Nesrine Boujelben, Zaineb Bakari, Ahmed Kettab, Jalel Bouzid
Journal: Desalination and Water Treatment, 2021
Title: Desalination Battery
Author(s): Zahra Pezeshki, Ahmed Kettab
Journal: Book Chapter
Title: The assessment and optimization of agricultural reuse of wastewater treatment by-products
Author(s): Hanane Bouanani, Ahmed Kettab, Nabila Bensacia, Youcef Djillali, Amina Lisaneddine
Journal: Desalination and Water Treatment, 2020

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Aditya Tripathi's academic journey began with a strong foundation in science. he completed his high school and intermediate education at kendriya vidyalaya, aliganj, excelling in subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics. his passion for scientific exploration led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in science from lucknow university, where he specialized in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. furthering his academic endeavors, he earned a master’s degree in environmental sciences from lucknow university, demonstrating a keen interest in ecological balance and sustainability. currently, he is pursuing his ph.d. in environmental sciences and engineering from the prestigious indian institute of technology (iit) ism dhanbad, focusing on wastewater treatment.

🌍 Professional endeavors

Aditya Tripathi has an extensive professional career that reflects his dedication to environmental science and education. he began as an environmental faculty lecturer at maa bhagwati group of institutions, lucknow. later, he worked as a junior research fellow at csir-nbri, lucknow, where he contributed to remote sensing-based research and ground measurements of leaf area index and net primary productivity in indian forests. his expertise further expanded as a project associate, working on iron and zinc biofortification in rice through integrated soil and microbial management. his role as an assistant professor at fairfield institute of management and technology (fimt), delhi, showcased his commitment to teaching and mentoring students in environmental sciences. he also served as an environmental scientist at enviro infra solutions, ghaziabad, focusing on environmental impact assessment and management planning. currently, he is associated with the open school of learning, university of delhi, as an academic counsellor and resource person.

🏢 Contributions and research focus

Aditya's research contributions span a wide spectrum of environmental issues. his work on spatio-temporal distribution of fluoride and arsenic levels in environmental matrices has provided crucial insights into soil chemistry and water contamination in uttar pradesh. his dissertation on biomedical waste management showcases his ability to analyze baseline data, anticipate Capacitive deionization environmental impacts, and propose mitigation measures. his fieldwork has taken him to diverse locations, including simlipal tiger reserve (orissa), pilibhit tiger reserve (uttar pradesh), and ntpc korba iron mines (chhattisgarh), enhancing his expertise in environmental assessment and conservation. his knowledge in wastewater treatment technologies, remote sensing, and gis further strengthens his contributions to the field.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Aditya Tripathi has earned recognition for his significant contributions to environmental research and academia. his roles in various prestigious institutions such as csir-nbri, iit ism dhanbad, and the university of delhi highlight his academic excellence. his involvement in environmental clearance projects, including assessments for la roche hotels and resorts in dehradun and Capacitive deionization wildlife clearance for infrastructure projects in uttar pradesh, underscores his impact on policy and sustainable development. as a dedicated educator, he has played an essential role in shaping future scientists and environmentalists through his teaching and mentorship.

👩‍🎓 Impact and influence

Through his academic and professional journey, aditya tripathi has significantly influenced environmental policies and education. his role in research projects related to soil and water analysis in multiple states has contributed to a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability. his expertise in teaching physics and chemistry for iit-jee/neet aspirants has empowered students Capacitive deionization with scientific knowledge. his administrative responsibilities at fimt, new delhi, including membership in disciplinary, research, sports, and environment committees, showcase his leadership and commitment to institutional growth.

🌱 Legacy and future contributions

With a strong foundation in research and education, aditya tripathi continues to make strides in environmental science. his dedication to wastewater treatment and ecological sustainability positions him as a future leader in environmental research. he aims to integrate innovative technologies with traditional environmental management techniques to address pressing global challenges. his continued research, teaching, and policy contributions will leave a lasting legacy in environmental conservation and sustainable development, inspiring future generations to pursue impactful careers in environmental sciences.

Notable Publications

Title: Understanding behaviour and performance of flow electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) during simultaneous selective removal of Chromium (Cr (VI)) and Fluoride from brackish water
Author(s): S. Dahiya, A. Singh, A. Tripathi, B.K. Mishra
Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering, 2025

Title: Next-Generation heavy metal water treatment: A primer on modified capacitive deionization
Author(s): A. Tripathi, S. Dahiya, B.K. Mishra
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024