Assoc. Prof. Dr. Damao Xu | Environmental Science and Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Deputy director | China University of Mining and Technology | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Damao Xu is an active researcher in the field of environmental and earth sciences, with a strong emphasis on soil and groundwater pollution, contaminant migration, and sustainable remediation technologies. The research portfolio centers on understanding the geochemical behaviors, environmental availability, and health risks of potentially toxic elements in contaminated soils, sediments, and industrial solid wastes. A significant body of work investigates the coupled effects of environmental processes such as freeze–thaw cycles, acidification, dry–wet alternation, and mineral–organic matter interactions on pollutant mobility and fate. Research contributions demonstrate advanced integration of mineralogical, geochemical, and environmental chemistry approaches to elucidate the mechanisms governing heavy metal release, bioaccessibility, and stabilization in smelter-impacted soils and solid waste dumping sites. Particular attention is given to lead, zinc, cadmium, arsenic, and multi-metal systems, providing mechanistic insights that support risk assessment and remediation decision-making. The work also extends to soil interface chemistry, ecological toxicity, environmental health effects, and the development and evaluation of functional materials for pollution control.