Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luigi Montano | Environmental Risk Assessment | Best Researcher Award

MD, PhD at Local Health Authority Salerno, Italy

Dr. Luigi Montano, MD, PhD, is an accomplished UroAndrologist and researcher with a national qualification as Associate Professor in Urology. His multidisciplinary expertise spans environmental pathology, reproductive health, and lifestyle medicine. As the creator and coordinator of the EcoFoodFertility project, he pioneers research connecting environmental exposure, lifestyle, and fertility—particularly among younger generations in high-risk areas. Dr. Montano has a robust scientific publication record, active profiles on Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, and has received multiple awards for his contributions. His leadership roles, including serving as Past President of the Italian Society of Human Reproduction (SIRU), reflect his influence in the field. He is also deeply engaged in public health awareness and preventive initiatives, bridging science and community. With his impactful research, academic distinction, and commitment to environmental and human health, Dr. Montano stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

Education🎓

Dr. Luigi Montano has pursued a distinguished academic path grounded in medicine, biology, and environmental health. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, providing a strong clinical foundation in Urology and Andrology. Driven by a passion for scientific inquiry, he further completed a PhD in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, enriching his understanding of the complex relationships between living organisms and their environments. His education bridges clinical medicine with ecological and lifestyle sciences, making him uniquely qualified to explore the impact of environmental factors on human reproductive health. Additionally, Dr. Montano holds a National Academic Qualification as Associate Professor in Urology in Italy, reflecting his academic excellence and recognition by the higher education system. His interdisciplinary educational background enables him to lead cutting-edge projects like EcoFoodFertility, where medical knowledge meets environmental science to address global health concerns. This rich academic journey forms the backbone of his research and leadership contributions.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Luigi Montano has extensive professional experience that spans clinical practice, academic leadership, and groundbreaking research. He currently serves as a UroAndrologist at the Local Health Authority (ASL Salerno), where he applies his clinical expertise in reproductive and men’s health. He is the Past President of the Italian Society of Human Reproduction (SIRU), demonstrating his leadership and influence within the medical and scientific community. Dr. Montano is also the creator and coordinator of the EcoFoodFertility project, a multidisciplinary research initiative that investigates the links between environmental pollution, dietary habits, and reproductive health. His work integrates public health, environmental sciences, and preventive medicine, with a focus on younger populations in high-risk areas. He is actively involved in national and international conferences as a keynote speaker and has received numerous awards for his contributions. His professional career reflects a rare blend of clinical excellence, research innovation, and community-driven impact.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Luigi Montano’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental health, reproductive medicine, and lifestyle science. He is deeply focused on understanding how environmental pollutants, particularly in high-risk industrial areas, affect male fertility and overall reproductive health. His work emphasizes the importance of primary prevention, using biomarkers and human semen quality as early indicators of environmental impact. Through the EcoFoodFertility project, Dr. Montano investigates how diet, lifestyle, and ecological exposure influence epigenetic changes and reproductive outcomes. His innovative research also explores the role of the human exposome—the totality of environmental exposures—in shaping public health, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Additionally, he is interested in developing new models of environmental risk assessment that integrate clinical, molecular, and ecological data. Dr. Montano’s work bridges science and public awareness, aiming to influence both health policy and community behavior through evidence-based research focused on environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Luigi Montano has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to medical research, environmental health, and public health advocacy. His pioneering work on the EcoFoodFertility project has earned national and international acclaim for its innovative approach to linking environmental pollution with human reproductive health. He has been honored with scientific excellence awards and invited as a keynote speaker at prestigious national and international conferences, underlining the impact of his research on both academic and policy-making communities. As the Past President of the Italian Society of Human Reproduction (SIRU), he was recognized for his leadership and commitment to advancing reproductive science. Dr. Montano has also received accolades for his community engagement, particularly for involving young populations in environmental awareness and prevention programs. These awards reflect his reputation as a visionary researcher dedicated to translating science into meaningful action for public and environmental health.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Luigi Montano possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills that reflect his multidisciplinary expertise in medicine, environmental science, and reproductive health. He is highly proficient in clinical research methodologies, including patient data analysis, epidemiological studies, and biomarker identification—particularly using semen quality as an early indicator of environmental exposure. His leadership in the EcoFoodFertility project showcases his ability to design and manage multicenter, multidisciplinary studies that integrate molecular biology, lifestyle assessment, and ecological risk mapping. Dr. Montano is skilled in applying translational research approaches, turning scientific findings into actionable strategies for public health and prevention. His experience includes coordinating cross-institutional collaborations, securing research funding, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting findings at global forums. Additionally, he effectively employs community-based participatory research techniques, engaging local populations—especially youth—in data collection and awareness. These skills underline his capacity to conduct impactful research that bridges science, policy, and social relevance.

Conclusion💡

Dr. Luigi Montano exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher Award recipient through his multidisciplinary expertise, leadership in community-engaged science, significant research output, and commitment to addressing critical environmental and public health challenges. His work merges scientific rigor with social responsibility, making him a strong and deserving nominee for the award.

Publications Top Noted✍

Title: Microplastics in the environment: intake through the food web, human exposure and toxicological effects
Authors: C. Pironti, M. Ricciardi, O. Motta, Y. Miele, A. Proto, L. Montano
Year: 2021
Citations: 296

Title: Endocrine-disrupting compounds: An overview on their occurrence in the aquatic environment and human exposure
Authors: C. Pironti, M. Ricciardi, A. Proto, P.M. Bianco, L. Montano, O. Motta
Year: 2021
Citations: 228

Title: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the environment: occupational and exposure events, effects on human health and fertility
Authors: L. Montano, C. Pironti, G. Pinto, M. Ricciardi, A. Buono, C. Brogna, M. Venier, et al.
Year: 2022
Citations: 206

Title: First evidence of microplastics in human urine, a preliminary study of intake in the human body
Authors: C. Pironti, V. Notarstefano, M. Ricciardi, O. Motta, E. Giorgini, L. Montano
Year: 2022
Citations: 194

Title: Raman Microspectroscopy evidence of microplastics in human semen
Authors: L. Montano, E. Giorgini, V. Notarstefano, T. Notari, M. Ricciardi, M. Piscopo, et al.
Year: 2023
Citations: 137

Title: Microplastics in the aquatic environment: occurrence, persistence, analysis, and human exposure
Authors: M. Ricciardi, C. Pironti, O. Motta, Y. Miele, A. Proto, L. Montano
Year: 2021
Citations: 102

Title: Environmental pollutants: genetic damage and epigenetic changes in male germ cells
Authors: C. Vecoli, L. Montano, M.G. Andreassi
Year: 2016
Citations: 86

Title: Discovery of the involvement in DNA oxidative damage of human sperm nuclear basic proteins of healthy young men living in polluted areas
Authors: G. Lettieri, G. D’Agostino, E. Mele, C. Cardito, R. Esposito, A. Cimmino, et al.
Year: 2020
Citations: 84

Title: Human semen as an early, sensitive biomarker of highly polluted living environment in healthy men: A pilot biomonitoring study on trace elements in blood and semen and their correlation
Authors: P. Bergamo, M.G. Volpe, S. Lorenzetti, A. Mantovani, T. Notari, E. Cocca, et al.
Year: 2016
Citations: 76
Title: Effects of a lifestyle change intervention on semen quality in healthy young men living in highly polluted areas in Italy: the FASt randomized controlled trial
Authors: L. Montano, E. Ceretti, F. Donato, P. Bergamo, C. Zani, G.C.V. Viola, T. Notari, et al.
Year: 2022
Citations: 71

Assoc. Prof. Dr Zhang Xihua | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Shanghai Polytechnic University, china

Dr. Xihua Zhang is a distinguished researcher affiliated with Shanghai Polytechnic University. With an extensive background in materials science and environmental engineering, Dr. Zhang has significantly contributed to the field of lithium-ion battery recycling and sustainable resource management. His research has been instrumental in advancing mechanochemical methods for metal recovery, selective lithium extraction, and sustainable recycling practices. Over the years, he has published numerous high-impact journal articles, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to addressing critical challenges in resource sustainability.

profile

ORCID

Scopus

Education

Dr. Zhang has a strong academic foundation in materials science and environmental technology. His educational background has equipped him with advanced knowledge in chemical engineering, sustainable material processing, and waste management, which have been pivotal in shaping his research career. Throughout his academic journey, he has developed expertise in mechanochemical and hydrometallurgical processes, focusing on enhancing the efficiency of metal extraction from spent lithium-ion batteries.

Experience

With years of experience in academia and research, Dr. Zhang has collaborated with several leading institutions and experts in the field. His work spans interdisciplinary domains, including energy storage materials, circular economy practices, and green chemistry. He has served as a reviewer for multiple high-impact journals and has contributed to the development of innovative recycling technologies. His research findings have been widely cited, reflecting his influence in advancing environmentally friendly metal recovery processes.

Research Interests

Dr. Zhang’s research interests primarily focus on sustainable materials processing and recycling technologies. His work includes mechanochemical methods for extracting valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries, selective recovery of lithium, and environmentally friendly leaching processes. He is also interested in exploring the role of nickel recycling in new energy vehicle industries and the optimization of closed-loop battery recycling methods. His contributions aim to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of battery recycling to support the growing demand for energy storage materials.

Awards

Dr. Zhang has been recognized for his contributions to battery recycling and sustainable resource management. His research has received accolades from academic and industrial communities, reflecting the significance of his work in advancing environmental sustainability. His awards and honors highlight his dedication to pioneering innovative and efficient recycling techniques that align with global efforts to minimize electronic waste and promote a circular economy.

Publication Top Notes

“Mechanism and technological method of leaching metals from waste lithium-ion batteries by synergistic action of natural organic reductants and mechanochemical method” – Published in Separation and Purification Technology, Jan 2025. (Cited: 1)

“Material flow analysis on the critical resources from spent power lithium-ion batteries under the framework of China’s recycling policies” – Published in Waste Management, Nov 2023. (Cited: 6)

“A mechanochemical method for one-step leaching of metals from spent LIBs” – Published in Waste Management, Apr 2023. (Cited: 12)

“Recovery of Li and Co from Spent Li-Ion Batteries by Mechanochemical Integration with NH4Cl” – Published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, May 2022. (Cited: 11)

“Selective Recovery of Lithium from Spent Lithium-ion Batteries Synergized by Carbon and Sulfur Elements” – Published in Acta Chimica Sinica, Aug 2021. (Cited: 5)

“The role of nickel recycling from nickel-bearing batteries on alleviating demand-supply gap in China’s industry of new energy vehicles” – Published in Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Jul 2021. (Cited: 36)

“Recycling of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries using mechanochemical activation and solid-state sintering” – Published in Waste Management, Feb 2019. (Cited: 144)

Conclusion

With a strong publication record, high citation impact, and groundbreaking research in sustainable battery recycling, Dr. Xihua Zhang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible practices in energy storage and recycling industries

Luigi Montano | Environmental Risk Assessment | Best Researcher Award