Dr. Al Souki’s research centers on phytotechnology, bioremediation, biochar characterization, and ecosystem service enhancement in marginal and contaminated soils. He specializes in using Miscanthus x giganteus and quinoa to rehabilitate former military lands and toxic-element-polluted environments. His research integrates stable isotope analysis, DNA-based microbial community profiling, and plant physiological assessments to explore rhizospheric interactions, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. His work on biochar, especially its physico-chemical and ecotoxicological properties, supports sustainable agricultural and water reuse practices. His active projects include NATO-funded studies on climate change mitigation and EU-supported educational modules for water sustainability in the Elbe/Labe basin. His interdisciplinary approach links environmental microbiology, plant ecophysiology, and green chemistry, targeting real-world environmental problems with practical, nature-based solutions. His goal is to bridge science and education to improve soil health, water quality, and resilience against climate change.
Publication Top Notes:
1. An overview of potentially toxic element pollution in soil around lead–zinc mining areas
2. A comprehensive evaluation of the environmental and health risks associated with the potential utilization of chars produced from tires, electro-waste plastics and biomass
3. Characterizations of ash derived from the crops’ waste biomass for soil improvement and assisted phytoremediation
4. A 6-year review status on soil pollution in coal mining areas from Europe
5. Extracted rapeseed meal biochar combined with digestate as a soil amendment: Effect on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) biomass yield and concentration of bioavailable element fraction in the soil
6. Miscanthus x giganteus stress tolerance and phytoremediation capacities in highly diesel contaminated soils
7. The influence of diesel contaminated soil on Miscanthus x giganteus biomass thermal utilization and pyrolysis products composition
8. Evaluation of Miscanthus × giganteus Tolerance to Trace Element Stress: Field Experiment with Soils Possessing Gradient Cd, Pb, and Zn Concentrations
9. Efficient Wastewater Treatment and Removal of Bisphenol A and Diclofenac in Mesocosm Flow Constructed Wetlands Using Granulated Cork as Emerged Substrate
10. Utilization of Biochar for Eliminating Residual Pharmaceuticals from Wastewater Used in Agricultural Irrigation: Application to Ryegrass