February 28, 2025 – Sino-British Agricultural Microplastics Project Ignites Vibrant Academic Exchange in Colombo
From February 13 to 16, an academic exchange meeting focusing on the Sino-British Agricultural Microplastics Project was enthusiastically held in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, injecting strong momentum into the project’s in-depth advancement.
Led by Academician Zhang Fusuo and Professor Liu Xuejun from the College of Resources and Environment, along with Professor Davey Jones and Professor Dave Chadwick from Bangor University in the UK, the project has received substantial support from the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). The project team conducted comprehensive and in-depth research discussions on the widespread use of agricultural plastics in developing countries globally and the significant issue of green and sustainable agricultural development.
Scholars and experts from China, the UK, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and other countries gathered for this project exchange meeting, including Professor Liu Xuejun, Associate Professor Wang Kai from the College of Resources and Environment, Researcher Yan Changrong from the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture (IESDA) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), as well as renowned scholars and team members from Bangor University, Bristol University, Mansoura University in Egypt, and the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. They participated in the project exchange meeting and attended the International Conference on Micro/Nano Plastics and Human Health held concurrently.
According to AsiaMB’s understanding, during the conference, Researcher Mojith Ariyaratne from the University of Peradeniya warmly welcomed all experts, teachers, and students. Professors Davey Jones and Dave Chadwick provided a comprehensive introduction to the project and moderated discussions on the project’s summary work and future cooperation directions. Professor Liu Xuejun and other experts also engaged in in-depth project discussions.
Associate Professor Wang Kai detailed the overall progress of the Chinese side of the project. PhD candidate Qu Kaijing from the College of Resources and Environment elaborated on the necessity and challenges of atmospheric microplastics research and shared the latest findings from research on atmospheric microplastics in the North China Plain. Researcher Yan Changrong presented an application of a mulching film selector that recommends more suitable mulching film products based on environmental conditions in crop growing areas. PhD candidate Bai Runhao from IESDA discussed the temporal evolution differences in abundance, size, and other characteristics of biodegradable and polyethylene mulching film microplastics after entering the soil, as well as the feasibility of using neural networks to characterize microplastic degradation stages.
Furthermore, participating representatives from the UK, Sri Lanka, and Egypt sequentially shared their work progress and achievements. Experts from various institutions also proposed targeted policy suggestions on the project’s impact, the current use of agricultural films globally and in China, and macro/micro plastic pollution issues, and engaged in friendly exchanges of opinions.
After the conference, participants visited experimental fields, atmospheric sampler devices, and biochar preparation devices at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, further deepening their understanding and knowledge of the project-related research.