Xiang Li | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Xiang Li | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Fudan University, China.

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li is a full professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering at Fudan University, Shanghai. He leads pioneering research on the use of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for the early diagnosis of major diseases, particularly cancers such as colorectal, gastric, and brain cancers. His team has developed an advanced breath sampling and trace-level VOC detection platform to enhance diagnostic accuracy through integration with multi-omics data and AI-driven models. Prof. Li’s work bridges environmental health, analytical chemistry, and biomedical applications, offering innovative, non-invasive tools for early disease detection. His scientific contributions extend to environmental carbon cycling, air pollution exposure, and emerging contaminants. He has led over 20 research projects, including major funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), and maintains strong international collaboration, particularly with German institutions. Prof. Li’s career reflects a consistent commitment to interdisciplinary approaches that fuse high-precision instrumentation, environmental analytics, and translational health research. His scholarship not only supports cutting-edge diagnostics but also contributes broadly to environmental sustainability and public health policy. With over 15 million CNY in funding, his research group continues to shape the next frontier in environmental and medical sciences.

Publication Profile

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Education

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering from Fudan University, one of China’s premier institutions for science and research. His academic path has consistently focused on environmental analytical chemistry and atmospheric science, with a particular interest in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their environmental and health impacts. He undertook postdoctoral research at the University of Waterloo in Canada (2008–2009), under the supervision of renowned scientist Prof. Janusz Pawliszyn, a pioneer in solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and analytical chemistry. This international experience significantly enriched his analytical capabilities and broadened his research perspectives in environmental chemistry. Additionally, Prof. Li completed a research stay as a visiting scholar at the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) in Germany from 2014 to 2015, collaborating with Prof. Hartmut Herrmann on advanced atmospheric modeling and pollutant transformation mechanisms. These formative experiences provided him with a unique skill set that integrates international environmental chemistry methodologies with domestic challenges in atmospheric pollution, health exposure studies, and bioanalytical research, laying a solid foundation for his future scientific achievements and multidisciplinary research leadership.

Professional Experience

Prof. Xiang Li has held a distinguished academic career at Fudan University since 2006. He began as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2011. His excellence in teaching and research earned him a full Professorship in December 2016. Throughout his tenure, he has developed a robust and internationally recognized research program in environmental analytical chemistry and human health exposure science. He also brings a wealth of international experience, having conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Waterloo, Canada (2008–2009) under Prof. Janusz Pawliszyn, and serving as a visiting scholar at TROPOS in Germany (2014–2015), collaborating with Prof. Hartmut Herrmann. These roles enriched his methodological expertise and strengthened global research collaborations. Prof. Li has successfully led over 20 competitive research projects and has established a well-equipped laboratory for advanced VOC sampling and analysis. His group integrates high-resolution mass spectrometry, artificial intelligence, and multi-omics to explore VOC biomarkers in both environmental and clinical settings. His leadership continues to inspire interdisciplinary innovations at the nexus of environment, chemistry, and public health.

Research Interest

Prof. Xiang Li’s research interests span environmental chemistry, biomedical diagnostics, and climate-health interactions. His primary research focus is the utilization of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for non-invasive disease diagnosis, especially in early-stage detection of colorectal, gastric, and brain cancers. Through the development of an original high-fidelity breath sampling system and a trace-level VOC detection platform, his team explores the intersection of environmental exposure and human health. Prof. Li is also deeply invested in the chemical mechanisms of air pollution and its biological implications. His broader interests include extreme climate events, environmental carbon cycling, emerging pollutants, and environmental analytical chemistry. He aims to elucidate the metabolic signatures and biological relevance of VOCs using multi-omics and machine learning approaches. His interdisciplinary research integrates atmospheric science, analytical technologies, artificial intelligence, and clinical collaborations to address pressing public health challenges. Prof. Li’s work contributes not only to personalized disease diagnostics but also to environmental monitoring and policy development. By decoding the chemical language of breath and pollution, his research aspires to bridge the gap between environmental risk factors and disease pathogenesis in the context of global health.

Research Skills

Prof. Xiang Li possesses a comprehensive suite of advanced research skills in environmental science and analytical chemistry. He specializes in VOC sampling and detection, employing self-developed systems such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME), needle trap devices, and thermal desorption platforms. His laboratory is equipped for high-resolution two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), direct mass spectrometry, and novel ionization methods including desorption corona beam ionization, allowing for ultratrace-level detection and high-throughput analysis. He is also skilled in multi-omics integration—combining metabolomics, proteomics, and genomics to understand the biological origins and significance of exhaled VOCs. Additionally, Prof. Li has implemented artificial intelligence and machine learning models for breathomics-based disease classification, establishing a framework for precision diagnostics. His environmental analytical skill set also includes quantifying emerging pollutants, characterizing atmospheric particulate matter, and evaluating air pollutant exposure pathways. Prof. Li is proficient in project management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and translating laboratory findings into clinical and policy-relevant applications. These versatile and integrative skills have enabled him to lead major national and international research programs and contribute significantly to both environmental sustainability and public health innovation.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic career, Prof. Xiang Li has received numerous recognitions for his research excellence and scientific leadership. While specific national or institutional awards are not explicitly listed, his consistent success in securing major competitive grants, particularly from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), speaks to his academic distinction. He has been awarded multiple high-impact NSFC projects, including international cooperative grants such as the Sino-German research collaboration on air pollution, which reflects global recognition of his expertise. His selection for collaborative work at institutions like TROPOS in Germany and the University of Waterloo in Canada underscores his esteemed reputation in atmospheric and analytical sciences. Furthermore, his partnerships with industry leaders such as Agilent Technologies through their ACT-UR program have led to cutting-edge advances in analytical instrumentation and breath analysis. Prof. Li’s capacity to lead cross-sector research and translate scientific findings into actionable diagnostics and environmental monitoring tools exemplifies the high regard in which he is held within both academic and applied scientific communities. His work continues to contribute to the advancement of precision diagnostics and environmental health assessment in China and internationally.

📊 Author Metrics 

📝 Total Publications

Over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, published in internationally recognized journals including:

  • Environmental Science & Technology
  • Cancer Letters
  • npj Climate and Atmospheric Science
  • Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
  • Talanta, Green Analytical Chemistry, and others.

📈 Total Citations (Estimated): 1,000–2,500+ citations

📚 h-index (Estimated): 15–25

🔁 i10-index (Estimated) : 15–20+

Indicates at least 15 publications with more than 10 citations each.

🧪 Core Research Areas

  • Breathomics / Volatilomics / Breath Biopsy
  • Air Pollution and Atmospheric Chemistry
    • PM, NMVOCs, NOx, O₃, oxidative stress
  • COVID-19 Related Metabolomic Biomarkers
  • Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) Formation
  • Environmental Mass Spectrometry & Analytical Chemistry
  • Climate Impact and Regional Pollution Dynamics

🔍 Peer Review Contributions

Dr. Xiang Li has completed 26 verified peer reviews for leading international journals:

  • Environmental Science & Technology – 13 reviews
  • Environmental Science & Technology Letters – 6 reviews
  • Journal of Hazardous Materials – 3 reviews
  • Environmental Pollution – 2 reviews
  • Science of the Total Environment – 1 review
  • Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety – 1 review

Top Noted Publication

1. Integrated Smart Mass Spectrometry Platform Enables Volatilomics‑Based Breath Biopsy

  • Journal: Green Analytical Chemistry

  • Year: 2025

2. Advancing Breathomics through Accurate Discrimination of Endogenous from Exogenous Volatiles in Breath

  • Journal: Environmental Science & Technology

  • Year: 2024

3. Nitrate Pollution Deterioration in Winter Driven by Surface Ozone Increase

  • Journal: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science

  • Year: 2024

4. Exhaled Volatolomics Profiling Facilitates Personalized Screening for Gastric Cancer

  • Journal: Cancer Letters

  • Year: 2024

5. High‑Resolution Mapping of Regional NMVOCs Using the Fast Space‑Time Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM)

  • Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres

  • Year: 2023

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li is a leading figure in environmental science and analytical chemistry, renowned for his innovative research at the intersection of breathomics, public health, and environmental pollution. As a Professor at Fudan University, he has built a distinguished career through interdisciplinary collaboration, state-of-the-art technology development, and a strong commitment to translational research. His contributions to VOC-based diagnostics and environmental health monitoring reflect a visionary approach that merges cutting-edge analytical tools with artificial intelligence and clinical relevance. With over 15 million CNY in research funding, numerous national and international research grants, and partnerships with globally respected institutions, Prof. Li has established himself as a thought leader in non-invasive diagnostics and air pollution research. His long-term vision includes the clinical integration of breath analysis as a scalable, non-invasive diagnostic platform for major diseases and broader environmental risk management. By decoding molecular fingerprints in exhaled breath and atmospheric samples, his work addresses urgent needs in both medicine and environmental policy. Prof. Li continues to mentor emerging scientists and lead impactful research that promotes both human and planetary health.

 

Hongqing Hu | Environmental Pollution | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Hongqing Hu | Environmental Pollution | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hongqing Hu | Environmental Pollution – Professor at Huazhong Agricultural University, China.

Prof. Dr. Hongqing Hu is a distinguished soil scientist affiliated with the College of Resource and Environment at Huazhong Agricultural University. With over three decades of academic and research experience, his career has significantly advanced the understanding of soil chemistry, fertility, mineralogy, and plant nutrition. He earned all his academic degrees—B.Agri.Sci., M.Sc., and Ph.D.—from Huazhong Agricultural University, building a robust foundation in agronomic sciences. Throughout his professional life, Prof. Hu has contributed extensively to national and international research initiatives, focusing on nutrient dynamics, heavy metal remediation, rhizosphere processes, and sustainable soil management practices. His global engagements as a visiting scientist and invited speaker span Germany, the USA, Italy, Korea, and Australia, highlighting his recognition within the scientific community. Prof. Hu has also played prominent editorial roles in several influential journals and has been a reviewer and awardee recognized for scholarly excellence in soil and environmental sciences. His work addresses both fundamental and applied aspects of soil science, including the environmental impacts of agriculture, rhizosphere chemistry, and sustainable fertilization. With a career marked by significant publications, grants, and honors, Prof. Hu continues to influence the field of agricultural and environmental sustainability through research, mentorship, and leadership.

Publication Profile

Scopus

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Educational Background

Prof. Dr. Hongqing Hu completed all his academic degrees at Huazhong Agricultural University, China, establishing a deep and continuous academic affiliation with the institution. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences in 1988, followed by a Master of Science degree in 1991 with a focus on soil mineralogy and surface chemistry. His M.Sc. dissertation investigated the association and surface properties of clay minerals in Mufu Mountain soil, a project that laid the foundation for his later studies on mineral-soil interactions. Building upon this, he pursued and earned his Ph.D. in 1997, focusing on the effects of organic acids on phosphate adsorption-desorption in acid soils and aluminum oxides. His doctoral research provided key insights into phosphorus dynamics and soil chemical behavior under nutrient stress, contributing to improved understanding of nutrient bioavailability and soil fertility management. The academic rigor and specificity of his training have enabled him to carry out cutting-edge research on complex soil systems, both in China and abroad. His formal education, rooted in a single premier institution, reflects both academic depth and a sustained commitment to addressing pressing agricultural and environmental challenges through science.

Professional Experience

Prof. Hu has held progressive academic positions at Huazhong Agricultural University, beginning his career in 1991 as an assistant professor and lecturer, followed by an appointment as associate professor from 1999 to 2003. Since 2003, he has served as a full professor in the university’s College of Resource and Environment. His international engagements include research and visiting scientist roles in renowned institutions: the University of Napoli (Italy, 2000), the University of Western Australia (2001–2002), Chungbuk National University (Korea, 2005 & 2007), Texas A&M University (USA, 2010), and the Jülich Agrosphere Institute (Germany, 2011). These experiences have enriched his interdisciplinary outlook and fostered international collaborations in soil chemistry and environmental science. In editorial capacities, Prof. Hu has served on the boards of several prestigious journals, such as Journal of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer, Journal of Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Sustainable Development. He was also the Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Agriculture, Food and Development (2015–2022). His professional trajectory demonstrates a strong blend of academic leadership, international research engagement, and editorial stewardship, reinforcing his reputation as a thought leader in soil and environmental science.

Research Interest

Prof. Hu’s research interests are deeply rooted in soil chemistry, fertility, and environmental sustainability. He specializes in soil mineralogy, rhizosphere interactions, nutrient dynamics, and pollution remediation. One of his key focuses is the behavior of phosphorus in acid soils, including adsorption-desorption processes involving phosphate rocks and organic acids. He has also explored nutrient stress at the root-soil interface, specifically addressing biochemical reactions in variable charge soils. Another major area of interest is soil contamination—particularly heavy metal pollution—and the development of chemical and biological strategies for immobilization and phytoremediation. His projects include the investigation of Bt protein interactions in transgenic crops, biochar applications, and the environmental implications of agricultural practices in regions like the Three Gorges Reservoir. More recently, he has worked on organic-mineral fertilizer integration, eutrophication control, and microbiome-assisted remediation techniques. These interdisciplinary efforts, funded by national bodies such as NSFC, MOST, MOE, and 863 programs, reflect his dedication to developing practical, science-based solutions for soil health, food safety, and environmental protection. His interest in bridging the gap between fundamental soil science and applied agricultural technologies positions him at the forefront of sustainable land use and ecological resilience research.

Research Skills

Prof. Hu possesses a wide array of advanced research skills in soil chemistry and environmental sciences. His expertise includes clay mineral analysis, soil nutrient assays, and isotope tracing techniques to study root-soil interactions under nutrient stress. He has employed surface chemistry methods to investigate adsorption phenomena, particularly involving phosphorus, organic acids, and heavy metals. He is skilled in using two-phase (PEG/Dextran) separation techniques to isolate microbial phosphorus components and has utilized modern spectroscopic tools to elucidate chemical changes in soils exposed to various environmental conditions. His methodological proficiency extends to designing field-scale experiments for soil remediation and nutrient management, as demonstrated in his work on Bt protein retention, phosphate rock activation, and organic ligand interactions. He has led complex multi-year projects requiring integration of biogeochemical data, soil microbiology, and agronomic practices. Moreover, Prof. Hu has coordinated large-scale soil surveys, including the Third Soil Survey of Dongbao District and research in the Yangtze River hydro-fluctuation zones. His capacity to combine laboratory analysis, field investigation, and statistical modeling makes him highly effective in addressing agricultural and ecological challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Hu’s academic and research contributions have been widely recognized through numerous awards and honors. He has consistently been acknowledged as one of the best reviewers by major scientific journals such as the Journal of Agro-Environmental Science, Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, and Journal of Environmental Sciences, spanning the period from 2008 to 2019. In 2005, he received both the Second Prize for Natural Science from China’s Ministry of Education and the Third Prize for Natural Science from Hubei Province. Earlier accolades include the Third Prize for Scientific and Technological Improvement (Hubei Province, 2000), and the First and Third Prizes for Research Papers from the Scientific Committee of Hubei Province in 1998 and 1996, respectively. He was also awarded the Second Prize for Technological Improvement by the Educational Commission of China in 1995. These awards reflect his longstanding commitment to high-impact research and his contributions to the advancement of soil and environmental sciences in China. His record of excellence not only affirms his scientific reputation but also demonstrates a career dedicated to innovation, quality, and academic integrity.

Author Metrics

  • Total Citations: 5,014

  • Citing Documents: 4,160

  • Total Publications: 173

  • h-index: 42

These metrics reflect a high level of scientific impact and sustained academic contribution, indicating that at least 42 of your publications have been cited 42 times or more, demonstrating both productivity and influence in your field.

Top Noted Publication

1. Individual and combined inoculation of plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria enhance Ricinus communis L. to remediate Cu/Cd polluted soil

Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Publication Date: 2025
Highlights:

  • Investigates the remediation efficiency of Ricinus communis inoculated with endophytic bacteria in copper and cadmium polluted soil.

  • Demonstrates that combined inoculation significantly boosts plant biomass and metal uptake while improving soil enzyme activity.

2. Combined application of biochar and calcium superphosphate can effectively immobilize cadmium and reduce its uptake by cabbage

Journal: Agronomy
Publication Date: October 28, 2024
Highlights:

  • Evaluates the synergistic effects of biochar and calcium superphosphate (CaSSP) in cadmium-contaminated soil.

  • Finds that the amendment reduced Cd mobility and significantly limited Cd uptake by cabbage, offering a low-cost remediation strategy.

3. Comparative study on the leaching characteristics of Cd passivated in soils under continuous simulated acid rain

Journal: Sustainability
Publication Date: April 6, 2023
Highlights:

  • Compares how cadmium-stabilizing amendments behave under acid rain conditions.

  • Reveals long-term environmental stability of certain Cd-passivating agents under acidic leaching.

4. Endophytic bacteria in Ricinus communis L.: Diversity of bacterial community, plant-growth promoting traits of the isolates and its effect on Cu and Cd speciation in soil

Journal: Agronomy
Publication Date: January 23, 2023
Highlights:

  • Studies the bacterial endophyte diversity in Ricinus communis grown in metal-polluted soils.

  • Isolates show traits like phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, and influence metal bioavailability.

5. Comparative study on the fraction changes of the Cd immobilized in the soils with simulated acid rain

Type: Preprint (Research Square)
Publication Date: November 11, 2022
Highlights:

  • Focuses on the long-term stability of cadmium immobilized in soil when exposed to acid rain.

  • Concludes that different amendments alter Cd fractionation pathways differently under acidic stress.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Hongqing Hu stands as a leading figure in the fields of soil science and environmental sustainability. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has made foundational and applied contributions to soil chemistry, plant nutrition, and pollution control. His global research collaborations and editorial leadership underscore his influence across scientific communities. From the behavior of phosphorus in acid soils to the remediation of heavy metal pollution using innovative soil management techniques, Prof. Hu has consistently addressed challenges that are critical for food security and environmental protection. His strong academic background, comprehensive research experience, and numerous accolades demonstrate his commitment to excellence and innovation. Through his work, he has significantly advanced the understanding of soil processes and contributed practical solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and mitigate environmental risks. Prof. Hu continues to inspire the next generation of soil scientists while shaping sustainable agricultural policies and practices. His career is a testament to the power of integrated, interdisciplinary research in solving complex ecological problems and promoting global soil health.