Academic Qualification
Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney
Master in Xiangtan University
Bachelor in Huaibei Normal University
Teaching Area
Solid waste management
Energy and environment
Research Area
Waste and biomass valorization
Microalgae-bacterial granular sludge
Hydrothermal liquefaction and anaerobic digestion
Machine learning for sustainable process optimization
Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis
Microalgae-based bioprocessing and biomanufacturing
Membrane-based advanced wastewater treatment
Professional Services
Youth Editorial Board Members, Journal of Bioresource and Bioproducts, Since 2025
Editorial Assistant, Chemical Engineering Journal, 2025-2026
Young Editorial Board Members, Environmental Nexus, Since 2025
Youth Editorial Board Members, Green Carbon, Since 2025
Working Experience
Sep. 2026 ~ Present, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Innovation Engineering, MUST
May 2025 ~ May 2026, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong
March 2025 ~ April 2025, Chemical Process Engineer, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
Sep. 2024 ~ Dec. 2024, Research Assistant, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney
Feb. 2021 ~ Aug. 2021, Research Assistant, School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong
July 2019 ~ July 2020, Research Assistant, School of Chemical Engineering, Xiangtan University
Academic Publication (selected)
Journal Papers (*Corresponding author)
1. Rong Zhou, Kairui Mu, Yuqin Li, Ya’nan Shi, Liwen Luo, Yunkai Tan, Zhenyao Wang*, Yujuan Huang, Yufang Tang, Xuan Li (2027). ApbZIP2-mediated enhancement of lipid productivity supports sustainable plant-based omega-3 biomanufacturing. Bioresource Technology 463,135724.
2. Yulong Zhang, Liwei Liu, Mengdan Luo, Liwen Luo, Rong Zhou, Shaohua Li, Yufang Tang, Yuqin Li, Zhenyao Wang*, Xuan Li (2027). Circular Biovalorization of tofy whey wastewater using cocultured microalgae for producing high value feed and nutrition fortified laying hen products. Bioresource Technology 463, 135650.
3. Nan Wang, Yaxin Deng, Zhijie Liao, Qiyu Liu, Jianglin Liu, Xuliang Lin, Zhenyao Wang*, Xueqing Qiu (2026). Al-doped silica nanospheres supported Ni catalysts for active sites modulating in the reductive depolymerization of technical lignin. Chemical Engineering Journal 537, 176364.
4. Wei Tian, Dingchuan Wang, Zhenyao Wang*, Yifan Liu, Liangjun Yin, Xian Jian, Quanyuan Feng, Xuan Li (2026). Multi-interface engineering strategy endows carbonyl iron with extraordinary low frequency microwave absorption and information transmission performance. Journal of Materials Science and Technology 264, 173-185.
5. Ziyao Liuψ, Zhenyao Wangψ (Co-first author), Ali Nawaz, Etini Etuk, Raffel Dharma Patria, Shazia Rehman, Shaoyuan Leu, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Chenyu Du (2026). Synergistic mechanical-enzymatic processing of polycotton fabric toward a circular textile economy. Chemical Engineering Journal 546, 179535.
6. Pengfei Lin, Xiaochen Lu, Jiawei Sun, Shuai Guo, Xinping He, Chunhai Yi, Zhenyao Wang, Jiaxin Guo, Swee Ching Tan, and Alicia Kyoungjin An (2026). Hierarchical Flexible ceramic Nanofiber Membrane for Simultaneous Membrane Distillation and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution. Advanced Materials.
7. Jiaxin Guo, Shangzhen Xie, Jiawei Sun, Pengfei Lin, Xinping He, Zhenyao Wang, Chunhai Yi, Alicia Kyoungjin An (2026). Green-engineered superhydrophobic and photothermal CuO nanofiber membranes for solar-assisted membrane distillation. Desalination 636, 120391.
8. Hai Chen, Lisa Mingzhe Sun, Tianqi Wang, Jinrui Zhou, Jiawei Sun, Zhenyao Wang, Xinping He, Chunhai Yi, Jiaxin Guo, Jin Shang, and Alicia Kyoungjin An (2026). Thermally activated ZIF-8-based nanofibrous membranes for visible-light photocatalytic formaldehyde degradation and bacterial inactivation toward integrated indoor-air purification. Chemical Engineering Journal 539, 177265.
9. Zhiliang Wu, Yanshan Yin, Nai Shi, Shihao Lv, Ruiqi Wang, Md Maksudur Rahman, Hongqi Wang, Zehua Wang, Wenran Gao, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Zhenyao Wang, Ao Xia, Bing Song (2026). Recent advances in analytical methods for plastic thermochemical conversion: from feedstocks to products. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry 196, 118681.
10. Xiaochen Zhu, Dai Dai, Beilei Wei, Yanan Yang, Jiawen He, Zhiyan Bai, Haixin Zheng, Weixiong Lin, Zhenyao Wang, Hailong Wang, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Ziting Wang, Chong Li (2026).Tailored biochar for effective cadmium immobilization in soil and reduced accumulation in plants: a meta-analysis and experimental validation study. Carbon Research (Accepted).
11. Haowei Chen, Zhenyao Wang, Shengshan Wu, Man Kee Lam, Zihao Qin, Anita Ramli, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Xianhai Zeng (2026). Mechanistic insights into KNO3-mediated strontium bioaccumulation by Porphyridium purpureum in the marine environment. Biochemical Engineering Journal 230, 110142.
12. Zhenyao Wang, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Qilin Wang (2025). Hydrothermal liquefaction of sewage sludge: A comprehensive review of biocrude oil production, byproducts valorization, and future perspectives. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 224,116086.
13. Zhenyao Wang*, Jinhua Mou, Cunsi Ye, Siran Feng, Zihao Qin, Siyu Huang, Carol Sze Ki Lin (2025). Mechanistic insights into lignosulfonate-enhanced hydrogen production from waste-activated sludge via dark fermentation. Renewable Energy 256, 124428.
14. Yuanyuan Luo, Sisi Zhao, Zhixuan Fan, Yuqin Li, Zongfan Peng, Yulong Zhang, Siran Feng, Jinhua Mou, Zhenyao Wang*, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Xuan Li (2025). Sucrose non-fermenting 1-related protein kinase 2-14 participating in lipid elevating efficacy and biodiesel upgrade by Coccomyxa subllipsoidea. Chemical Engineering Journal 505, 159607.
15. Zongfan Peng, Yuqin Li, Liang Zhong, Siran Feng, Jinhua Mou, Yahui Miao, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Zhenyao Wang*, Xuan Li (2025). Harnessing oleaginous protist Schizochytrium for docosahexaenoic acid: Current technologies in sustainable production and food applications. Food Research International 205, 115996.
16. Jiale Zhu, Zihao Qin, Johnny Sik Chunk Lo, Jinhua Mou, Zhenyao Wang, Anda Fridrihsone, Zheng Sun, Carol Sze Ki Lin (2025). Life cycle assessment of a food-waste based biorefinery: From production of biopolymers to fabrication of advanced nanofiber masks. Journal of Cleaner Production 539, 147460.
17. Na Li, Xiaochen Zhu, Yahui Miao, Zhenyao Wang, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Chong Li (2025). Meta analysis and empirical research on the effectiveness of biochar in remediating tetracycline pollution in water bodies. Bioresource Technology 435,132917.
18. Rong Zhou, Wenli Zuo, Yuwei Xie, Yuting Wang, Chao Li, Yufang Tang, Zhenyao Wang, Yulin Li (2025). Sodium bisulfite boosted exopolysaccharide production by Auxenochlorella protothecoides: Potential mechanisms harnessing H2O2 signaling and carbon reallocation. Bioresource Technology 420, 132121.
19. Zhenyao Wang, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Jinhua Mou, Stuart J. Khan, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Qilin Wang (2024). Evaluating energy balance and environmental footprint of sludge management in BRICS countries. Water Research X 25, 100255.
20. Zhenyao Wang, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Jibin Li, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Qilin Wang (2024). Life cycle assessment of traditional and innovative sludge management scenarios in Australia: Focusing on environmental impacts, energy balance, and economic benefits. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 204, 107496.
21. Zhenyao Wang, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Ting Zhou, Jibin Li, Yi Li, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Qilin Wang (2024). Triclosan in sludge: Exploring its journey from the sewage treatment plants to land application and potential impacts on the environment. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology 54, 1340-1363.
22. Zhenyao Wang, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Ting Zhou, Jibin Li, Muhammad Ahmar Siddiqui, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Siyu Huang, Julie M. Cairney, Qilin Wang (2024). Enhanced short-chain fatty acids production from anaerobic fermentation of secondary sludge by lignosulfonate addition: Towards circular economy. Journal of Cleaner Production 434, 140252.
23. Zhenyao Wang, Xuan Li, Yi Li, Huan Liu, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Jing Sun, Qilin Wang (2024). Unveiling the occurrence and ecological risks of triclosan in surface water through meta-analysis. Environmental Pollution 361, 124901.
24. Yuqin Li, Xing Meng, Zhenyao Wang*, Xin Lin, Yuan Xu, Jinhua Mou, Rong Zhou, Yufang Tang, Carol Sze Ki Lin*, Xuan Li (2024). Utilization of tofu wastewater and Nannochloropsis oceanica for eutrophication mitigation and eicosapentaenoic acid valorization: Advancing carbon neutrality and resource recycling. Chemical Engineering Journal 493, 152706.
25. Yuqin Li, Yuanyuan Luo, Xiaohong Zuo, Yong Zhang, Zhenyao Wang, Xuan Li, Xing Zhang, Zihao Qin, Carol Sze Ki Lin (2024). Coculture of Chlorella protothecoides and Coccomyxa subellipsoidea boosted the growth and lipid accumulation: An effective strategy for biodiesel production. Chemical Engineering Journal 486, 150302.
26. Ting Zhou, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Shiman Dong, Zehao Zhang, Zhenyao Wang, Jibin Li, Long D. Nghiem, Stuart Khan, Qilin Wang (2024). Occurrence, fate, and remediation for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sewage sludge: A comprehensive review. Journal of Hazardous Materials 466, 133637.
27. Huan Liu, Xuan Li, Zehao Zhang, Jibin Li, Ting Zhou, Zhenyao Wang, Qilin Wang (2024). Urine pretreatment enhances energy recovery by boosting medium-chain fatty acids production from waste activated sludge through anaerobic fermentation. Chemical Engineering Journal 482, 148842.
28. Jinhua Mou, Sifen Liu, Lili Yang, Zihao Qin, Yufeng Yang, Zhenyao Wang, Hongye Li, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Xiang Wang (2024). Sustainable paramylon production from food waste by Euglena gracilis using a waste-based cell immobilisation technique. Chemical Engineering Journal 481, 148594.
29. Zehao Zhang, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Ting Zhou, Zhenyao Wang, Long D. Nghiem, Qilin Wang (2024). Biofueling control of reverse osmosis membrane using free ammonia as a cleaning agent. Journal of Membrane Science 694, 122414.
30. Huan Liu, Zehao Zhang, Xuan Li, Ting Zhou, Zhenyao Wang, Yi Li, Jibin Li, Qilin Wang (2024). Temperature-phased anaerobic digestion effectively removes antibiotic-resistance genes in sludge. Science of the Total Environment 924, 171555.
31. Zhenyao Wang, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Zihao Qin, Jinhua Mou, Ting Zhou, Jing Sun, Siyu Huang, Li Gao, Qilin Wang (2023). Bioproduction and applications of short-chain fatty acids from secondary sludge anaerobic fermentation: A critical review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 183, 113502.
32. Zhenyao Wang, Xuan Li, Muhammad Ahmar Siddiqui, Huan Liu, Ting Zhou, Lei Zheng, Siyu Huang, Li Gao, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Qilin Wang (2023). Effect of humic substances on the anaerobic digestion of secondary sludge in wastewater treatment plants: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters 21, 3023-3040.
33. Zhenyao Wang, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Ting Zhou, Jibin Li, Muhammad Ahmar Siddiqui, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Mohammad Rafe Hatshan, Siyu Huang, Julie M. Cairney, Qilin Wang (2023). Enhancing methane production from anaerobic digestion of secondary sludge through lignosulfonate addition: Feasibility, mechanisms, and implications. Bioresource Technology 390, 129868.
34. Jibin Li, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Li Gao, Weitong Wang, Zhenyao Wang, Ting Zhou, Qilin Wang (2023). Climate change impacts on wastewater infrastructure: A systematic review and typological adaptation strategy. Water Research 242, 120282.
35. Xiang Wang, Guohui He, Zhenyao Wang, Huiying Xu, Jinhua Mou, Zihao Qin, Weidong Yang, Guodong Zhang, Hongye Li (2023). Purple Acid Phosphatase Promoted Hydrolysis of Organophosphate Pesticides in Microalgae: Phenomenon and Mechanisms. Environmental Science and Ecotechnology 18, 100318.
36. Yuqin Li, Yuanyuan Luo, Zhenyao Wang, Shuai Zou, Xing Meng, Xiao Liu (2023). Enhancement of carbon bio-fixation and lipid accumulation in Coccomyxa subellipsoidea with triethanolamine CO2 absorbent manipulation. Biochemical Engineering Journal 198, 109018.
37. Xuli Meng, Xuan Li, Allan Charteris, Zhenyao Wang, Mu Naushad, Long D Nghiem, Huan Liu, Qilin Wang (2023). Impacts of site real-time adaptive control of water-sensitive urban designs on the stormwater trunk drainage system. Journal of Water Process Engineering 53, 103656.
38. Zhenyao Wang, Jinhua Mou, Zihao Qin, Yuhe He, Zheng Sun, Xiang Wang, Carol Sze Ki Lin. An auxin-like supermolecule to simultaneously enhance growth and cumulative eicosapentaenoic acid production in Phaeodactylum tricornutum (2022). Bioresource Technology 345, 126564.
39. Xiang Wang, Sifen Liu, Zhenyao Wang, Ting-Bin Hao, Srinivasan Balamurugan, Da-Wei Li, Yuhe He, Hong-Ye Li, Carol Sze Ki Lin (2022). A waste upcycling loop: Two-factor adaptive evolution of microalgae to increase polyunsaturated fatty acid production using food waste. Journal of Cleaner Production 331, 130018.
40. Zhenyao Wang, Liyang Hao, Zhan Ren, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Yuqin Li (2021). Metabolic profiling identified phosphatidylcholin as potential biomarker in boosting lipid accumulation in multiple microalgae. Biochemical Engineering Journal 174, 108130.
41. Jinhua Mou, Imen Ben Tahar, Zhenyao Wang, Khai Lun Ong, Chong Li, Zihao Qin, Xiang Wang, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Patrick Fickers (2021). Enhancing the recombinant protein productivity of Yarrowia lipolytica using in situ fibrous bed bioreactor. Bioresource Technology 340, 125672.
42. Zhenyao Wang, Rong Zhou, Yufang Tang, Ziting Wang, Bo Feng, Yuqin Li (2019). The growth and lutein accumulation in heterotrophic Chlorella protothecoides provoked by waste Monascus fermentation broth feeding. Applied microbiology and biotechnology 103,8863-8874.
43. Zhenyao Wang, Fei Luo, Ziting Wang, Rong Zhou, Yufang Tang, Yuqin Li (2019). The potential growth and lipid accumulation in Coccomyxa Subellipsoidea triggered by glucose combining sodium acetate. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 35, 110.
44. Tingting Liu, Fei Luo, Zhenyao Wang, Yuqin Li (2018). The enhanced biomass and lipid accumulation in Coccomyxa subellipsoidea with an integrated treatment strategy initiated by brewery effluent and phytohormones. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 34, 25.
45. Tingting Liu, Fei Liu, Chao Wang, Zhenyao Wang, Yuqin Li (2017). The boosted biomass and lipid accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris by supplementation of synthetic phytohormone analogs. Bioresource Technology 232, 44-52.
46. Chao Wang, Zhenyao Wang, Fei Luo, Yuqin Li (2017). The augmented lipid productivity in an emerging oleaginous model alga Coccomyxa subellipsoidea by nitrogen manipulation strategy. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 33, 160.
47. Tingting Liu, Fei Liu, Chao Wang, Zhenyao Wang, Yuqin Li (2016). The boosted lipid accumulation in microalga Chlorella vulgaris by a heterotrophy and nutrition-limitation transition cultivation regime. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 32, 202.
Book Chapters
48. Xiang Wang, Zhenyao Wang, Hongye Li. Microalgae for biofuels: A prospective feedstock. Handbook of biofuels Production (2022) (Third Edition).
Research Grants
2025.05 – 2030.05 WASTES to WINGS – Constructing a High-Throughput Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Research Platform to Facilitate Zero Carbon Air Travel in Hong Kong (Research Impact Fund, RGC).
2025.03 – 2028.03 A Biorefining Approach to Converting Organic Solid Wastes into Multiple High Value-added Bioproducts. (Collaborative Research Fund, RGC).
2024.09 – 2027.09 Biodesign of Polyurethane for Thermal, Acoustic and Damping Insulation Applications (BIODESIGN4INSULATION). (Eureka Eurostars Project, European Union).
2024.06 -- 2027.06 A Green Technology for Enhancing Resource Recovery from Sewage Sludge. (Australian Research Council Discovery Projects).
2021.06 – 2025.12 Microbial Control in Wastewater Treatment Systems Using a Renewable Material. (Australian Research Council Future Fellowships).
2020.05 – 2024.06 Maximising Bioenergy Recovery from Sewage Sludge. (Australian Research Council Discovery Projects).
2017.01 -- 2020.12 微藻油脂合成積累路徑關鍵酶基因的挖掘甄選及調控機制研究. (國自然面上).
Patents
1. Yuqin Li, Zhenyao Wang, Rong Zhou, Liyang Hao, Yufang Tang, Ziting Wang, Xiaojing Shen. A method for excavating the synthetic metabolic markers of microalgae lipid synthesis. Patent No. 201811290739.5.
2. Yuqin Li, Fei Luo, Rong Zhou, Yufang Tang, Zhenyao Wang, Zhengyu Lei. A method for treating Monascus fermentation wastewater by using microalgae and co-producing microalgae protein feed. Patent No. 201810266297.4.
Professional Certification and Awards
1. 2024 Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad (Category A; awarded to only 600 exceptional young talents globally).
2. 2025 Water Best PhD Thesis Award, Water (MDPI), Switzerland (Only one doctoral thesis is recognized worldwide per annum. Link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/water/awards/3604).
3. 2025 CA3 Assessment Award – Ranked #3 (Listed under CA1 and CA3 Assessment Award Recipients, University of Technology Sydney).
4. Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Top-Up Scholarship (2022-2024).
5. Fully Funded PhD Scholarship at the University of Technology Sydney (2021).
6. International Research Scholarship (2021).
