Revolutionising Water Quality Monitoring: An Interview with Najib Ben Messaoud

We’re excited to introduce Dr. Najib Ben Messaoud, a Research Fellow in the Water Quality Research Group at INL. With a distinguished background in nanotechnology and sensing strategies, Najib’s work focuses on developing advanced methods for detecting water contaminants. His dedication to creating reliable tools for water monitoring spans health, environmental, and agricultural applications.

In this interview, Najib shares insights into his journey, recent projects, and the impact of urbanization on water quality monitoring.

Could you briefly describe your academic and professional background in water quality research?

I hold a PhD in Engineering Physics with a specialization in nanotechnology sciences from the High School of Sciences and Technologies, Hammam Sousse, Tunisia. During my PhD, I focused on designing nanostructured electrodes and electrochemical (bio)sensors to detect carcinogenic substances in water. My journey in water quality research began about a decade ago during my master’s project, which involved detecting perchlorate in water.

In 2019, I joined INL as a Research Associate, where I contributed to developing a portable system to quantify Aeromonas salmonicida in water. Since 2021, in my role as a Research Fellow, I have engaged in multiple projects related to water quality, including those focused on detecting nanomaterials, nitrite, and nitrate in water, as well as medical applications. Over my career, I’ve published 15 research papers (11 as the first author), which have been cited around 500 times, and I have presented my findings at 24 national and international conferences.

Can you explain a recent project you’ve been working on and its potential impact?

Recently, I’ve been working on the RWClean project, which aims to develop an automated, portable electrochemical sensor to monitor nitrate levels in water for dairy cattle. Nitrate contamination can significantly impact cattle health and productivity, leading to issues like methemoglobinemia, decreased feed intake, and reduced milk production. This sensor, with a detection limit well below the maximum contaminant level for drinking water, provides a powerful tool to screen for nitrates and improve water management practices on dairy farms.

My role involved developing a precise method for nitrate detection, which has since been successfully implemented and published [Najib Ben Messaoud et al., J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 13, 135–145, 2024]. A second paper on other aspects of the sensor’s development is in preparation. The potential impact is substantial—by supporting quick and accurate detection, this sensor empowers farmers to make timely decisions, promoting animal health and farm sustainability.

How is urbanization affecting water quality, based on your research?

Urban expansion, driven by population growth, often leads to water quality degradation. For example, during my PhD studies, I investigated how urbanization contributes to higher concentrations of Bisphenol A (BPA) in water, a byproduct of the increased use of plastics and industrial chemicals. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical suspected of causing adverse health effects in humans and wildlife. Its presence underscores the need for effective monitoring and removal methods.

To address this, I developed sensors capable of detecting BPA in trace amounts, contributing to research that supports environmental and human health protection [Najib Ben Messaoud et al., Sensors & Actuators: B. Chemical 253, 2017, 513-522; Sensors & Actuators: B. Chemical 276, 2018, 304–312; Talanta, 184, 2018, 388–393].

In your experience, how aware is the general public about water quality issues?

Public awareness often correlates with direct experience. Communities affected by contamination tend to be more informed and concerned about water quality. However, my experience reveals that many people are still unaware of specific pollutants like BPA and their risks. For instance, few individuals understand the significance of “BPA-free” labels on plastic products or realize the potential for BPA to leach into food and beverages. Raising public awareness remains crucial to fostering a proactive approach to water safety.