 |
| Chemistry graduate from Qatar University, Noora Mahmoud al-Shamry |
The seminar was the fourth in the department’s series aimed at engaging students with new processes in the field of organic and inorganic chemistry and geology.
“Hisham Zarour and Mokhrane Khaldi, specialists in hydrochemistry, groundwater resources management, GIS, modelling, and environmental effects assessment, outlined details on how hydrochemistry (the study of chemical water quality) can greatly enhance our understanding of water resources, and its importance in assessing the environmental impact of human activity on the environment such as pollution and seawater intrusion,” explained a spokesperson.
During their presentation entitled ‘Groundwater chemistry data – a valuable tool in groundwater investigations,’ the experts outlined various processes and reactions which control the quality of Qatar’s natural groundwater.
“Understanding these processes and the evolution of chemical water quality is important to understanding the country’s hydrogeology, and the evaluation of groundwater usability for various purposes and for engineering projects of all scales,” they said.
They explained that Schlumberger Water Services has been conducting a number of environmental, developmental and infrastructure projects involving hydrochemistry investigation and monitoring components in Qatar.
“Our software and technology we use to collect and analyse water chemistry data are considered industry standard,” they noted.
Associate professor of Organic Chemistry and chair of the seminar and workshop committee Siham al-Qaradawi said: “This was a great opportunity for faculty members as well as for the students who are studying geology as their minor. The Schlumberger team offered the students several training and internships and these activities will be the start of future research and collaboration.”
Students, Noora Mahmoud al-Shamry and Belqes Ahmed Aljaal who graduated earlier this year, were also honoured for completing the BSc chemistry programme, accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry.
