On 15 December, the Faculty of Environment at VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) successfully convened a scientific seminar entitled “High-Valent Iron Species (Fe(VI), Fe(V), and Fe(IV)) in Water Sustainability and Public Healthâ€�.

The assembly was privileged to host Professor Virender Kumar Sharma from the University of Miami (USA). Recognised as a Top 1% Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate, Professor Sharma possesses a formidable H-Index of 109 alongside in excess of 470 international publications. In addition to maintaining the global record for the highest volume of publications concerning Ferrate, the Professor serves as a Fellow of pre-eminent scientific bodies, notably the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the American Chemical Society (ACS). During the proceedings, the Professor disseminated the most recent advancements regarding environmental chemistry to faculty members and students, thereby reinforcing the stature of pioneering research in resolving global challenges related to water contamination and disease.

The scientific discourse centred principally upon “Activated Ferrate� technology. Professor Sharma expounded upon the reaction mechanism of Iron molecules in high oxidation states (Fe(VI)), demonstrating the capacity to effectuate oxidation, coagulation, and disinfection concurrently, free from the generation of deleterious by-products. The presentation emphasised the virtues of Ferrate as a “green� material, capitalising upon the natural abundance of this element.

The novelty inherent in this research lies within the activation of Ferrate to yield highly reactive intermediate species (Fe(V) and Fe(IV)), thereby abbreviating the remediation duration for persistent pollutants and drug-resistant microorganisms from hours to mere seconds. This technology has evinced practical efficacy in the elimination of antibiotic residues and pesticides, the coagulation of toxic heavy metals including Arsenic and Lead, and the eradication of hazardous viruses and bacteria (such as SARS-CoV-2 and Clostridium difficile) within wastewater and upon medical equipment surfaces. Alongside water treatment solutions, the seminar encompassed novel material research trajectories, specifically Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Single Atom Catalysts, for the degradation of emerging contaminants and microplastics.

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The event attracted a distinguished gathering of lecturers, doctoral candidates, and students possessing a profound interest in green chemistry and environmental treatment technology.

Throughout the address, Professor Sharma consistently highlighted the philosophy of “Saving Lives even One Life�, regarding this aphorism as the cardinal tenet for applied research. To the Professor, science exists not merely as data within a laboratory but must provide tangible remedies to safeguard human health and environmental integrity. The seminar constituted an invaluable opportunity for scientists, lecturers, and students at HCMUS to assimilate state-of-the-art knowledge, whilst simultaneously establishing avenues for future international research cooperation.

The post A TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH IN WATER TREATMENT: THE APPLICATION OF HIGH-OXIDATION STATE IRON BY A WORLD-LEADING EXPERT first appeared on Â鶹´«Ã½.

On 30–31 July, VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ organised a scientific conference on the theme “Ecosystem Services – A Potential Tool for Climate Change Adaptationâ€�, under the leadership of the Centre for Greenhouse Gas and Climate Change Research, in collaboration with the Global Change Research Institute (CzechGlobe), Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.

The event took place against the backdrop of a growing recognition of natural ecosystems as one of the key solutions to climate change. When conserved and managed appropriately, such natural systems can serve as “biological shields�, regulating climate, storing carbon, protecting soil, supporting livelihoods, and sustaining biodiversity. Integrating these values into planning and development policies represents a promising direction – and was the central focus of discussions throughout the conference.

Opening the programme, Dr Phạm Quỳnh Hương – Director of the Centre for Greenhouse Gas and Climate Change Research and lecturer at the Faculty of Biology – Biotechnology – presented an overview of various types of ecosystem services and their potential contribution to adaptation strategies. According to Dr Hương, integrating this approach can enhance environmental resilience while creating a stable foundation for community livelihoods.

From the socio-ecological perspective of coastal regions affected by climate change, Prof. Mehedi Mahmudul Hasan – Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh – analysed the impacts of saltwater intrusion, pollution, and extreme climate events on the fisheries sector. The presentation highlighted the essential role of estuaries, tidal flats, and mangrove forests in protecting resources and sustaining the viability of coastal livelihoods.

From the perspective of forest ecology, Prof. Michal V. Marek – Director of CzechGlobe and Fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry – introduced the concept of “sylvomitigation� (climate change mitigation through active silviculture). Techniques such as selective thinning and rotational harvesting, when appropriately implemented, can improve photosynthetic efficiency, increase carbon sequestration capacity, and enhance the effectiveness of forests as “natural carbon pumps�.

Regarding climate measurement, Prof. Marek also shared information on CzechGlobe’s advanced eddy covariance monitoring stations, which continuously track greenhouse gas and energy fluxes in different ecosystems. Complementing this, MSc. Vũ Hoàng Ng�c Khuê – research fellow at CzechGlobe and supervisor of the monitoring station at the Láng Sen Wetland Reserve (Long An Province) – presented a case study in Viet Nam. The system, located in the buffer zone of wetland forest and rice fields, demonstrated the effectiveness of eddy covariance technology in monitoring carbon fluxes, providing quantitative data for research in agriculture, environment, and climate science.

MSc. Vũ Hoàng Ng�c Khuê and her partner presenting research on the application of the eddy covariance system in the Láng Sen wetland area, Long An Province.

From a spatial and geographical approach, MSc. Lý Thị Bích Trâm – research fellow at the VNUHCM-Institute for Environment and Resources, and doctoral candidate at Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) – presented (online) a study on mangrove forest degradation in Phang Nga Province, southern Thailand. Using remote sensing and GIS data, the research analysed the decline in mangrove forest area due to shrimp farming, tourism, and unsustainable exploitation, and warned of the ecological imbalance risks facing Southeast Asian coastal zones.

Despite originating from diverse disciplines – biology, fisheries, silviculture, greenhouse gas monitoring, and remote sensing – the presentations converged on a unified message: ecosystem services are not merely natural assets but should be regarded as an active component of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Strengthening interdisciplinary research, developing advanced monitoring systems, and expanding connections with the international scientific network are key conditions for transforming knowledge into practical action.

The conference concluded in an atmosphere of academic enthusiasm and constructive cooperation, opening up opportunities for research partnerships and scholarly exchange between HCMUS and international institutions. The event also reaffirmed the University’s pioneering role in education, research, and contributing knowledge to address global environmental challenges.

PMN

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On the morning of 2 July at VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS), the workshop “Building a Green Future – Towards NetZero 2025: Challenges and Solutions in Greenhouse Gas Analysisâ€� convened a broad gathering of experts, scientists, lecturers, students, and business representatives involved in environmental and technological fields.

Jointly organised by HCMUS, (Red Star Viet Nam Company Limited), and , the workshop sought to foster academic exchange, introduce cutting-edge technological solutions, and strengthen collaboration across research, education, and application sectors. The programme responded directly to Viet Nam’s efforts in advancing the national commitment to achieving NetZero emissions by 2050.

Opening the event, Associate Professor Trần Lê Quan – President of HCMUS – affirmed: “The workshop’s theme is not only timely but also reflects a long-term vision for sustainable development, both nationally and globally. This is a valuable opportunity for the scientific community, educators, students, and enterprises to share knowledge and jointly address pressing environmental issues.�

The workshop is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation between academia and industry, spanning applied research, technology transfer, and the training of high-quality personnel to serve the green transition.

Beginning the specialised presentations, Associate Professor Tô Thị Hi�n – Head of the Environmental Technology Department, Faculty of Environment (HCMUS) – outlined the current situation and challenges in conducting greenhouse gas inventories in Viet Nam. According to her assessment, major sources of emissions stem from the energy, transport, and waste sectors. However, technical limitations, high costs, and regulatory gaps continue to hinder effective measurement and monitoring. The AIWAH research group (Air and Water Pollution – Public Health – Climate Change), led by Assoc. Prof. Tô Thị Hi�n, is currently developing new approaches to enhance analytical capacity, supporting both policy design and the implementation of national NetZero objectives.

A representative from Agilent Technologies also introduced the latest technological solutions. Ms. Thanutchaporn Semathong – GCMS Product Specialist from Agilent Technologies Thailand – presented modern gas chromatography systems (GC and GC-MS), capable of simultaneously analysing greenhouse gases such as CO₂, CH₄, NOₓ, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). With features including automated operation, high sensitivity, and adaptability, these systems provide effective support across teaching, research, and field monitoring.

Dr Narong Lenghor – Partner Channel Manager at Agilent Technologies Thailand – presented the Agilent 8700 LDIR chemical imaging system, which utilises laser-based infrared scattering technology. As one of the most advanced solutions for environmental microplastic analysis, this system enables precise identification and quantification of microplastics in air, soil, and water—contributing significantly to urban and industrial ecosystem management.

The open discussion session addressed numerous practical concerns, including equipment calibration, multi-compound analysis, emissions forecasting models, and uncertainty evaluation in data interpretation. Representatives from domestic enterprises and research institutions also discussed field deployment needs—such as sample collection at livestock farms and industrial zones—and shared experiences in small- and medium-scale greenhouse gas monitoring. Additionally, issues related to environmental product valuation and emission inventories under Government Resolution 119/2025 were integrated into the discussion, helping to align scientific research with regulatory direction and market demand.

Beyond academic exchange, the workshop served as a practical bridge connecting universities, industry, and the scientific community. The event reinforced the pioneering role of VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ in building an innovation ecosystem for sustainable development.

Exchanging commemorative gifts among representatives during the event.

Through technical sessions, open discussions, and practical-academic engagement, the event delivered a powerful message of environmental responsibility, contributing to greater awareness and promoting scientific initiatives towards the NetZero goal—a global imperative requiring urgent collective action.

Science and technology must not remain passive—now is the time for joint action, not only to deepen understanding, but to accelerate solutions—towards a sustainable, low-emission future in harmony with the planet.

Hosting technical sessions, open dialogue, and prize draws, the workshop generating enthusiastic participation across all activities.

PMN

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