Ashraf Maskoni unlocks the key to managing oil spills in Benin

Ashraf Maskoni, a researcher at the National Polytechnic Institute of Brittany, has developed a stability model for gravity currents in coastal environments, providing essential tools for managing oil spills. This research, supported by the IRDL laboratory, was validated in 2023 and addresses a crucial issue for the vulnerable coasts of Benin.

Ashraf Maskoni's research is set against a concerning backdrop of oil spills, threatening marine ecosystems and local economies. The coasts of Benin, due to their proximity to busy shipping lanes, are particularly exposed. The thesis explores the dynamics of complex gravity currents, focusing on the interactions between immiscible liquids, in order to better anticipate behaviors during spills.

By modeling the stability of interfaces between immiscible liquids, Maskoni highlighted the importance of density and viscosity gradients in the dynamics of currents. This approach allows for predicting the impacts of a spill, thus providing valuable tools for managing environmental crises. The results of this research provide a solid scientific basis for developing spill management solutions.

The implications of this research are strategic for decision-makers and stakeholders in the sector. By developing solutions based on stability models, it is possible to improve the management of oil spills in Benin. Investors are encouraged to establish partnerships with researchers to maximize the impact of these innovations and meet the growing demand for effective technologies in this field.

« « My research demonstrates that understanding the interactions between immiscible liquids is essential for anticipating the impacts of oil spills, » says Ashraf Maskoni. »

« « This thesis illustrates the importance of access to scientific knowledge for decision-makers, in order to develop solutions tailored to the environmental challenges of Benin, » emphasizes the Lektaris team. »