Prof. XIE Ping (Credit: IHB)

On September 14, 2024, the main event for National Science Popularization Day in Hubei Province officially launched at the Hubei Science and Technology Museum. During the opening ceremony, several prestigious awards were presented, including recognitions for the "Most Beautiful Science and Technology Workers of Jingchu," advanced workers in national science popularization, and exemplary groups in the field. Among the awardees was Prof. XIE Ping from the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who was honored as the "Most Beautiful Science and Technology Worker of Jingchu."

XIE Ping's Contributions to Freshwater Conservation

For over 30 years, Xie has dedicated his research to freshwater environmental protection. He developed the innovative theory of "non-classical biological manipulation," addressing the global challenge of controlling cyanobacterial blooms. His groundbreaking work has significantly contributed to the protection of China's aquatic ecological environment.

Returning to China in 1989 after studying abroad, Xie began a systematic study on ecological control of cyanobacterial blooms under the guidance of Prof. LIU Jiankang (CAS member) at IHB. In 1997, he officially proposed the "non-classical biological manipulation" theory, which involves controlling predatory fish and promoting filter-feeding species like bighead and silver carp to suppress cyanobacterial blooms. This approach overcame the limitations of the classical biological manipulation prevalent in Europe and the U.S., which failed to manage large cyanobacterial populations effectively.

Xie's work led him to receive the prestigious Ecology Biwa Lake Prize, an international award for freshwater ecology. Currently, his theory serves as the theoretical foundation for the most widely used cyanobacterial biological control technology in China.

Successful Implementation in Donghu Lake

In 2021, Donghu Lake experienced a cyanobacterial bloom for the first time in 36 years. Xie and his team were tasked with formulating a food web regulation plan based on the "non-classical biological manipulation" theory. Their efforts resulted in reducing the bloom's coverage from 87% in 2021 to 0% by 2022. This success not only ensured the smooth holding of the 14th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention in Donghu but also generated significant socioeconomic benefits, providing a low-cost and efficient solution for controlling cyanobacterial blooms in China's large lakes and reservoirs.

Expertise and Leadership Roles

Xie has been recognized for his expertise in water pollution control and has served as a key member of several advisory groups, including being the leader of the Dali Lake Rescue Protection Expert Group. He successfully directed the comprehensive control of cyanobacterial blooms in the Qiantang River in 2016 and managed the bloom mitigation at the Fuyang Water Sports Center for the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Through his research and leadership, Xie Ping has made significant strides in addressing freshwater ecological challenges, leaving a lasting impact on environmental conservation efforts across China.