🌿 DR. RIM WERHENI AMMERI: PIONEER IN ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
Dr. Rim Werheni Ammeri is a distinguished Associate Professor of Environmental Microbiology, renowned for her extensive research in sustainable water management and bioremediation. Born on March 20, 1985, in Tabarka, Jendouba, Tunisia, she has dedicated her career to addressing environmental challenges through innovative scientific approaches.
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Dr. Ammeri’s academic journey commenced with a Diploma of Basic Degree in Life Sciences Biotechnology from the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis (2006–2009). She furthered her expertise by obtaining a Research Master’s in Microbiology from the Water Research and Technology Center (CERTE) between 2011 and 2013. Her commitment to environmental microbiology led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, specializing in Microbiology, at CERTE from 2013 to 2017. She also completed a Research Master’s in Bioinformatics at the Pasteur Institute Tunis and the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet (2020–2022).
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Dr. Ammeri’s professional trajectory includes significant roles such as a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Arid Lands Institute, focusing on eremology and combating desertification (2019–2022). She currently serves as an Associate Professor of Environmental Microbiology in Tunis, Tunisia (2024–2025), where she imparts her knowledge to the next generation of scientists.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON microbiology
Her research primarily revolves around sustainable water management and bioremediation techniques. Notably, she has contributed to projects like the Mediterranean Integrated System for Water Supply (MEDISS), aiming to improve saline groundwater quality for irrigation, and the Sustainable Water Re-use with Innovative Purification and Sensing System for the Agri-food Supply Chain (SWRIPS), focusing on efficient water usage in agriculture.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Dr. Ammeri’s work has significantly impacted environmental sustainability practices, particularly in arid regions. Her research on using treated wastewater for irrigation has provided alternative solutions for water scarcity, enhancing soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Among her notable publications is “Phytoremédiation-bioaugmentation des eaux usées: cas Pentachlorophenol,” which explores the combined techniques of phytoremediation and bioaugmentation for treating wastewater contaminated by pentachlorophenol (PCP). This study demonstrated the effectiveness of using Typha latifolia in association with the fungus Aspergillus Sidoii to reduce PCP concentration in wastewater.
HONORS & AWARDS
Throughout her career, Dr. Ammeri has been recognized for her contributions to environmental microbiology, receiving accolades that highlight her commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
As a pioneer in her field, Dr. Ammeri’s legacy lies in her holistic approach to environmental challenges, integrating microbiology with practical solutions for water scarcity and soil degradation. Her ongoing research and projects are poised to contribute significantly to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
FINAL NOTE
Dr. Rim Werheni Ammeri exemplifies dedication to environmental sustainability through scientific innovation. Her work continues to inspire and influence practices in water management and bioremediation.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
Impact of Phosphorus Biofertilization on Arid Tunisian Soils Irrigated with Treated Wastewater
- Authors: Rim Werheni Ammeri, Yassine Hidri, Maroua Ouesleti, Saieffedine Eturki, Najla Sadfi-Zouaoui, Abdenaceur Hassen
Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
Year: 2025
Application of a cocktail of three bacteriophages for the biocontrol of Salmonella in raw fresh milk
- Authors: Imen Sallami, Rim Werheni Ammeri, Yosra Turki-Ghodbane, Abdenaceur Hassan
Journal: Preprint
Year: 2024
Effectiveness of combined tools: adsorption, bioaugmentation and phytoremediation for pesticides removal from wastewater
- Authors: Rim Werheni Ammeri, Saifeddine Eturki, Giuseppe Di Rauso Simeone, Kawther Ben Moussa, Wafa Hassen, Mohamed Moussa, Abdennaceur Hassen
Journal: International Journal of Phytoremediation
Year: 2023
Bioaugmentation and phytoremediation wastewater treatment process as a viable alternative for pesticides removal: case of pentachlorophenol
- Authors: Rim Werheni Ammeri, Soulwene Kouki, Wafa Hassen, Maroua Oueslati, Najla Sadfi-Zouaoui, Abdenaceur Hassen
Journal: Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering
Year: 2023
Pesticide removal by the bioaugmentation process in secondary treated wastewater
- Authors: Rim Werheni Ammeri, Salma Kloula, Giuseppe Di Rauso Simeone, Ines Mehri, Wafa Hassan, Abdenaceur Hassen
Journal: Water Quality Research Journal
Year: 2023