Rifeng Wu | Environmental Pollution and Remediation | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Rifeng Wu | Environmental Pollution and Remediation | Best Paper Award

Lecturer | Guangxi Normal University | China

Dr. Rifeng Wu is an emerging environmental scientist whose research focuses on microbial reductive dehalogenation, organohalide bioremediation, and the integration of microbial systems with material-based catalytic processes. His work targets the remediation of soils and groundwater contaminated with halogenated organic pollutants, advancing both mechanistic understanding and applied technologies for environmental cleanup. His research productivity includes 8 Scopus-indexed publications, 358 citations, and an h-index of 7, reflecting growing international recognition. A central component of Dr. Rifeng Wu’s research involves enhancing the ecological fitness, colonization behavior, and synergistic interactions of organohalide-respiring bacteria. His publication in Environmental Science & Technology demonstrates innovative strategies for improving microbial interactions to accelerate chloroethene bioremediation. He has also developed integrated systems combining microbial reductive dehalogenation with advanced oxidation processes such as persulfate activation, resulting in complete organohalide attenuation and improved remediation efficiency, as reported in Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering. Dr. Rifeng Wu has contributed impactful findings to high-impact journals including Journal of Hazardous Materials, where he introduced bio-RD-PAOP materials for polychlorinated biphenyl degradation, combining engineered materials with microbiological pathways to achieve enhanced dechlorination performance. His research also extends to nanomaterial synthesis for catalytic applications, demonstrated through multiple publications in Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, and Chinese Journal of Catalysis, where he has designed advanced Pt-Pd-based nanostructures with superior electrocatalytic behavior for oxygen reduction reactions. He has participated in several national and provincial research projects, contributing to methodological advancements in contaminant degradation, microbial ecology, and sustainable remediation technologies. His recent work also includes studying microplastic-induced physiological changes in plants, broadening his contributions to emerging environmental pollution challenges. Dr. Rifeng Wu’s research achievements span journal publications, funded projects, innovative remediation systems, and interdisciplinary material–microbe technologies, positioning him as a notable young scholar in environmental biotechnology and pollution control.

Profiles: Scopus | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Wu, R., Shen, R., Liang, Z., Zheng, S., Yang, Y., Lu, Q., Adrian, L., & Wang, S. (2023). Improve niche colonization and microbial interactions for organohalide-respiring-bacteria-mediated remediation of chloroethene-contaminated sites. Environmental Science & Technology, 57(45). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c05932

2. Wu, R., Zhang, S., & Wang, S. (2022). Development and microbial characterization of Bio-RD-PAOP for effective remediation of polychlorinated biphenyls. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 436, 129190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129190

3. Wu, R., & Wang, S. (2021). Integration of microbial reductive dehalogenation with persulfate activation and oxidation (Bio-RD-PAO) for complete attenuation of organohalides. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 16(2), 22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-021-1457-8

4. Li, Y., Wu, R., Liu, Y., Wen, Y., & Shen, P. K. (2021). High-quality and deeply excavated PtPdNi nanocubes as efficient catalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction. Chinese Journal of Catalysis, 42(5), 772–780. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-2067(20)63703-2

5. Wang, S., Wu, R., Zhang, S., & Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research. (2022). Development and microbial characterization of Bio-Rd-Pao for extensive attenuation of persistent organohalides. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4039585

Krystyna Pyrzynska | Environmental Pollution and Remediation | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Krystyna Pyrzynska | Environmental Pollution and Remediation | Best Researcher Award

Faculty of Chemistry | University of Warsaw | Poland

Prof. Krystyna Pyrzynska is a leading analytical chemist whose research has significantly advanced chromatographic science, environmental analytics, and the development of modern sorbent-based separation technologies. With 10,597 citations, 203 publications, and an h-index of 52, she is widely recognized for her influential contributions to metal ion speciation, phytochemical analysis, and sorbent innovation. Her work integrates fundamental analytical chemistry with applied environmental and food science, generating high-impact findings across multidisciplinary domains. Her research focuses on solid sorbents for metal preconcentration, including carbon nanostructures, porphyrin-based materials, nanomaterials for chromium remediation, and plant-extract-derived nanoparticles. She has extensively investigated metal speciation, especially in complex environmental matrices, contributing key methodologies for improved sensitivity, selectivity, and environmental monitoring reliability. Her publications in Molecules, Materials, Analytica Chimica Acta, Microchimica Acta, and Food Chemistry reflect sustained impact in top-tier journals. A prominent area of her work includes chromatographic analysis of phenolic compounds, polyphenols, and antioxidants, with substantial contributions to the extraction, quantification, and functional evaluation of phytochemicals in food and agricultural by-products. Recent studies on selenium-enriched tea, chlorogenic acids from coffee wastes, and ferulic acid extraction highlight her leadership in nutraceutical analytics and sustainable bioresource utilization. Her impactful reviews and research articles on selenium species, radioisotopes for theranostics, and environmental remediation demonstrate breadth in both environmental and biomedical analytical chemistry. She has produced influential works on photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals, green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles, and advanced sorbent technologies, many of which have become highly cited references in the field. Prof. Krystyna Pyrzynska’s research portfolio also reflects strong collaborative practice, with over 56 co-authors, notable interdisciplinary partnerships, and contributions to international and domestic scientific networks. She frequently publishes open-access work, enhancing global accessibility to analytical chemistry advancements. Overall, Prof. Krystyna Pyrzynska stands as a leading figure in analytical and environmental chemistry, known for her innovations in separation techniques, sustainable extraction, metal ion analytics, and value-added utilization of natural bioresources.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | Sci Profiles | Research.com | Academia | Scilit

Featured Publications

1. Pyrzyńska, K. (2020). Nanomaterials in speciation analysis of metals and metalloids. Talanta, 120784. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2020.120784

2. Sentkowska, A., & Pyrzyńska, K. (2020). Selenium in plant foods: Speciation analysis, bioavailability, and factors affecting composition. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2020.1758027

3. Piwowarczyk, S., Sentkowska, A., & Pyrzyńska, K. (2020). Simultaneous determination of vitamin B6 and catechins in dietary supplements by ZIC-HILIC chromatography and their antioxidant interactions. European Food Research and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-020-03516-w

4. Sentkowska, A., & Pyrzyńska, K. (2019). Evaluation of the antioxidant interactions between green tea polyphenols and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Open Chemistry Journal, 6, 47–52. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874842201906010047

5. Dróżdż, P., & Pyrzyńska, K. (2019). Extracts from pine and oak barks: Phenolics, minerals and antioxidant potential. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2019.1668381

Zhong Zhang | Environmental Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Zhong Zhang | Environmental Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Vice President, Shandong Second Medical University, China

Prof. Zhong Zhang is the Vice President of Shandong Second Medical University, where he also serves as a senior academic leader in the fields of pathogen biology, parasitology, microbiology and environmental sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Pathogen Biology, obtained from a leading Chinese university, with specialization in microbial ecology and host–pathogen interactions. His research primarily focuses on the ecological and molecular interactions between pathogenic microorganisms, insects, and environmental factors, particularly exploring how intestinal commensal bacteria and bacteriophages influence the gut microbiota and developmental biology of insects. Prof. Zhong Zhang’s recent work has introduced novel phage-based precision regulation strategies to modify the gut microbiome of housefly larvae, revealing key mechanisms that link microbial balance to host growth and health. He has also pioneered investigations into the effects of graphene on bacterium–phage interactions in aquatic ecosystems and used multi-omics biological approaches to uncover how antibiotics reshape microbial and transcriptomic landscapes during larval development. Throughout his career, Prof. Zhong Zhang has held influential academic and research roles, including Principal Expert for the Shandong Province “12th Five-Year Plan” Key Discipline in Pathogen Biology, where he led several national and provincial-level research projects advancing environmental microbiology and vector-borne disease control. His scholarly impact includes 64 peer-reviewed publications, 722 citations, and an h-index of 16 (Scopus), reflecting sustained contributions to his field. Recognized for his excellence, he received the First Prize of the Shandong Higher Education Institutions Outstanding Research Achievement Award and the title of “Shandong Provincial Young and Middle-aged Expert with Outstanding Contributions.” He actively contributes to the scientific community as Vice President of the Shandong Entomological Society, Vice Chair of the Urban Entomology Committee and Medical Parasitology Branch, and Chair of the Medical Entomology Committee under the Entomological Society of China. Prof. Zhong Zhang’s interdisciplinary research bridges microbiology, entomology, and environmental science, offering innovative insights into sustainable pest management, microbial ecology, and environmental health. His vision is to advance global bioscience innovation by integrating microbiome research and ecological restoration to support sustainable ecosystems and public health resilience.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Sci Profiles

Featured Publications

1. Kong, X., Wang, S., Li, J., Li, Y., Zhang, R., & Zhang, Z. (2025). Kasugamycin and validamycin differentially inhibit housefly larval growth through gut microbiota regulation. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 279, 119098.

2. ang, L., Liu, X., Lin, S., Wang, L., Liang, J., & Zhang, Z. (2025). Parasitic plant Cistanche tubulosa shapes the bacterial community structure and functional composition of the salt-tolerant host Tamarix chinensis across different parasitic statuses. Environmental Microbiome, 20, 746.

3. Han, Y.-N., Dong, L., Sun, L.-L., Zhang, Z., & Han, H.-H. (2025). Excited-state-altering ratiometric fluorescent probes for the response of β-galactosidase in senescent cells. Molecules, 30(6), 1221.

4. Yin, Y., Wang, S., Li, Y., Kong, X., Zhang, R., & Zhang, Z. (2024). Antagonistic effect of the beneficial bacterium Enterobacter hormaechei against the heavy metal Cu²⁺ in housefly larvae. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 270, 116077.

5. Zhang, K., Wang, S., Li, Y., Yao, D., Zhang, R., & Zhang, Z. (2024). Application of bacteria and bacteriophage cocktails for biological control of houseflies. Parasites & Vectors, 17, 82.

 

Jiajia Cai | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jiajia Cai | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Lecture, Anhui University of Technology, China

Dr. Jiajia Cai is a Lecturer at the School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, China, where she leads research on photoelectrochemical corrosion protection, renewable energy conversion, and AI-driven materials discovery. She earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science from Northeastern University in 2016, following an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry (2011) and a B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry (2009), all from Northeastern University, China. Her research focuses on developing advanced photoelectrochemical materials for sustainable energy applications, including photoelectrocathodic protection (PCP) for metals, green hydrogen production via water splitting, and AI-assisted design of novel semiconductor photoanodes. Professionally, Dr. Jiajia Cai has served as a Lecturer at Anhui University of Technology since 2016, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National University of Singapore (2019–2020) focusing on optimization of photoanode materials, and a Visiting Scholar at Tsinghua University (2024–2025) emphasizing AI applications in materials science. Her key contributions include the design and fabrication of highly efficient photoanodes using morphology engineering, heterojunction construction and cocatalyst loading strategies, bridging fundamental photoelectrochemistry with practical corrosion prevention technologies and publishing over 50 SCI-indexed papers (58 documents, 877 citations, h-index 17), along with 4 patents under publication or review. She has led multiple national and provincial research projects, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation, as well as support from the Key Lab for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (ATM), Ministry of Education. Dr. Jiajia Cai is an active member of the Chinese Chemical Society and collaborates with leading institutions such as Tsinghua University, National University of Singapore, and Northeastern University. Her work significantly advances sustainable energy solutions, corrosion protection, and AI-driven materials discovery, contributing to environmental engineering, industrial innovation, and global scientific knowledge. Dr. Jiajia Cai’s research excellence, leadership, and vision position her to continue making transformative contributions to renewable energy and advanced material technologies worldwide.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Sci Profiles | Scilit

Featured Publications

1. Cai, J., Zhang, Z., Zu, S., Cui, A., Li, X., Xie, Q., Mao, K., & Chen, J. (2025). Built-in electric field in BiVO₄-SnO₂ heterostructure for enhanced photoelectrochemical H₂O₂ production. Fuel, 405, 136762.

2. Zhu, S., Cai, Z., Wang, Y., Wang, J., Cai, J., Xie, Q., & Huang, Z. (2025). Enhanced photoelectrochemical cathodic protection on steel in marine environment by cascade heterojunctions. Construction and Building Materials, 493, 143255.

3. Zhu, S., Xu, F., Wang, Y., Cai, J., Xie, Q., Yang, Y., & Huang, Z. (2025). Experimental study on heat transfer characteristics of a moving single-nozzle jet impingement. ISIJ International, 65(9), 1348–1358.

4. Xie, Q., Cai, Z., Wang, Y., Cai, J., Wang, J., & Sun, S. (2025). Efficient Z-scheme of 2D ZnIn₂S₄/3D TiO₂ for enhanced photoelectrochemical cathodic protection. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 13(5), 118305.

5. Chen, Q., Zhu, S., Xin, Z., Wang, D., Cai, J., Li, H., & Ding, S. (2024). Surfactant-assisted synthesis of NiCo alloy with specific nanopore architecture as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc-air batteries. Functional Materials Letters, 17(04), 451021.