Zhaonian Yu is an environmental engineering researcher and doctoral candidate in sustainable tailings management and organic carbon stabilisation in clay mineral-rich soils. With a Master’s degree in Resources and Environment from Zhejiang University and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Tianjin University, her work focuses on bridging advanced geochemical insights with practical engineering solutions to address industrial and ecological challenges.
Zhaonian’s research investigates how clay mineralogy governs organic carbon sequestration in degraded soils, particularly in post-mining landscapes. This builds on her prior innovations in resource recovery, such as a patented sludge fermentation method (CN113149218B) and a magnetite-enhanced phosphorus recovery system—principles now adapted to optimize mineral-organic interactions in tailings. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans soil mineral analysis, metagenomics, and reactor design, supported by peer-reviewed publications in journals like ACS ES&T Water and collaborations with global research teams.
Recognised for her scientific contributions, Zhaonian has earned awards including the Graduate Innovation Forum Poster Competition Second Prize (2023) and the National Environmental-Friendly Science and Technology Competition Second Prize (2021).