We are pleased to invite you to Marlène Tsaffo Mbognou thesis defense on Wednesday 7 January at 10 a.m. (Amphi Mania Pavella, B28 - Institut Montefiore)

This thesis, entitled 'Physico-chemical and mineralogical characterization of clay material from the Bakotcha locality: Application to wastewater treatment' was carried out under the supervision of Prof. Stéphanie Lambert.

The PhD defense could be viewed via PhD Channel

Summary of the PhD thesis :

The increasing presence of micropollutants in wastewater raises serious environmental and public health concerns, especially in developing regions. In this study, hybrid materials were developed by doping natural Cameroonian clay with ZnO and TiO₂, and with two silica (TMOS and EDAS), aiming at efficient adsorption and degradation of micropollutants under UVA and UV light. Characterization confirmed the successful dispersion of semiconductors and silica on the clay matrix. Under UV irradiation, the composites achieved significant degradation efficiencies of p-nitrophénol and fluorescein, with mineralization highlighting the complete breakdown of ibuprofen with the best sample. In parallel, antibacterial tests revealed notable inhibition against E. coli, streptocoques fécaux., supporting the dual functionality of the materials. This work demonstrates the potential of low-cost, locally sourced photocatalysts for integrated pharmaceutical and microbial removal from wastewater, and provides valuable insights into their application in decentralized treatment systems.