Prof. ZHAO Yaqian from Xi'an University of Technology visited IHB on Nov. 20, 2024. (Credit: IHB)

On the morning of November 20, 2024, two renowned experts in the field of constructed wetlands, Prof. ZHAO Yaqian from Xi'an University of Technology and Prof. YANG Lei from Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan, were invited to the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, for an academic exchange. They delivered insightful lectures on “Constructed Wetland Technology and Future Developments for Water Pollution Control” and “Artificial Intelligence in Wetland Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration.” 

Prof. Zhao shared the latest advancements made by his research team in the design and application of novel constructed wetlands. He offered new perspectives on the future development of constructed wetlands, particularly in areas such as the removal of emerging pollutants, the expansion of post-treatment applications, enhancing carbon sink functions, and improving both economic and ecological benefits. Additionally, Zhao emphasized the importance of young scholars not only focusing on solid research work but also engaging in international collaboration to broaden their academic horizons, drawing from his own experiences studying and working abroad.

Prof. Yang presented the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in wetland ecosystem conservation and restoration. He discussed how AI can foster interdisciplinary research, optimize workflows, and improve ecological restoration strategies. By leveraging deep learning technologies, AI helps in determining the best protection-restoration models and optimal ratios for wetland conservation, while also accounting for the economic costs of ecological functions. Yang also raised concerns about the potential risks AI poses to scientific research, particularly in terms of generating false data or research outputs.

Prof. Zhao is a fellow of the International Water Association (IWA) and holds several prestigious academic titles, including Specially Appointed Professor at Xi'an University of Technology and a "Feitian Scholar" at Gansu Province. He is a leading scholar in the field of constructed wetland wastewater treatment and serves as the China Coordinator for the IWA Constructed Wetland Specialist Committee. 

Prof. Yang is a full-time professor in the Department of Marine Environment and Engineering at Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan. Since 2004, he has also served as the director of the Water Resources Research Center. He is an active member of the Taiwan Wetlands Society and the Taiwan Wetlands Conservation Alliance and has co-organized the Cross Strait Wetland Symposium, which has been held successfully for 14 years in collaboration with IHB Prof. WU Zhenbin. 

The academic exchange highlighted the intersection of environmental science and innovative technology, offering new solutions for wetland conservation in the face of growing ecological challenges.

Prof. YANG Lei from Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan visited IHB on Nov. 20, 2024. (Credit: IHB)