Alain Póvoa | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Alain Póvoa | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Estudante de Doutorado at UFF, Brazil

Alain Póvoa is a dedicated researcher and Ph.D. candidate in Ocean and Earth Dynamics at Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Brazil. His research primarily focuses on marine litter, including microplastics, plastisphere, and benthic organisms attached to debris (rafting). He has contributed to the understanding of solid waste distribution in marine and coastal environments and its ecological impacts. Póvoa is also involved in environmental education and public awareness through initiatives such as the Praia Limpa é a Minha Praia Extension Project and the Instituto Mar Adentro. His work highlights the critical need for sustainable coastal management and the role of education in enhancing environmental perception. He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles in esteemed journals and is actively engaged in research on coastal resilience and adaptation strategies.

Professional Profile 

Education

Alain Póvoa holds a Master’s degree in Marine Biology and Coastal Environments from Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), completed in 2021. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Ocean and Earth Dynamics at the same institution, expected to enhance his expertise in marine science. Póvoa also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), obtained in 2017. His academic journey has focused on marine ecosystems, environmental challenges, and the impact of human activity on coastal environments. Through his education, Póvoa has developed a strong foundation in marine biology, environmental science, and coastal management.

Professional Experience

Póvoa has extensive professional experience in marine research, contributing to several significant projects and publications. He is a key collaborator in the Praia Limpa é a Minha Praia Extension Project at UERJ, which promotes environmental awareness regarding marine litter. He also works with Instituto Mar Adentro, focusing on marine conservation. Póvoa’s research includes the analysis of solid waste and microplastics in Brazilian coastal regions and their ecological implications. Additionally, he is involved in the Liga Acadêmica de Diversidade Animal (LADA – UFF), further contributing to the scientific community. His professional work bridges the gap between academia and real-world environmental challenges, combining research with hands-on conservation efforts.

 

Research Interest

Alain Póvoa’s research interests primarily focus on marine litter, particularly the impact of solid waste on marine and coastal ecosystems. His work emphasizes the study of benthic organisms that adhere to debris (rafting), microplastics, and the plastisphere. Póvoa is dedicated to understanding the distribution of marine litter in Brazilian coastal areas and its ecological consequences, such as biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption. Additionally, his research explores environmental education and public perception of litter on sandy beaches, aiming to promote awareness and drive behavioral changes. His interdisciplinary approach combines marine biology, environmental science, and coastal management, contributing to solutions for sustainable environmental practices. Póvoa’s work is vital in addressing pressing issues such as pollution, habitat degradation, and the role of coastal habitats in mitigating climate change.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic and research career, Alain Póvoa has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to marine science and environmental research. His dedication to understanding the impact of marine litter and his commitment to promoting environmental sustainability have earned him numerous accolades. As an active collaborator in various research projects, Póvoa has been honored for his scientific output, including publications in high-impact journals. His involvement in initiatives like Praia Limpa é a Minha Praia and Instituto Mar Adentro showcases his passion for both research and outreach, earning recognition in academic and environmental circles. These achievements reflect his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering positive change in coastal conservation efforts. Póvoa’s continuous pursuit of knowledge and solutions to marine pollution positions him as a prominent figure in the field of marine and environmental science.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Macrofouling on marine litter in a Southwest Atlantic urban tropical bay and surrounds
    Authors: Póvoa, A.A., de Souza, L.R., Henud, I.R., Amorim, R.M., Soares-Gomes, A.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Coastal resilience and adaptation strategies: Natural habitats for coastal protection and Atlantic forest restoration on the coast of the Rio de Janeiro state
    Authors: Henud, I.R., Póvoa, A.A., Gonçalves Tavares, M., Soares-Gomes, A.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Abundance and distribution of solid waste and microplastics in southeastern Brazilian islands: a comprehensive analysis
    Authors: Imsaurriaga, C.S.A., Póvoa, A.A., Derviche, P., Castro, R.O., de Araújo, F.V.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Marine litter on Atlantic Ocean sandy beaches: Current state of knowledge by scientometric analysis and proposal for discussion of amelioration by coastal management
    Authors: Póvoa, A.A., de Souza, L.R., Henud, I.R., De-La-Torre, G.E., Soares-Gomes, A.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Marine litter colonization: Methodological challenges and recommendations
    Authors: De-la-Torre, G.E., Romero Arribasplata, M.B., Lucas Roman, V.A., Póvoa, A.A., Walker, T.R.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 12
  • Title: Cigarette butts in two urban areas from Brazil: Links among environmental impacts, demography and market
    Authors: Ribeiro, V.V., Lopes, T.C., Amaral dos Santos Pinto, M., Szklo, A.S., Castro, Í.B.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 39
  • Title: Macroorganisms fouled in marine anthropogenic litter (rafting) around a tropical bay in the Southwest Atlantic
    Authors: Póvoa, A.A., de Araújo, F.V., Skinner, L.F.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 20
  • Title: Fouling organisms in marine litter (rafting on abiogenic substrates): A global review of literature
    Authors: Póvoa, A.A., Skinner, L.F., de Araújo, F.V.
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 54
  • Title: Marine litter and wood debris as habitat and vector for the range expansion of invasive corals (Tubastraea spp.)
    Authors: Mantelatto, M.C., Póvoa, A.A., Skinner, L.F., Araujo, F.V.D., Creed, J.C.
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 46

Rui Liu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rui Liu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Member at China Institute of Geo-Environment Monitoring, China

Dr. Rui Liu, a hydrogeologist and environmental scientist, specializes in groundwater pollution prevention, water resources protection, and environmental geochemistry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering and a doctorate in Hydrogeology from the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan). His research explores organic carbon dynamics, ammonium transport, and the impact of clay aquitards on groundwater quality, with findings published in top-tier journals like Science of the Total Environment and Environmental Pollution. Dr. Liu has contributed to significant national projects on aquitard evolution and environmental geology in the Jianghan Plain. He is proficient in advanced analytical techniques and modeling tools and has presented his work internationally, notably at the Goldschmidt Conference in Spain. With strong technical expertise, a track record of impactful publications, and practical experience, Dr. Liu demonstrates a commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges and advancing sustainable water resource management.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Rui Liu has a distinguished educational background that forms the foundation of his expertise in hydrogeology and environmental geochemistry. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering in 2016 from the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), where he gained a strong grounding in hydrological processes and water resource management. Pursuing his passion for groundwater research, he embarked on a combined master’s and doctoral program in Hydrogeology at the same institution, earning his Ph.D. in 2021. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Liu focused on the geochemical interactions within aquitards and their environmental implications, producing high-impact research. He also enhanced his global perspective through participation in the Goldschmidt Conference in Spain, where he presented his findings to an international audience. This comprehensive education, combining technical skills, research excellence, and international exposure, has equipped Dr. Liu with the knowledge and capabilities to address complex environmental challenges.

Professional Experience

Dr. Rui Liu has a robust professional background in hydrogeology, with significant contributions to groundwater pollution prevention and water resources protection. His expertise encompasses advanced geochemical modeling, field investigations, and the use of high-precision analytical instruments like IC, GC, and TOC. Dr. Liu has played a pivotal role in national research projects, such as studying the water-rock interactions in aquitard evolution and environmental geological investigations in the Jianghan Plain. His work has produced practical insights into clay aquitard dynamics, organic carbon distribution, and ammonium transport, directly influencing sustainable water management strategies. Dr. Liu’s experience extends to developing and applying innovative online geochemical simulation devices, further showcasing his technical ingenuity. He has also presented his findings at esteemed forums like the Goldschmidt Conference in Spain, highlighting his ability to engage with the international research community. Dr. Liu’s professional journey exemplifies his dedication to addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Research Interest

Dr. Rui Liu’s research interests lie at the intersection of hydrogeology, environmental geochemistry, and groundwater management, with a particular focus on groundwater pollution prevention and sustainable water resource protection. His work delves into the complex dynamics of water-rock interactions, organic carbon cycling, and the geochemical processes within aquitards. Dr. Liu is particularly interested in understanding how aquitards influence groundwater quality, including the transfer and transformation of organic carbon and ammonium. His research also explores innovative approaches to mitigate groundwater contamination and improve resource sustainability. Dr. Liu integrates field investigations, advanced geochemical modeling, and state-of-the-art analytical techniques to address these challenges. His multidisciplinary approach has yielded insights into the environmental significance of clayey sediments and their role in aquifer systems. With a commitment to advancing the understanding of critical zone processes, Dr. Liu’s research contributes to developing effective solutions for global water resource challenges.

Award and Honor

Dr. Rui Liu has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to hydrogeology and environmental geochemistry through various accolades and honors. During his academic and professional journey, he was selected to present his pioneering research at the prestigious Goldschmidt Conference in Spain, a testament to the global significance of his work on aquitards and groundwater quality. His innovative studies on water-rock interactions and organic carbon dynamics have earned him recognition within the scientific community, with several publications in high-impact journals like Science of the Total Environment and Environmental Pollution. Dr. Liu has also played a vital role in nationally funded research projects, underscoring his expertise and leadership in the field. These accomplishments reflect not only his technical proficiency and academic excellence but also his commitment to addressing critical environmental issues, positioning him as a distinguished researcher in the domain of sustainable water resource management.

Conclusion

Rui Liu is a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award,” with exceptional academic credentials, significant scientific contributions, and expertise in hydrogeology and environmental geochemistry. His work addresses pressing environmental challenges, supported by high-quality publications and impactful research projects. Expanding his interdisciplinary and public engagement efforts could elevate his profile further.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Enrichment of geogenic ammonium in quaternary alluvial–lacustrine aquifer systems: evidence from carbon isotopes and DOM characteristics
    Authors: Y Du, Y Deng, T Ma, Y Xu, Y Tao, Y Huang, R Liu, Y Wang
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 102
  • Title: The effect of temperature and moisture on the source of N2O and contributions from ammonia oxidizers in an agricultural soil
    Authors: R Liu, HL Hayden, H Suter, H Hu, SK Lam, J He, PM Mele, D Chen
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 101
  • Title: Construction of a highly active secretory expression system via an engineered dual promoter and a highly efficient signal peptide in Bacillus subtilis
    Authors: C Guan, W Cui, J Cheng, R Liu, Z Liu, L Zhou, Z Zhou
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 101
  • Title: Nitrification is a primary driver of nitrous oxide production in laboratory microcosms from different land-use soils
    Authors: R Liu, H Hu, H Suter, HL Hayden, J He, P Mele, D Chen
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 85
  • Title: The effect of nitrification inhibitors in reducing nitrification and the ammonia oxidizer population in three contrasting soils
    Authors: R Liu, H Suter, J He, D Chen
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 82
  • Title: Influence of temperature and moisture on the relative contributions of heterotrophic and autotrophic nitrification to gross nitrification in an acid cropping soil
    Authors: R Liu, H Suter, J He, H Hayden, D Chen
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 64
  • Title: How nitrification-related N2O is associated with soil ammonia oxidizers in two contrasting soils in China?
    Authors: L Yang, G Zhu, X Ju, R Liu
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 39
  • Title: Co-incorporating leguminous green manure and rice straw drives the synergistic release of carbon and nitrogen, increases hydrolase activities, and changes the composition of microbial communities
    Authors: G Zhou, D Chang, S Gao, T Liang, R Liu, W Cao
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 34
  • Title: Effects of Fe oxides on organic carbon variation in the evolution of clayey aquitard and environmental significance
    Authors: R Liu, T Ma, W Qiu, Y Du, Y Liu
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 30
  • Title: Effects of the nitrification inhibitor acetylene on nitrous oxide emissions and ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms of different agricultural soils under laboratory incubation
    Authors: R Liu, HL Hayden, H Hu, J He, D Chen
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 30
  • Title: Effects of nitrification inhibitors on gross N nitrification rate, ammonia oxidizers, and N2O production under different temperatures in two pasture soils
    Authors: T Lan, H Suter, R Liu, S Yuan, D Chen
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 27
  • Title: Nitrate production is mainly heterotrophic in an acid dairy soil with high organic content in Australia
    Authors: R Liu, H Suter, H Hayden, J He, D Chen
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 27
  • Title: Distribution and hydrogeochemical behavior of arsenic enriched groundwater in the sedimentary aquifer comparison between Datong Basin (China) and Kushtia District (Bangladesh)
    Authors: ME Huq, C Su, S Fahad, J Li, MS Sarven, R Liu
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 25