Young scientist summit in ministry of science and technology

At 9:30 am (GMT +7), 17/05/2023, Dr. Ngo Thi Thuy Huong (Phenikaa University), ECET group leader, recently spoke at the Ministry of Science and Technology in Hanoi, where she shared her insights on sustainable development with young Vietnamese scientists and students. Dr. Huong argues that studying the effects of pollution on ecosystems is crucial because it directly impacts humans. In her earlier research, she also mentioned using vetiver to treat dioxin pollution at Bien Hoa airport. Trace metals and microplastics and their impact on human health were the subjects of other research that her research group conducted – Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology (ECET). 

Microplastics have been linked to environmental degradation, animal and human health problems, and ecological disturbance. Antibiotic residues can reach humans by attaching to microplastics and then being ingested by aquatic organisms. Dr. Huong's research involves collecting and analyzing microplastic coastal samples at the ECET lab, Phenikaa University. She emphasised that raising people's awareness of environmental issues is crucial and urgent, as protecting the environment is not the responsibility of any individual but the entire community. Some students voiced concerns about sustainable development during discussions with the speakers, and Dr. Ngo Thi Thuy Huong's perspective and experience as a scientist were particularly insightful.