Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pietro Falciglia | Environmental Engineering | Best Review Paper Award
Associate Professor at University of Catania, Italy
Dr. Pietro Paolo Falciglia is an Associate Professor of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering at the University of Catania, Italy. His expertise lies in environmental remediation technologies, particularly microwave-based treatments for contaminated soils, sediments, and groundwater. Over the last two decades, Dr. Falciglia has contributed extensively to advancing sustainable solutions for hazardous waste management. He is also a researcher at the National Institute of Nuclear Physics, focusing on the remediation of radionuclide-contaminated environments. His academic and research activities span experimental innovation, field-scale applications, and scientific dissemination, making him a respected figure in environmental engineering and sustainable environmental practices.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Falciglia received his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Salerno in 2008. He previously completed a five-year Laurea degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on hydraulics at the University of Catania in 2003, followed by a second-level MSc in Solid Waste Management and Remediation of Polluted Sites at the Superior School of the University of Catania in 2004. His academic training integrates classical engineering fundamentals with emerging environmental technologies, forming the basis for his innovative research and teaching in remediation processes and waste treatment systems.
Experience
Since 2021, Dr. Falciglia has served as an Associate Professor at the University of Catania. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor and Researcher in Sanitary and Environmental Engineering (2018–2021) and held various academic roles between 2004 and 2018, including research fellow and contract professor. He also collaborated with international institutions, including the University of Cambridge, where he conducted advanced research on permeable reactive barriers for soil remediation. His consultancy experience as a professional engineer (2003–2011) further enhances his ability to bridge academic knowledge with practical environmental challenges.
Research Interest
Dr. Falciglia’s research focuses on advanced remediation technologies for polluted environments. He specializes in the use of microwave and UV treatments for hydrocarbon- and radionuclide-contaminated soils and sediments. He has explored innovative permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), electrokinetic decontamination, and surfactant-enhanced techniques. His work also includes the application of drones for monitoring radioactive contaminants and modeling radiation shielding materials. Dr. Falciglia’s projects frequently address emerging pollutants and sustainability, including PFAS removal and the reuse of volcanic ash for environmental engineering purposes, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and practical solutions to real-world contamination problems.
Award
Throughout his career, Dr. Falciglia has received recognition for his academic and scientific contributions. He was selected as a visiting researcher at the University of Cambridge on a prestigious Soil Mix Remediation Technology (SMiRT) project funded with £1.24 million. His involvement in multiple PRIN (Progetti di Ricerca di Interesse Nazionale) initiatives in Italy highlights his leadership in collaborative environmental research. Furthermore, he has led and contributed to nationally and internationally funded projects addressing microwave remediation, PFAS treatment, and sediment decontamination. His role as editor and reviewer for leading journals underscores the trust placed in him by the scientific community.
Publication
Dr. Falciglia has authored over 100 scientific publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and book chapters.
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Microwave regeneration of granular activated carbon saturated with PFAS, Water Research.
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Remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated marine sediments by thermal desorption, Chemosphere.
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MW-based regenerating permeable reactive barriers: Proof of concept, Chemosphere.
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Field technical applicability and cost analysis of MW-PRBs for Cs-contaminated groundwater, Journal of Environmental Management.
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Microwave heating coupled with UV-A for PAH removal in marine sediments, Chemical Engineering Journal.
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Environmental life cycle assessment of citric acid-enhanced MW heating, Science of the Total Environment.
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Review on microwave heating for remediation applications, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review.
Conclusion
Dr. Pietro Paolo Falciglia exemplifies excellence in environmental engineering through his pioneering research, educational leadership, and commitment to sustainability. His scientific innovations have significantly influenced remediation technology development, particularly in microwave-based and integrated treatment systems. As an academic, mentor, and project leader, he continues to shape the future of sustainable waste and contamination management. Dr. Falciglia’s work directly impacts environmental restoration strategies, offering scalable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solutions. His nomination is a testament to his long-standing dedication to advancing environmental science and engineering for the benefit of both human health and the ecosystem.