Research Interests

Professor Zheng Zheng’s research interests encompass watershed pollution control based on resource cycling, ecological protection and restoration of wetlands, and the complex interactions between environmental systems and human activities. His work synthesizes interdisciplinary theories and methodologies, including hydrological processes, ecological engineering, biomaterials science, and environmental sciences, with the objective of developing innovative, nature-based solutions to effectively address the multifaceted ecological and environmental challenges within watershed ecosystems.

Biography

Professor Zheng Zheng has long focused on watershed pollution control and ecological restoration, with an emphasis on technology innovation and engineering practice grounded in resource cycling. He has developed a suite of scalable, integrated solutions tailored to the diverse watershed conditions and complex pollution challenges across China. Among his key contributions is the “Clean Water Network” framework, along with proprietary technologies such as the composite-tower ecological filter, aquatic ecological spatial structuring, and niche-based remediation for heavily polluted waters. These technologies operate through a full-chain strategy—source reduction, in-process interception, and end-point purification—enabling the transformation of polluted water into reusable resources while significantly restoring ecological function. His work has advanced the paradigm shift in water management from conventional pollution control to ecosystem-based restoration, achieving synergies between water quality improvement and ecological health.

Professor Zheng has led or participated in over 30 major national and international research programs, including projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China、national key R&D initiatives, etc. His work has received multiple prestigious honors, including the Second Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award, provincial and ministerial science and technology awards, Gold Medal at the iENA International Invention Exhibition in Germany,etc. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers and holds more than 100 patents(Including 10 patents granted in developed countries such as the United States and the Netherlands). His innovative technologies have been widely implemented at nearly 300 demonstration sites nationwide, directly benefiting millions, and establishing a comprehensive technical and strategic framework that supports the sustainable coexistence of human and ecological systems.

Beyond scientific achievements, he served as an expert in major national water programs, a member of the State Council’s Academic Evaluation Committee, a member of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Dean of the School of the Environment at Nanjing University. He contributed to the design of national strategies for rural water environment improvement and ecological civilization. As co-founder of the Department of Environmental Engineering at Nanjing University, he advanced interdisciplinary education in water resources, ecological engineering, and pollution control. He has mentored nearly 100 graduate students,many of whom now hold leadership positions in research institutions, universities, and industry both in China and internationally.

Prizes and Awards

• 1988  Third Prize of Scientific and Technological Progress of the Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China

• 1990  The First Jiangsu Province Young and Middle-aged Science and Technology Award

• 1992  Third Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress in Jiangsu Province

• 1993  Third Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress, Ministry of Agriculture

• 1995  Second Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress in Jiangsu Province

• 1996  Young and Middle-aged Expert with Outstanding Contributions in Jiangsu Province

• 1996  Second Prize of Scientific and Technological Progress of the People's Republic of China

• 2006  Second Prize of Jiangsu Provincial Scientific and Technological Progress

• 2014  China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Innovation Achievement Award

• 2014  China Circular Economy Association Science and Technology Award

• 2014  Education and Talent Cultivation Achievement Award of Shanghai

• 2017  China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Innovation Individual Award

• 2018  China Invention Association Invention Entrepreneurship Award – Character Award

• 2018  Science Chinese Person of the Year

• 2021  Geneva International Invention Gold Medal – Liftable Submerged Plant Bed

• 2021  Geneva International Invention Gold Medal – Plant Space Construction

• 2021  First Prize of Invention, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award by China Invention Association

• 2022  Geneva International Invention Gold Medal – Non-point Source Pollution Control System Based on Clean Water Network                           

• 2023  Gold Award at World of Invention Singapore

• 2023  Gold Medal of World Invention Exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany

• 2024  Gold Medal at the Paris World Exhibition of Inventions

• 2024  First Prize of the Golden Bridge Award by the China Technology Market Association

Key Publications  

Books:

• Zhengzheng. (2004). Environmental Engineering. Science Publishing, ISBN:7-03-012837-0

• Zheng zheng (2003) Manual of Environmental Engineering Standards, Science Publishinge, Presided over the translation

• Qisheng Zhang; Zheng Zheng; Peiguo Zhou et al. (2013) Rural Domestic Wastewater Treatment in China. Jiangsu Science & Technology Press, ISBN:978-7-5345-8889-1

• Zheng zheng. (2023). The Exploration of Chinese Civilization. Index of Sciences, ISBN:9-798-38572082-8

Professor Zheng Zheng has published over 200 research articles and papers in prestigious domestic and international peer-reviewed journals, including Water Research, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Journal of Cleaner Production, 环境科学学报（Chinese Journal of Environmental Sciences）,中国环境科学（Environmental Science in China), etc. He has also applied for and been granted more than 100 patents, with 10 patents authorized in developed countries such as the United States and the Netherlands.    

1. Zhang, Y., Yan, K., Zheng, Z.*, & Luo, X. (2025). Interfered molecular mechanisms related to ferredoxin in Microcystis aeruginosa cells under iron limitation stress. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 13(2), 115737. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2025.115737 

2. Xuhui Huang, Wanqing Zhang, Hanqi Wu, Zheng Zheng*, Peng Gu, Microbial regulation of Microcystis colony formation: Mechanisms driving bloom persistence and toxicity, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 496, 2025, 139251, ISSN 0304-3894, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139251    

3. Jiabin Chen, Guo Li, Jie Liu, Xue Yuan, Gongwen Zhao, Xiaoying Yang, Suzhen Huang, Zheng Zheng*, Comparative assessment of novel nematicide trifluenfuronate and fosthiazate on soil ecosystem: from microbial community structure to KEGG functional pathways, Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2025, ISSN 1001-0742, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2025.05.033    

4. An Lao, Shiqi Zhang, Xuhui Huang, Dunfeng Feng, Yujie Xiong, Zunqing Du, Zheng Zheng*, Hanqi Wu, Evaluating physiological responses of microalgae towards environmentally coexisting microplastics: A meta-analysis, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 480, 2024, 135890, ISSN 0304-3894, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135890  

5. Xuhui Huang, Peng Gu, Hanqi Wu, Zhikai Wang, Suzhen Huang, Xingzhang Luo, Zheng Zheng*, Shift of calcium-induced Microcystis aeruginosa colony formation mechanism: From cell adhesion to cell division, Environmental Pollution, Volume 313, 2022, 119997, ISSN 0269-7491, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119997    

6. Gu, P., Wu, H., Zheng, Z.*, et?al. (2022). Effects of suspended solids on cyanobacterial bloom formation under different wind fields. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(47025–47035). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19231-w 

7. Weizhen Zhang, Peng Gu, Xiaowei Zheng, Ning Wang, Hanqi Wu, Jian He, Xingzhang Luo, Liang Zhou, Zheng Zheng*, Ecological damage of submerged macrophytes by fresh cyanobacteria (FC) and cyanobacterial decomposition solution (CDS), Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 401, 2021, 123372, ISSN 0304-3894, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123372 

8. Wei Zhao, Zhiyao Duan, Zheng Zheng*, Bo Li, Cobalt bismuth oxide with cobalt(II/III) as a new stable peroxymonosulfate activator for effective degradation, mineralization, and detoxification of diclofenac in water, Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 365, 2022, 132781, ISSN 0959-6526, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132781 

9. Wei Zhao, Zhiyao Duan, Zheng Zheng*, Bo Li, Efficient diclofenac removal by superoxide radical and singlet oxygen generated in surface Mn(II)/(III)/(IV) cycle dominated peroxymonosulfate activation system: Mechanism and product toxicity, Chemical Engineering Journal, Volume 433, Part 3, 2022, 133742, ISSN 1385-8947, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.133742 

10. Tang Zheren, Yan Wang, Zheng Zheng*, and Xingzhang Luo. 'In-situ Dual Growth of Graphitic Structures in Biomass Carbon to Yield a Potassium-Ion Battery Anode with High Initial Coulombic Efficiency.' Journal of Materials Chemistry A 9, no. 15 (2021): 9191–9202. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA12250E

11. Weizhen, Z., Xiaowei, Z., Peng, G., Ning, W., Zini, L., Jian, H., & Zheng, Z*. (2020). Distribution and risk assessment of phthalates in water and sediment of the Pearl River Delta. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 27(11), 12550–12565. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-06819

12. Gu, P., Zhang, W., Zheng, Z.*, & Luo, X. (2020). Effects of different metal ions (Ca, Cu, Pb, Cd) on formation of cyanobacterial blooms. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 189, 109976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109976

13. Mengqi Jiang, Yanping Zhou, Xiyan Ji, Huimin Li, Zheng Zheng*, and Jibiao Zhang. 'Responses of Leaf-Associated Biofilms on the Submerged Macrophyte Vallisneria Natans During Harmful Algal Blooms,' ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, 2019, no. 246, 819-826.

14. Zheng Zheng*, Weizhen Zhang, Xingzhang Luo, Shoubing Wang, Xiaoying Yang, Jian He, and Er Nie. 'Design and Application of Plant Ecological Space Technology in Water Eutrophication Control,' JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, 2019, no. 145.

15. Jianying Xiong, Zheng Zheng*, Xiaoying Yang, Xiaodong Dai, Tao Zhou, Jian He, and Xingzhang Luo. 'Recovery of Nh3-N from Mature Leachate Via Negative Pressure Steam-Stripping Pretreatment and Its Benefits on Mbr Systems: A Pilot Scale Study,' JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION, 2018, no. 203, 918-925.

16. Mengqi Jiang, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Effects of Multiple Environmental Factors on the Growth and Extracellular Organic Matter Production of Microcystis Aeruginosa: A Central Composite Design Response Surface Model,' ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH, 2018, no. 25, 23276-23285.

17. Xiaoying Yang, Qun Liu, Xingzhang Luo, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Spatial Regression and Prediction of Water Quality in a Watershed with Complex Pollution Sources,' SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, 2017, no. 7.

18. Xiaoying Yang, Qun Liu, Guangtao Fu, Yi He, Xingzhang Luo, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Spatiotemporal Patterns and Source Attribution of Nitrogen Load in a River Basin with Complex Pollution Sources,' WATER RESEARCH, 2016, no. 94, 187-199.

19. Longmian Wang, Yimin Zhang, Xingzhang Luo, Jibiao Zhang, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Effects of Earthworms and Substrate on Diversity and Abundance of Denitrifying Genes (Nirs and Nirk) and Denitrifying Rate During Rural Domestic Wastewater Treatment,' BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, 2016, no. 212, 174-181.

20. Xin Cao, Yiqi Wang, Jian He, Xingzhang Luo, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Phosphorus Mobility among Sediments, Water and Cyanobacteria Enhanced by Cyanobacteria Blooms in Eutrophic Lake Dianchi,' ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, 2016, no. 219, 580-587.

21. Dong Wang, Er Nie, Xingzhang Luo, Xiaoying Yang, Qun Liu, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Study of Nitrogen Removal Performance in Pilot-Scale Multi-Stage Vermi-Biofilter: Operating Conditions Impacts and Nitrogen Speciation Transformation,' ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES, 2015, no. 74, 3815-3824.

22. Jingwei Feng, Runlong Liu, Pei Chen, Shoujun Yuan, Dayong Zhao, Jibiao Zhang, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Degradation of Aqueous 3,4-Dichloroaniline by a Novel Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Reactor,' ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH, 2015, no. 22, 4447-4459.

23. Zhengfang Wang, Mo Shi, Jihua Li, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Influence of Moderate Pre-Oxidation Treatment on the Physical, Chemical and Phosphate Adsorption Properties of Iron-Containing Activated Carbon,' JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, 2014, no. 26, 519-528.

24. Cheng Yan, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Performance of Photoperiod and Light Intensity on Biogas Upgrade and Biogas Effluent Nutrient Reduction by the Microalgae Chlorella Sp,' BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, 2013, no. 139, 292-299.

25. Zhengfang Wang, Mo Shi, Jihua Li, Liang Zhou, Zhongwei Wang, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Sorption of Dissolved Inorganic and Organic Phosphorus Compounds onto Iron-Doped Ceramic Sand,' ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING, 2013, no. 58, 286-295.

26. Cheng Yan, Xingzhang Luo, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Performance of Purifying Anaerobic Fermentation Slurry Using Microalgae in Response to Various Led Light Wavelengths and Intensities,' JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY, 2013, no. 88, 1622-1630  

27. Mo Shi, Zhengfang Wang, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Effect of Na+ Impregnated Activated Carbon on the Adsorption of Nh4+-N from Aqueous Solution,' JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, 2013, no. 25, 1501-1510.

28. Xiaoying Yang, Geng-Ming Jiang, Xingzhang Luo, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Preliminary Mapping of High-Resolution Rural Population Distribution Based on Imagery from Google Earth: A Case Study in the Lake Tai Basin, Eastern China,' APPLIED GEOGRAPHY, 2012, no. 32, 221-227.

29. Zhengfang Wang, Er Nie, Jihua Li, Mo Yang, Yongjun Zhao, Xingzhang Luo, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Equilibrium and Kinetics of Adsorption of Phosphate onto Iron-Doped Activated Carbon,' ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH, 2012, no. 19, 2908-2917.

30. Zhengfang Wang, Er Nie, Jihua Li, Yongjun Zhao, Xingzhang Luo, and Zheng Zheng*. 'Carbons Prepared from Spartina Alterniflora and Its Anaerobically Digested Residue by H3po4 Activation: Characterization and Adsorption of Cadmium from Aqueous Solutions,' JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, 2011, no. 188, 29-36.