NSRRC Activity Report 2023

E nvironmental pollution has always been a hot topic of public concern, encompassing aspects such as air quality, water pollution, and food contamination, all of which are directly connected to the livelihoods and health of people. Therefore, comprehending the origins and dangers of these pollutants is essential for developing preventive and control strategies aimed towards ecological conservation and the sustainable exploitation of resources. In 2023, notable research advancements were made in the field of environmental and earth sciences through the application of synchrotron techniques at the NSRRC. Here, we would first like to highlight the important contributions made independently by Yu-Ting Liu from National Chung Hsing University and Shan- Li Wang from National Taiwan University. Their research in the areas of soil sustainability and food contamination has been especially significant. Following this, we report the research findings in soil pollution prevention and control by a team led by Biqing Liang from National Cheng Kung University. These investigations are all deeply relevant to the critical issues of food safety and security. Moreover, we report on research conducted by Yu-Ting Liu's team regarding the use of algae for the adsorption of heavy metals, assessing its potential for applications in water pollution remediation. This research aimed to achieve natural bioremediation and the sustainable use of water resources. Furthermore, we report an in-depth study on the mechanisms of aerosol formation by the team of Chia C. Wang from National Sun Yat-sen University. Their insights will considerably enhance our understanding on air pollution sources and their implications on human health. By employing various synchrotron radiation techniques for precise analysis, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the composition, states, and origins of environmental pollutants. This information is vital for identifying sources of pollution and developing effective prevention and control measures, thereby achieving the goal of sustainable environmental utilization. (by Chun-Chieh Wang) Environ- mental and Earth Sciences