Description
Abstract: Emerging contaminants pose a significant threat to water resources, as well as to the health of ecosystems and humans. Despite this, modelling studies on the occurrence, fate and transport of emerging contaminants in aquatic environments have received less attention than field surveys and laboratory experiments. The fate and transport of emerging contaminants are determined by physical, chemical, and biological processes, with dominant processes varying depending on the type of emerging contaminant. In this presentation, Dr. Tong shares how to use models to better understand the fate, transport and assess potential risks of different types of emerging contaminants in aquatic environment. These contaminants include ocean plastics, emerging organic contaminants, and antibiotic resistance. Additionally, Dr. Tong shares his vision for a future framework in developing a comprehensive modelling approach to provide a holistic understanding of the fate and transport of emerging contaminants in the water system. Dr. Tong hopes to demonstrate from this presentation how we can engage in goal-oriented research to find practical ways to provide useful information for water quality management, especially when dealing with the rising concerns of emerging contaminants in the aquatic environment.Biography: Dr. Xuneng Tong is a research fellow at the National University of Singapore and co-founder of AquaShield Solutions, a spin-off company from NUS. Dr. Tong obtained his Ph.D. from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore and his Bachelor from Hohai University. Dr. Tong has an interdisciplinary background in hydraulics and environmental engineering, equipping him with a broad and nuanced understanding crucial for tackling complex water-related issues. Dr. Tong has received awards and honours through his education, such as the Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Students Abroad, National Scholarship, etc. As a leading author, he has contributed to 10 peer-reviewed publications on Water Research, Journal of Hazardous Materials, etc, , in addition to authoring a 1 book chapter. Dr. Tong’s research primarily focuses on developing both process-based hydrodynamic-water quality models and data-driven models, with a deep scientific and practical understanding. Dr. Tong was involved in several R&D projects to develop an integrated modelling framework to understand the physical-biological-chemical processes in the natural aquatic environment. The models he has developed simulate the transport and fate of emerging contaminants, including antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and plastics, etc. These models have been successfully applied in local reservoirs and coastal waters.
| Period | 22 Apr 2024 |
|---|---|
| Visiting from | National University of Singapore (Singapore) |
| Visitor degree | PhD |
| Country/Territory | Singapore |