Dr. Hengpeng Li - Environmental Science - Best Researcher Award

Nanjing Institute of Geography & Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - China

Author Profile

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Dr. Li Hengpeng began his academic journey with a deep interest in environmental science and engineering. his foundational education laid the groundwork for his future contributions in integrated watershed management and land-environment interactions. committed to interdisciplinary excellence, he refined his focus on hydrology, water quality, and sustainable ecological strategies early in his academic career. during this period, his curiosity extended to emerging fields such as power electronics, where he explored its intersection with environmental monitoring systems and automation of ecological observations.

🏛️ Professional endeavors

Currently serving as a research professor, dr. li hengpeng holds dual directorial roles: at the watershed resources and eco-environment research laboratory within the nanjing institute of geography and limnology, chinese academy of sciences (cas), and at the tianmu lake basin ecological observation and research station. under his leadership, these institutes have made substantial contributions to the development of watershed ecological security mechanisms. with extensive field experience, he has seamlessly integrated innovative technologies, including power electronics systems for real-time environmental data collection and analysis, into the operational frameworks of these research stations.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Dr. Li’s primary research domains include land-cover change and environmental impacts, hydrological and water quality modeling, and watershed planning and management. he has published over 100 academic papers in prestigious journals, cementing his reputation as a leader in watershed science. one of his most groundbreaking efforts is the market-based trading Environmental Science trial for water environmental capacity, framing it as an ecosystem service product. this novel concept not only innovates environmental governance but also utilizes concepts from power electronics in smart monitoring systems to regulate and quantify ecological service exchanges in real-time.

🌍 Impact and influence

The societal relevance and environmental impact of dr. li’s work are significant. his models and strategies have influenced the legislative protection of lake and reservoir environments across china. selected as a leading talent under the jiangsu provincial "333 high-level talent cultivation project", he has shaped national policy through science-backed recommendations. his projects were highlighted as model cases in two key national initiatives: the ndrс’s “value realization mechanism of ecological products” and the mee’s “green development in Environmental Science ecological civilization demonstration projects.” his efforts have led to improved watershed governance, demonstrating a strong intersection between science, policy, and environmental ethics.

📚 Academic cites

With over 100 academic papers published, dr. li hengpeng has built an influential academic presence in the fields of environmental science, hydrology, and sustainability planning. his work is frequently cited in international journals addressing ecosystem service valuation, hydrological dynamics, and land-use planning. many of his publications serve as reference points for Environmental Science interdisciplinary studies combining geographical information systems (gis), remote sensing, and environmental modeling—enhanced further by his integration of power electronics in eco-sensing and adaptive environmental control frameworks.

🌱 Legacy and future contributions

Dr. Li's innovative approach to ecosystem service commercialization and watershed management has established a new paradigm in eco-environmental governance. awarded the 2024 jiangsu may 1st labor medal, his legacy continues to inspire young researchers in china and beyond. moving forward, his focus remains on refining integrated ecological models and enhancing data-driven environmental decision-making systems. future projects aim to elevate smart watershed governance by embedding ai-driven tools and expanding the use of automation through intelligent systems and power electronics for precision monitoring and resource optimization.

Notable Publications

Title: Variability in N₂O emission controls among different ponds within a hilly watershed
Author(s): Shuyi Xie, Tianyu Xia, Hengpeng Li, Yongjuan Chen, Wangshou Zhang
Journal: Water Research
Title: Breaking the Boundary between Permanent Capital Farmland and Arable Land in China: Understanding State and Drivers of Permanent Capital Farmland Non-Grain Production in a Rapid Urbanizing County
Author(s): Yunjie Shi, Hengpeng Li, Jianwei Geng, Wangshou Zhang, Yuyang Shao
Journal: Land
Title: Historical development, impact mechanism and future trends of nitrogen footprint in Wuxi City, China
Author(s): Chuanhe Xiong, Hengpeng Li, Hongxiang Fan, Akida Askar
Journal: Science of the Total Environment
Title: Wetland Destruction in a Headwater River Leads to Disturbing Decline of In-stream Nitrogen Removal
Author(s): Wangshou Zhang, Hengpeng Li, Dawei Xu, Tianyu Xia
Journal: Environmental Science and Technology
Title: Review of Researches on Nitrogen Removal Effects of Denitrifying Woodchip Bioreactor from Agricultural Non-point Source Wastewater
Author(s): Jiaping Pang, Hengpeng Li, Jun Li, Shuai Zang
Journal: Journal of Ecology and Rural Environment

Early academic pursuits 🎓

Sungju Im's academic journey in environmental engineering began with a master’s degree at sungkyunkwan university, korea, where he specialized in water resources and environmental engineering. his thesis focused on the performance evaluation of two-stage spiral wound forward osmosis (fo) elements under various operating conditions. his deep interest in water treatment technologies during his graduate studies laid the foundation for his future research in sustainable desalination processes.

Professional endeavors 🏢

After completing his m.s., sungju continued his academic and professional journey at gyeongsang national university, where he earned his ph.d. in environmental engineering. as part of the department of environmental engineering, his work has been closely linked to developing and improving water purification technologies, particularly forward osmosis (fo). this research focus has positioned him as a key contributor to innovations in water and desalination processes.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Sungju im's research is centered on the techno-economic evaluation of forward osmosis as an alternative water treatment and desalination process. his work aims to Environmental engineering optimize fo systems to improve efficiency and make them more viable for large-scale applications. by addressing challenges like energy consumption and operational conditions, sungju contributes to making desalination more sustainable and accessible. his studies on spiral wound fo elements are particularly noted for their potential in enhancing industrial water recovery methods.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

Sungju has received recognition for his contributions to the field of environmental engineering. his research has been published in prominent journals, where his Environmental engineering work on fo systems is praised for its innovation and practical application. his expertise in this niche has garnered respect both within academic circles and the water treatment industry. his achievements reflect his commitment to advancing water purification technologies.

Impact and influence 🌍

Through his work, sungju im has had a significant impact on the global water industry. his research into forward osmosis presents a promising solution for water-scarce regions, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional desalination methods. his contributions are instrumental in driving forward the Environmental engineering adoption of fo technologies, providing innovative methods to address the global water crisis.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

Sungju im's legacy lies in his pioneering work on forward osmosis and its potential to revolutionize water treatment. his dedication to improving the efficiency and economic viability of desalination technologies ensures that his research will have lasting effects on both the environment and the future of water engineering. his future contributions are likely to further enhance the practicality of fo in large-scale applications, making a tangible difference in global water management.

Notable Publications

Title: "An efficient data-driven desalination approach for the element-scale forward osmosis (FO)-reverse osmosis (RO) hybrid systems"
Authors: Im, S.-J., Viet, N.D., Lee, B.-T., Jang, A.
Journal: Environmental Research, 2023, 237, 116786
Title: "Supercritical carbon dioxide fluid cleaning of extracellular polymeric substance surrogates on seawater reverse osmosis membranes"
Authors: Jung, B., Im, S., Westerhoff, P., Park, K.
Journal: Desalination, 2023, 559, 116637
Title: "High-Efficiency Recovery of Acetic Acid from Water Using Electroactive Gas-Stripping Membranes"
Authors: Im, S., Jung, B., Wang, X., Hoek, E.M.V., Jassby, D.
Journal: Environmental Science and Technology, 2023, 57(27), pp. 10096–10106
Title: "Simple and Low-Cost Electroactive Membranes for Ammonia Recovery"
Authors: Wang, X., Im, S., Jung, B., Hoek, E.M., Jassby, D.
Journal: Environmental Science and Technology, 2023, 57(25), pp. 9405–9415
Title: "Feasibility assessment of alternative environmentally friendly disinfection technique for reverse osmosis-based desalination process"
Authors: Im, S., Jang, A.
Journal: Desalination, 2023, 553, 116458