China University of Geosciences, China
👨🎓Profiles
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Prof. Zhiwen Dong began his academic journey with a strong foundation in geochemistry and environmental sciences, laying the groundwork for his future expertise in cryosphere research. Early in his career, he cultivated an interest in the cryosphere environment of the Tibetan Plateau, which led to intensive exploration of the geochemical behavior of heavy metals and isotopes in glacial and periglacial zones. His solid educational background empowered him to tackle complex environmental issues through multidisciplinary approaches.
🏢 Professional Endeavors
Prof. Dong currently serves as a Professor at the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan). Over the years, he has held leadership roles in various high-profile national scientific projects. His responsibilities have spanned from heading major research initiatives under the National Natural Science Foundation of China to contributing to landmark national efforts such as the Second Comprehensive Scientific Expedition to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. His involvement as both a project leader and participant reflects his versatility and deep engagement in national-level environmental and geochemical studies.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Prof. Dong’s research primarily focuses on the cryospheric environment, with a specific emphasis on pollutant migration, heavy metal geochemistry, and isotope tracing in glacial watersheds. His innovative use of stable isotopes such as Zn, Fe, Li, U, and Hf has revolutionized understanding of contaminant diffusion and traceability under glacial melt conditions. His investigations have shed light on how pollutants are mobilized due to accelerated glacier retreat, contributing to global discourse on climate change impacts in high-elevation ecosystems.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Prof. Dong’s work has had a transformative impact on the fields of cryosphere science and environmental geochemistry. He has authored over 60 SCI-indexed publications as first or corresponding author in prestigious journals such as Environmental Science & Technology (EST), Earth Science Reviews (ESR), and Geophysical Research Letters (GRL). His findings have provided critical data and models to inform ecological conservation strategies across fragile mountainous regions. In recognition of his scientific excellence, he received the 2023 Gansu Provincial Natural Science First Prize.
📈 Academic Citations and Recognition
Prof. Dong is a highly cited scholar in the fields of environmental and earth sciences. His publications are frequently referenced by both national and international researchers, indicating the broad applicability and relevance of his work. His research outputs have not only advanced theoretical knowledge but also influenced policy frameworks related to transboundary environmental safety and watershed management.
🧪 Technical Skills
Prof. Dong possesses deep expertise in geochemical tracing, stable isotope analysis, and pollutant transport modeling. His technical proficiency includes working with Zn, Fe, Li, U, Nd, Sr, and Hf isotopes, enabling precise characterization of pollution sources and biogeochemical cycles. His lab-based methodologies are complemented by large-scale field expeditions across the Tibetan Plateau and South Asia, making his work both practical and scalable.
👨🏫 Teaching and Mentorship Experience
As a dedicated educator, Prof. Dong has mentored 16 graduate students, with 11 receiving prestigious fellowships and awards for their research contributions. He fosters a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, encouraging students to engage in frontier topics such as cryospheric environmental change, transboundary pollutant dynamics, and climate-driven hydrological processes. His guidance has cultivated a new generation of geochemists and environmental scientists.
🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions
Prof. Dong’s legacy lies in his pioneering contributions to cryosphere environmental science, especially in understanding the biogeochemical implications of glacier melt. Looking forward, he aims to extend his research to global polar regions and enhance international cooperation on environmental monitoring. His future focus includes climate-resilient watershed management and developing early-warning systems for pollutant spread, ensuring sustainable development and ecological safety in sensitive regions.
📖Notable Publications
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Quantifying the distribution and origins of aerosol zinc across the Northern Hemisphere using stable zinc isotopes: A review
Authors: Ting T. Wei, Zhiwen Z. Dong, Fangzhou F. Li, Shichang S. Kang, Xiang X. Qin
Journal: Not specified
Year: Possibly 2025
Type: Review
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Insight into radionuclide 235U deposition in multiple-environmental media in Muztagh Ata Glacier Basin of the eastern Pamirs
Authors: Zhiwen Z. Dong, Xiaoyu X. Jiao, Giovanni G. Baccolo, Xiang X. Qin, Yan Y. Yan
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2025
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Zn Isotopic Composition Variability in Glacier-Fed Alpine Rivers of the Northeast Tibetan Plateau: Response to Migration Processes and Anthropogenic Impacts
Authors: Ting T. Wei, Zhiwen Z. Dong, Yan Y. Yan, Xiaoli X. Liu, Yaping Y. Shao
Journal: Environmental Science and Technology
Year: 2024
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Global-scale constraints on the origins of aerosol iron using stable iron isotopes: A review
Authors: Ting T. Wei, Zhiwen Z. Dong, Chunlei C. Zong, Yan Y. Yan, Jiawen J. Ren
Journal: Not specified
Year: Not specified
Type: Review
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Zn Isotope Tracing Unveils Primary Anthropogenic Zn Sources in Glacial Cryoconite of the High Asian Mountains
Authors: Rui R. Wu, Zhiwen Z. Dong, Yan Y. Yan, Yaping Y. Shao, Xiang X. Qin
Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
Year: 2024
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Biomass burning records of the Shulehe Glacier No. 4 from Qilian Mountains, Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Quanlian Q. Li, Yao Y. Li, Ninglian N. Wang, Zhiwen Z. Dong, Jingquan J. Wu
Journal: Environmental Pollution
Year: 2024