Sepideh Gholizadeh Khasevani: “Using bioash to remediate metal-contaminated soil”

My research focuses on the remediation of trace elements in soil. The title of my project is “Stabilisation and solidification (S/S) of metal-contaminated soil with bioash to promote a circular economy”

Where do you come from? Where have you been?

I come from Iran, renowned for its varied landscapes, deep cultural heritage, and ancient history, located in Asia. I was born in the northwest of Iran, in the historic city of Tabriz, but I grew up in Tehran, the bustling capital, exposed me to a diverse array of experiences and perspectives, setting the stage for a lifelong journey of discovery and learning. My academic path began at Shiraz University in Iran, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, starting to learn about mysteries of matter and the intricate dance of molecules. Eager to further my education and explore new frontiers in chemistry, I continued my academic journey at Sharif University of Technology in Iran. Here, I graduated on both my master’s and PhD studies. During my PhD, I had the fantastic opportunity to be a visiting student in the chemistry group at Umeå University in Sweden for six months.

What brought you to Luleå University of Technology?

After experiencing the educational system in Sweden at Umeå University, I was motivated to further my research within the country. I found a postdoc position in the material science group at Luleå University of Technology (LTU). Later, I found a Ph.D. position in the waste science and technology group at LTU. Despite it being a Ph.D. position, the prospect of researching a new topic while applying my previous experience was particularly appealing. Furthermore, it offered a fantastic opportunity to advance my research in academia. I am now pursuing my Ph.D. in the waste science and technology group.

What is your research contribution to Creaternity?

I am working on stabilization and solidification (S/S) of metal-contaminated soil with bioash to promote a circular economy. A broad range of soils worldwide are contaminated by metal(oid)s such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd). Remediation strategies need to be developed for these soils since high concentrations of metal(oid)s pose serious threats to the environment and human health. Stabilization/Solidification (S/S) is a commonly used method to immobilize metal(oid)s in soils. This study aims to develop an S/S method for the remediation of a contaminated site in northern Sweden, with the use of bioash as a binder material, minimizing the use of cement, to use the stabilized material as construction materials. In this way two waste streams, i.e. contaminated soil and bioash, are treated to create a valuable product towards a circular economy.

Why is Creaternity important?

Creaternity stands out as a dynamic hub for fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue and cooperation, paving the way for the creation of groundbreaking ideas that merge insights from various fields. It redefines the role of a researcher by enhancing their ability to engage with different research stakeholders and illustrating the significance of integrating diverse perspectives to drive sustainable innovations. By uniting researchers from disparate backgrounds, encouraging the exchange of knowledge, and pooling collective experiences, creaternity acts as a crucial convergence point. This collaborative environment is key to sparking innovation, allowing its members to collectively pursue unified objectives from unique vantage points, thereby promoting the advancement of sustainable practices.

Where are you going?

I am keen on continuing my PhD journey to gain deeper knowledge and broader experience in my field of study. Following the completion of my PhD, my ambition shifts towards applying the insights and skills acquired during my academic tenure to the industrial sector.

• Contact: Sepideh Gholizadeh Khasevani