Meriem FERFAR

Dr. Meriem FERFAR

Environmental Research Center, Annaba, Algeria
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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31 January 2024 in Technology audit and production reserves
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Journal Article
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Meriem FERFARMeriem FERFAR
Meriem FERFAR
ESElfahem Sakher
Elfahem Sakher
ABAmina Bouras
Amina Bouras
BABENSELHOUB AISSA
BENSELHOUB AISSA
NHNadir Hachemi
Nadir Hachemi
Stefano BellucciStefano Bellucci
Stefano Bellucci
The object of the research is the intriguing and versatile material known as coal that attracted a lot of attention lately because of its potential use in a variety of fields, including cutting-edge building materials, environmental remediation methods, and creative energy storage solutions. This study presents an extensive characterization of Algerian natural coal powders, employing a multifaceted analytical approach that includes Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman Spectroscopy, to reveal their physicochemical properties including morphology, particle size distribution, crystalline structure, and functional groups. The SEM analysis unveiled a heterogeneous morphology with a broad particle size distribution, indicative of the coal's complex structure. The XRD findings, refined using Rietveld analysis, distinguish Carbon (C) and Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) as the primary phases, with crystallite sizes measuring 18.7539 nm for C and 16.6291 nm for SiO2. These phases constitute 98.8 % and 12 % of the composition, respectively, while the presence of quartz underscores the coal’s geological background and its thermal resilience. Regarding the results of the FTIR spectroscopy, absorption peaks corresponding to various functional groups are highlighted, suggesting a rich organic and inorganic composition. Raman spectroscopy corroborates the presence of disordered and graphitic carbon structures, emphasizing the coal's potential for diverse applications. These findings underline the significance of Algerian coal powders for environmental remediation, energy storage, and advanced construction materials, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.

31 January 2024 in Technology audit and production reserves
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ACAbdeslam Chaib
Abdeslam Chaib
SBSoufiane Bouabdallah
Soufiane Bouabdallah
Meriem FERFARMeriem FERFAR
Meriem FERFAR
BABENSELHOUB AISSA
BENSELHOUB AISSA
NDNadiia Dovbash
Nadiia Dovbash
Stefano BellucciStefano Bellucci
Stefano Bellucci
The establishment of a new metallurgical complex in Bellara, located in El-Milia in the Jijel region, is geographically advantageous due to its proximity to the Sidi Maarouf deposit (Algeria). This proximity has been a fundamental motivation for the completion of the current study. The object of research is the quality of iron products from Sidi Maarouf. The research is aimed at developing a treatment process aimed at improving the quality of iron products from Sidi Maarouf, while reducing the impurities of quartz and clay present in this ore. This approach will be based on an approved technological treatment scheme, implemented through an experimental approach to ensure reliable results that meet the requirements of the steel industry. The problem issue revolves around the difficulties encountered in the production of steels due to the natural characteristics of the raw material. In the absence of a physico-chemical characterization of the Sidi Maarouf iron ore deposit, samples taken undergo a series of thorough analyses, including microscopic examinations, X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as additional chemical analyses using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The identified minerals are predominantly composed of hematite in terms of iron. As for the gangue, it is mainly composed of calcite and quartz. Through to the pre-treatment process involving washing, we have successfully removed lightweight particles, resulting in a concentrate containing dense particles. This approach was crucial in achieving satisfactory results during the high-intensity dry magnetic separation. As a result of the research it is shown that the enrichment of the Sidi Maarouf iron ore through high-intensity dry magnetic separation, a final concentrate was obtained with a Fe2O3 content exceeding 67 %, along with a significant reduction in silica impurities to 0.92 % and alumina to 0.77 %. It was concluded that this concentrate, derived from the -1+0.5 mm fraction and obtained under a current intensity of 12 A, meets the requirements of the steel industry. Following the work carried out, it is found that the methods of valorization of iron ore through mineralogical processes consistently require a high level of efficiency and performance in terms of equipment and characterization of the products obtained. In the future, iron ore processing will be conducted using innovative methods, integrating advanced technologies to enhance its characteristics while adopting environmentally friendly practices.

3 June 2024 in Technology audit and production reserves
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WKWahida Kherfane
Wahida Kherfane
TTTourkia Tahri
Tourkia Tahri
ABAmina Bouslama
Amina Bouslama
Meriem FERFARMeriem FERFAR
Meriem FERFAR
HCHamza Cheniti
Hamza Cheniti
BABENSELHOUB AISSA
BENSELHOUB AISSA
The object of the study is the phosphates of the Djebel Onk region, which are part of a vast group of phosphate deposits formed in the Late Cretaceous-Eocene period on the South and Southeast Mediterranean shores. These concentrations of economic interest are operated near the town of Bir El Ater (Tebessa, Algeria). The mining industry based on the extraction and processing of different minerals while respecting the environmental framework plays an important role in the economy of a country. The economic potential of each country will be determined based on the level of production of metals and various mineral substances. In the case of the Djebel Onk phosphate ore, the most dominant mineral in addition to P2O5 is calcium carbonate CaCO3 with more than 50 % in the all-mineral content. In addition, phosphate concentrate contains harmful elements which reduce the value of the market product. Therefore, this study aims to recover the enriched product efficiently and profitably with a minimum of deleterious elements. This work aims to develop a treatment technology with a minimum rejection rate, which allows for achieving production goals and reducing environmental impacts. For this purpose, we proposed an enrichment of these phosphate discharges from the settling process utilizing pneumatic selection (Turbo Separator Ventilate – TSV). The results of the chemical analyses confirm the significant difference in useful and major elements (P2O5) and the minor and harmful elements (MgO). According to the granulochemical analysis of each slice, it is possible to note that the P2O5 content is similar to the various particle-size slices. It is therefore necessary to treat the mass of waste if we want to recover as much phosphate as possible. The obtained X-ray diffractograms highlighted appreciable differences between the raw phosphates and the concentrates, in fact, the qualitative and quantitative variation of the mineralogical species, particularly the calcite, quartz, dolomite, and apatite. TSV is a process used to improve the quality and quantity of phosphate and to eliminate the layer below 0.8 mm. Corresponding to the analyses it was appeared that the P2O5 content 29.5–30 % of the settled product increases to 30.2–31 % after dust removal. Then it is possible to achieve an increase in the quality of phosphate from 63/65 % TPL to 66/68 % TPL.

11 November 2025 in Chemistry Proceedings
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Youssouf DRIOUCHEYoussouf DRIOUCHE
Youssouf DRIOUCHE
Meriem FERFARMeriem FERFAR
Meriem FERFAR
ADAmina Dridi
Amina Dridi
ASAmel Soussa
Amel Soussa
IBInes Bekhouche
Ines Bekhouche
SYSouad Yahi
Souad Yahi
This study developed a QSPR model to predict the n-octanol/water partition coefficient (log Kow) of 56 pesticides. Molecular descriptors were calculated using Dragon software. A genetic algorithm and variable subset selection identified key descriptors. The model, built by multiple linear regression, showed strong performance (R2 = 0.9322, Q2LOO = 0.9089, Q2ext = 0.9277). The dataset was split using the Kennard-Stone algorithm to ensure representative sampling. Internal and external validations confirmed robustness and predictive power. This model offers a reliable tool for estimating log Kow, supporting environmental risk assessment and the evaluation of pesticide behavior and toxicity.

12 November 2025 in Chemistry Proceedings
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Meriem FERFARMeriem FERFAR
Meriem FERFAR
YDYoussouf DRIOUCHE
Youssouf DRIOUCHE
ADAmina Dridi
Amina Dridi
MAMoncef AIT ABDESSELAM
Moncef AIT ABDESSELAM
ESElfahem Sakher
Elfahem Sakher
ABAissa Benselhoub
Aissa Benselhoub
Algerian coal, traditionally exploited as a fossil fuel, can be valorized as a nanostructured carbon source for sustainable technologies. Reinterpreted physicochemical data highlight porous morphology, nanocrystalline carbon (~18 nm), and diverse functional groups. These features enable practical applications in adsorption for environmental remediation, coal-supported catalysis, energy storage electrodes, and polymer nanocomposites. New statistical analyses and schematic representations emphasize functionality rather than raw characterization, distinguishing this work from earlier studies. By positioning coal within a circular economy framework, this study demonstrates its potential as a renewable, low-cost nanocarbon material contributing to green chemistry and advanced material design.

23 December 2023 in Naukovyi Visnyk Natsionalnoho Hirnychoho Universytetu
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MMM. A. R Morsli
M. A. R Morsli
SBS Berdoudi
S Berdoudi
AHA Hafsaoui
A Hafsaoui
AKA. I Kanli
A. I Kanli
Meriem FERFARMeriem FERFAR
Meriem FERFAR
Purpose. To analyze, study and predict surface settlements during the digging of a tunnel in an urban area located in the Algerian capital and to take the necessary measures. Methodology. Based on the physical and mechanical parameters and the geological characteristics of the actual traversed layer, and taking into account the geometric parameters of the tunnel, the mechanical model is established, and the numerical simulation is designed to determine the settlement deformation and displacement of the overlying zone under mining disturbance. Findings. Due to the impact of the excavation works, the land will undergo large deformations such as collapse. So, it is necessary to take corrective measures to limit its effect on the surrounding environment and protect urban areas. Originality. The application of a complex of methods allowed providing a predictive assessment of the safety of mining workings in urban conditions. The study was conducted in two main stages; a geotechnical characterization in situ and in the laboratory to determine the necessary properties of the soil and rock mass used in our model, and in a second step, the development of feedback analysis using numerical modelling based on the data collected. Practical value. From this study, the results obtained seem to show vertical displacements that exceed international standards in urban areas (1/1000, which can induce significant ground movements and therefore an influence on the surrounding environment. As a solution, there is a possibility of reducing the deformations by improving the mechanical properties of the soil carrying the project using the Jet-Grouting technique – the technique has shown its effectiveness in reducing settlements with a reduction rate of 78 %.