Biography:

Layla Salih Al-Omran is interested in analysis of organic and inorganic pollutants in both biotic and abiotic samples. She has an extensive experience in human exposure assessments of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in indoor dust. She has built this experience during her PhD study at University of Birmingham, UK. The study involves investigating of the most important factors that affects human exposure assessments of legacy and novel brominated flame retardants via indoor dust ingestion, such as spatial and temporal variations, dust particle size, sampling methods, dust loading and organic carbon content. It has been suggested that without taking into account all of these factors, the exposure assessment will not be an entirely representative metric of exposure. This work is a part of her PhD thesis at University of Birmingham UK during 2012-2016. She has published four research papers regarding to these factors.

Abstract:

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are industrial chemicals widely used in consumer products to enhance their ignition resistance. Since in most applications these chemicals are used additively, they can transfer from such products into the environment. The toxicity of some BFRs has led to concern about human exposure. Ingestion of indoor settled dust appears to represent a major pathway of exposure to BFRs. However, assessment of human exposure is rendered uncertain because of a lack of knowledge about spatial and temporal variation, dust particle size and sampling collection method. Thus, the study aims to investigate the most important factors influencing human exposure assessments of BFRs via indoor dust ingestion. Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and selected novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) were measured in 305 indoor dust samples from different homes in Birmingham, UK. Our results revealed that substantial withinroom and within-home spatial variability in BFR concentrations was apparent between two floor areas and between elevated surface and floor dust, due to the varying distances of sampled surfaces from potential BFR sources. BFR concentrations in elevated surface dust exceeded significantly those in floor dust from the same rooms. Considerable within-room and withinhome temporal variability in BFR concentrations was apparent over a nine month sampling period, that is likely attributable to changes in room contents. Exposure estimates based on analysis of a dust sample taken from one specific floor area at one specific point in time may not be entirely representative of human exposure in that room. While concentrations of higher brominated compounds did not differ significantly between different dust particle size fractions, those of lower brominated compounds were significantly higher in the finest particle size, underlining the importance of selecting the most appropriate dust particle size for the purpose of exposure assessment. BFR concentrations in researcher-collected dust were higher than those in household vacuum dust. Recent Publications 1. Bj�rklund, J A, U Sellstrom, C A de Wit, M Aune, S Lignell and P O Darnerud (2012) Comparisons of polybrominated diphenyl ether and hexabromocyclododecane concentrations in dust collected with two sampling methods and matched breast milk samples. Indoor Air 22(4):279-288. 2. Cao Z G, G Yu, Y S Chen, Q M Cao, H Fiedler, S B Deng, J Huang and B Wang (2012) Particle size: a missing factor in risk assessment of human exposure to toxic chemicals in settled indoor dust. Environment International 49:24-30. 3. Fang M and H M Stapleton (2014) Evaluating the bioaccessibility of flame retardants in house dust using an in vitro tenax bead-assisted sorptive physiologically based method. Environmental Science & Technology 48(22):13323-13330. 4. Mercier F, P Glorennec, O Thomas and B Le Bot (2011) Organic contamination of settled house dust, a review for exposure assessment purposes. Environmental Science & Technology 45(16):6716-6727. 5. Muenhor D and S Harrad (2012) Within-room and within-building temporal and spatial variations in concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in indoor dust. Environment International 47:23-27.

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Dr. Ali-Löytty has completed his PhD in physics in 2013 from Tampere University of Technology, Finland. After graduation, he visited SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University, California as postdoctoral scholar. Dr. Ali-Löytty is specialized in surface science research utilizing synchrotron light mediated methods, and he is a board member of the Finnish Synchrotron Radiation Users' Organization. Currently, Dr. Ali-Löytty holds a research post as Postdoctoral Researcher at the Academy of Finland focusing on research on photonic materials for solar fuel production.

Abstract:

Solar fuels could resolve the increasing demand for energy in future if only materials solutions capable for high solar-to-fuel (STF) efficiency at cheap price are found. Solar fuels can be produced in photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) that consist of electrodes made of photoactive materials that are coated with electrocatalyst materials. Currently, the STF efficiency of PECs is largely limited by the lack of efficient electrocatalyst materials. Limiting reaction steps include the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) and the CO2 Reduction Reaction (CO2RR), which are crucial for solar hydrogen and hydrocarbon fuel production using only sunlight, water and carbon dioxide as raw materials. Operando analysis of reaction intermediates at the solid-liquid interface provides fundamental understanding of catalytic reaction mechanisms and structure-activity/ selectivity relationships, which can guide the design of superior electrocatalysts. At present, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) probing of the solid-liquid interface is limited to electrochemical operation at rather low current densities. Recently, ???tender??? X-ray Ambient Pressure XPS and a dip-and-pull electrochemical cell depicted in the Fig. 1 were utilized to study Ni???Fe electrocatalyst at different potentials [1]. The approach allowed operando measurements just above the onset of OER. A two-dimension model was used to describe the spatial distribution of electrochemical potential, current density and pH as a function of the position above the electrolyte meniscus and to provide guidance towards enabling the acquisition of operando XPS at high current density. The current density of 10 mA/cm2 is the desired operation condition in photoelectrochemical devices. New electrochemical cell designs and early results allowing higher current densities will be presented. Recent Publications 1. Ali-L�ytty, H. et al. Ambient-Pressure XPS Study of a Ni???Fe Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction. J. Phys. Chem. C 120, 2247???2253 (2016). 2. Hannula, M., Ali-L�ytty H. et al. Improved stability of ALD grown amorphous TiO2 photoelectrode coatings by thermally induced oxygen defects. Chemistry of Materials, in Press. 3. Ali-L�ytty, H. et al. The role of (FeCrSi)2(MoNb)-type Laves phase on the formation of Mn-rich protective oxide scale on ferritic stainless steel. Corrosion Science, in Press. 4. Hannula, M. et al. Fabrication of topographically microstructured titanium silicide interface for advanced photonic applications. Scripta Materialia 119, 76???81 (2016). 5. Ali-L�ytty, H. et al. Grain orientation dependent Nb???Ti microalloying mediated surface segregation on ferritic stainless steel. Corrosion Science 112, 204???213 (2016).

Biography:

Touria BARRADI graduated from the Hassania School of Public Works (EHTP) option electricity, she was the first female engineer graduated from the school, and major of its promotion. In 1980, Touria Barradi-El Alami won the state engineering diploma from the Ecole Supérieure d'Electrique in Paris (Supelec), option energetic systems, nuclear energy. Once again, she is major of her promotion and first Moroccan winner of the school. In 1990, she obtained a doctorate of State of the Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine (INPL) of Nancy, in electrical engineering (honorable mention). Touria Barradi-El Alami taught for 15 years at the EHTP, where she was professor-researcher. She has also been involved in training, at the doctoral cycle at the Pierre and Marie Curie University, and carries out consulting engineering assignments for some companies. Prof. Touria BARRADI is using its academic and professional capital to strengthen the University - Company partnership.

Abstract:

Sustainable pace of growth in electricity demand, high energy dependency and predominance of fossil fuels, led Morocco to undertake an ambitious, innovative and voluntarist National Energy Strategy on going with an emphasis on renewable energies (RE) [1]. The valorization of its high solar and potential [2] and the development of its interconnections predispose it to become an electricity hub in North and West Africa, and a potential partner of the EU. Initiated in the 1980s by a policy of dam construction, the energy transition has been reinforced during the last decade with the solar and wind contributions. Multiple challenges are addressed: the electrification rate is 100% in urban areas and is gradually approaching this value in rural areas [3], energy dependency decreased from 98% in 2009 to less than 93% this year, aiming to reach 82% in 2030 and the first solar Kwh was injected into the transmission grid in 2016, from the NOORo complex, considered the largest multitechnology solar site in the world [4]. The implementation of 10 GW leads the RE integration rate in the energy mix to reach 52% by 2030, making a historic turning point where the share of renewable electricity will exceed the share of fossil electricity [5]. A specific legislative, regulatory and institutional framework has also been implemented. The flexibility of the electric system and the reduction of RE intermittencies is achieved through the Energy Transfer Station by Pumping (ETSP), the CCGT and international interconnexions. Biomass and biogas benefit from the important agricultural residue and the abundance of organic components in the waste. In line with its commitment towards the climate, public health and the reduction of atmospheric emissions, Morocco intends to develop specific programs dedicated to process solid and liquid effluents [6�]. The energy efficiency is also an important pillar of the Moroccan energy strategy, contributing to save 5% of the energy consumed by 2020 and 20% by 2030. The primary targeted sectors are transport, building, industry, agriculture and public lighting [7]. The intervention will give an overview of these main programs and projects with a social-economic impact. Recent Publications 1. Moroccan National Energy Strategy, Ministry of Energy Water Mines and Environment (2009) 2. Atlas of renewable energies in Morocco, ADEREE (2012) 3. Rural Electrification Program (PERG), one.org.ma 4. Moroccan Agency of Sustainable Energy (2016) 5. Ministry of Energy Mines and Sustainable Development, "Moroccan Energy Strategy" (2018)

Biography:

Aude Bertrandias is an R&D engineer at the Research Center Paris-Saclay of Air Liquide. She is part of the Life Science Department, which develops innovative solutions for biotechnology, food and beverage applications and pharmaceuticals. Her main topics of research concern the improvement of biogas production, from both a quantitative and qualitative point of view. She also works on other subjects, linked to bioprocessing. Her background as an engineer in life science and PhD in process engineering enable her to approach bioprocessing projects with a dual perspective.

Abstract:

Biomass is renewable biological matter (e.g. wood, crops, algae, food waste???), which can be processed to generate targeted biomolecules, biomaterials or bioenergy. Bioenergy can be stored as bioethanol or biodiesel, which are commonly known liquid fuels obtained from biomass. But, bioenergy can also be stored under the form of gases, in particular biomethane and biohydrogen, which can be used for mobility. In this presentation, we focus on biomethane.Biogas is a mixture of gases, composed mainly of methane (~55%) and CO2 (~45%). It is formed by the anaerobic microbiological conversion of organic matter. Biogas can be upgraded into biomethane, which may then be used for mobility (heavy goods vehicles, maritime transportation). In 2014, the European Commission recommended to develop European-wide CNG and LNG filling station infrastructures by launching the ???Clean Fuel Strategy???. Improvement of the biomethane production process is thus key to deploy clean transportation through biobased CNG and LNG. [1] To improve biomethane production, developments are needed to increase biogas production, reduce operating costs and optimize biogas upgrading. Several technologies can be considered for each. In this presentation, we focus on increasing biogas production through lignocellulosic degradation by biological pre-treatments. Indeed, agricultural waste is difficult to digest due its generally high content in lignocellulose. [2],[3] Agricultural waste is critical since it will represent 90% of the available feedstock for anaerobic digestion in France in 2030, according to an ADEME report. [4] We will also present the latest achievements in membrane permeation technology employed in Air Liquide upgrading units. Formulation of the polymers used in membranes can be improved to have a higher selectivity and at the same time, a higher permeance of CO2. [5],[6] The right combination of selectivity and permeance can decrease operating or capital costs. Recent Publications 1. EU directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure 2. Schroyen et al. (2015), "Effect of enzymatic pretreatment of various lignocellulosic substrates on production of phenolic compounds and biomethane potential", Bioresource Techno. Vol. 192, pp. 696-702 3. Cater et al. (2014), Methods for Improving Anaerobic Lignocellulosic Substrates Degradation for Enhanced Biogas Production, Springer Science Reviews, Vol. 2 (1???2), pp. 51???61 4. ADEME (2013), ???Estimation des gisements potentiels de substrats utilisables en m�thanisation???, 117 p. 5. Lin and Yavari (2015), ???Upper bound of polymeric membranes for mixed-gas CO2/CH4 separations???, Journal of Membrane Sci. Vol. 475, pp. 101-109

Biography:

Naimi Youssef has his expertise in the felds of renewable energies, and particularly in biomass, fuel cells, and environment. He is Full Professor at Sciences Faculty of Ben M’sik, the University of Hassan II of Casablanca. He is a Vice-President of association, The Moroccan Society for Advancement of Renewable Energy (SMADER), Coordinator of the course "Chemistry of the Environment" License Materials Science Chemistry (SMC), responsible for the Specialized Master "Renewable Energy and Material".

Abstract:

Throughout this article, we will present, in the case of the controlled discharge of Fes which first at the national level is it, even on the level of Africa, It makes it possible to control all the effluents, while preserving the environment of the city. The discharge it is the state of the places of production of electrical energy and thermal energy by the cogeneration. The current production of household wastes in urban environment in Morocco is at 5.3 million tons a year, and in rural environment 1.47 million tons a year. With population growth, rapid urbanization and changes in consumption patterns, household waste production in Morocco is increasing. The rate of setting in controlled discharge is of 35%, this rate will have to reach 64% after the opening of several controlled discharges, which are in the course of construction [2]. Household waste in Morocco contains 65%-75% organic matter, so landfills in Morocco are one of the sources of biomass. According to the calculations of the energy potential of biomass, we can deduce that the amount of electricity that could produce by incineration of household waste from the Rabat region is about more hundred gigawatt-hours [3]. In this study, we used several techniques of calculation and modeling: ??? IBM - Software SPSS, ??? Technique of calculation for waste tonnage on the level the controlled discharge of Fes, ??? Software Landfill Gas Emissions Model (LandGEM) version 3.02 of the USEPA, ??? Equation potential of production of electrical energy starting from the methane recovery of the discharge, ??? Equation of the thermal power released by the thermal engines of generator. We will show that the quantity of the electrical energy estimated by the methanation of household wastes of the discharge of Fes is 65.5 GWh/year, and then these quantities are currently available to the level of the discharge of Fes. This alternative allows a reduction of tonnage of accumulated waste. Recent Publications 1. Funds of Communal Equipment in Morocco and the World Bank, ???Diagnosis of the System of Environmental Evaluation in Morocco???, August 17th 2011, p.11-77 2. Delegated minister In charge of the Morocco Environment, ???Current situation of waste management domestic and compared to Morocco???, Organization of the 24th meeting of the National committee of the PNDM on October 2th, 2013 3. Y. Naimi, M. Saghir, A. Cherqaoui, B. Chatre, Energetic recovery of biomass in the region of Rabat, Morocco, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 42, Issue 2, 12 January 2017, Pages 1396-1402.Lin and Yavari (2015), ???Upper bound of polymeric membranes for mixed-gas CO2/CH4 separations???, Journal of Membrane Sci. Vol. 475, pp. 101-109