Mrs Iro Dianellou | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Iro Dianellou , Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , greece

Ioanna Dianellou is a passionate geologist 🧭 with a solid background in environmental and nuclear geochemistry 🌍⚛️. She currently works at Mirtec S.A. in Greece, specializing in asbestos analysis and chemical testing of environmental samples. Her hands-on research spans from mineral analysis to nanomaterials for nuclear waste treatment. Ioanna has participated in international projects, including an Erasmus+ internship in Turkey 🇹🇷. With publications in respected scientific journals 📚 and a strong academic foundation, she continues to contribute to geoscience and environmental safety. Her work is driven by curiosity, sustainability 🌱, and a deep commitment to scientific excellence. 🔬👩‍🔬

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education & Experience 

Ioanna holds a Master’s degree 🎓 in Synthetic Chemistry and Biochemistry from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, focusing on materials for nuclear waste treatment ☢️. Her thesis explored modified bentonite’s ability to remove Cs and Co. She earned her Geology diploma in 2020, specializing in Economic Geology. Ioanna has experience with analytical techniques like XRD, ICP-MS, FTIR, and SEM 🔍. She interned at Ege University (Turkey) under Erasmus+, and at Hellas Gold S.A. in exploration geology ⛏️. Currently, she is a geologist and lab technician at Mirtec S.A., conducting advanced chemical and mineral analyses. Her work bridges geology and environmental safety 🌿.

Professional Development 

Ioanna continuously enhances her expertise through academic research 🧪, internships, and hands-on lab experience. Her Erasmus+ internship at Ege University gave her international exposure 🌍 in nanomaterial synthesis and nuclear waste treatment. Working at Mirtec S.A., she applies advanced laboratory techniques (XRF, TG-DTA, XRD, ICP-MS) in real-world environmental and energy sample analyses 🔬. She’s collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, mastering geochemical and geotechnical investigation tools. Through her postgraduate education and scientific publications, she demonstrates ongoing professional growth and commitment to solving environmental and radiological challenges ☢️. Her proactive learning mindset ensures she remains updated in emerging technologies and methodologies 📚🧠.

Research Focus 

Ioanna Dianellou’s research focuses on environmental geochemistry, radiochemistry, and nanomaterials 🌋⚛️. She specializes in the removal of radioactive elements like uranium, thorium, cesium, and cobalt from aqueous and solid waste using modified materials such as bentonite and nanofibers. Her expertise includes characterization of materials (SEM, XRD, FTIR) and the application of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques (ICP-OES, UV-Vis) 🧪. With publications in journals on radioactive waste sorption, she bridges geology with nuclear waste management. Her research aims to promote safe, sustainable methods for pollution control and environmental remediation, contributing to green energy and nuclear safety 🌱💡.

Awards and Honors 

Ioanna’s academic excellence is reflected in her high grades and distinction in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies 🥇. She graduated with an 8.56/10 (Excellent) in her Master’s and 8.37/10 (Very Good) in her Geology diploma 🎓. She earned an Erasmus+ scholarship for her internship at Ege University in Turkey, showcasing her skills in international research collaboration 🌍. Her co-authored publications in reputable journals such as Applied Radiation and Isotopes highlight her contribution to impactful scientific work 📚. These recognitions underscore her dedication, discipline, and emerging reputation in the field of nuclear and environmental geosciences 💫.

Publication Top Notes

1. Dianellou, I., Noli, F., Kantiranis, N. (2025)

Title: Sorption behavior of ¹³⁷Cs and ⁶⁰Co onto raw and cellulose-modified Greek bentonite
Journal: Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Vol. 222, Article 111850
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.111850

🔍 Summary:
This study investigates the sorption efficiency of raw and cellulose-modified Greek bentonite for the removal of radioactive isotopes Cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs) and Cobalt-60 (⁶⁰Co) from aqueous solutions. Using batch experiments, the modified bentonite demonstrated significantly improved sorption capacity due to increased surface functional groups. The research utilized XRD and FTIR for material characterization and applied kinetic and isotherm models to understand adsorption behavior. The findings offer insights into eco-friendly and efficient solutions for treating low-level radioactive waste using locally sourced clay materials.

2. Kaptanoglu, I.G., Yusan, S., Kaynar, Ü.H., Aytas, S., Erenturk, A.S., Dianellou, I. (2025)

Title: Investigation of thorium(IV) removal utilizing reduced graphene oxide-zinc oxide nanofibers via response surface methodology
Journal: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-025-10095-1

🔍 Summary:
This research explores the removal of thorium(IV) ions from aqueous solutions using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) combined with zinc oxide nanofibers. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the adsorption parameters. The nanofibers were characterized using SEM and FTIR, and adsorption experiments were evaluated through statistical modeling. Dianellou’s contribution helped refine the experimental approach and validate results. The study presents an innovative hybrid nanomaterial that efficiently adsorbs radioactive thorium, demonstrating potential for use in advanced nuclear waste management technologies.

3. Kyriakidis, F., Dianellou, I., Vollas, A., Alatzoglou, M., Gargoulas, N., Oikonomou, V. (2024)

Title: Presence of asbestos in building materials and soils in postfire areas of Mati, Kineta and Varimbombi in Greece
Journal: Environmental Geochemistry and Health, Vol. 46, Article 452
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-024-02211-z

🔍 Summary:
This environmental study focuses on the identification of asbestos contamination in areas affected by wildfires in Greece. Polarized light microscopy and stereomicroscopy were used to analyze soil and building debris samples from Mati, Kineta, and Varimbombi. Dianellou contributed to the analytical assessment of asbestos fibers and the evaluation of public health risks. The results show widespread asbestos presence due to the combustion of building materials, underlining the need for remediation and proper waste management in post-disaster zones.

Conclusion

Ioanna Dianellou’s research is not only scientifically advanced but also socially impactful. Her work is grounded in both academic excellence and real-world application, a hallmark of a well-rounded and forward-thinking researcher. Her contributions to radioactive pollutant remediation and environmental monitoring are timely, innovative, and of global relevance. She is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award and embodies the future of interdisciplinary scientific problem-solving.