Biography: Professor Tang Gim Lee studied technology at Ryerson University in Toronto, a bachelor degree from Case Western Reserve University and graduate degree from Ohio State University. He is a PhD supervisor with over 50 doctoral graduates and more than 150 master’s over his 40 year academic career.
In 1996, he was invited by the Vital Signs project at the University of California – Berkeley to develop a curriculum and teach professors a course called, “Health in the Built Environment” (http://vitalsigns.ced.berkeley.edu/res/downloads/rp/iaq/iaq.pdf). He also taught courses at CalPoly – Pomona, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chongqing University and Beijing University of Science & Technology. He is on the teaching faculty for the American Academy of Environmental Medicine and the American Environmental Health Foundation. He recently helps prepare the report called, "The Medical Perspective on Environmental Sensitivities," for the Canadian Human Rights Commission (http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/eng/content/medical-perspective-environmental-sensitivities). Another relevant article called, Mold remediation in a hospital. Toward Healthy Homes: How molds and mycotoxins adversely affect human health. Toxicology and Industrial Health, Sage Publications, Ltd., London, http://tih.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/25/9-10/723).
His recent sabbatical at South China University of Technology and with GDE Engineering Company Ltd. in Guangzhou instigated the development of the photocatalytic air purifier for industrial applications. This keynote presentation discusses this technology to address the air pollution in China and abroad.

Topic: Converting Volatile Organic Compounds to Carbon Dioxide and Water

Abstract: Air contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOC) are emitted from factories, garbage incinerators and vehicles. VOC are also emitted from interior finishes, cleaning products and building materials. These VOC contains many substances that can compromise the health of its occupants. Reducing emissions is costly due to the diversity of emission sources.
This presentation discusses a novel method to clean VOC from any sources. Photocatalysis surpasses any other technologies in air purification for absorption of volatile organic compounds. A key component is the use of ultraviolet light to activate a photo-catalysis process that can also disinfect microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, moulds and even infectious diseases. The by-products of the photocatalytic process is only carbon dioxide and water.
The merits of photocatalysis is well understood and purported to be used in room air purifiers (along with activated charcoal), but it has not been able to address industrial emissions. Our innovation is increasing its robustness for high concentrations of toxic VOC emissions and high airflow rates. Results as tested by the Chinese government agency for its VOC removal efficacy at several factories is most encouraging. In conclusion, we have found a technology that can help clean the increasing air pollution in China to improve public health.

Biography: Dr. Bor-Yann Chen is Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Materials Engineering (C&ME) Department, NIU. His Ph.D. degree was completed in Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of California, Irvine in 1995. Prior to NIU recruitment in 1999, he worked as National Research Council-awarded Research Associate in National Risk Management Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio. His research is specialized in Biomass-based Energy, Bioremediation Engineering, Bioreactor Engineering, Environmental Toxicology. Due to research achievements, he received Professor Yen-Ping Shih Best Paper Award in 2007, 2011 and 2013 from Taiwan IChE and awarded as Distinguished Professor since 2011. He was invited to have Plenary, keynote speeches in many International Conferences and has published >130 peer-reviewed SCI journal articles (see https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bor-Yann_Chen or http://www.sciencedirect.com/, then use author “Bor-Yann Chen” for partial publications in Elsevier) and numerous peer-reviewed conference articles.

Topic: Applications of Biomass-based Energy to Textile Dyes-Bearing Wastewater Treatment

Abstract: This study provided serial attempts to uncover strategies for optimal microbial fuel cell (MFC)-assisted treatment of textile dye-bearing wastewater. Although MFC technology is still not economically-viable for practicability, using MFCs as operation strategy is still promising for pollutant bioremediation. According to redox characteristics of dye pollutant(s), indigenous dye-decolorizing bacteria were first isolated for textile dye-decontamination with environmental friendliness. Next, decolorized metabolites (DM) below threshold toxicity potency were applied to stimulate electron-transfer (ET) characteristics for color removal due to promising electron-shuttling capabilities. In addition, model intermediate(s) (e.g., amino and hydroxyl substituent(s)-containing chemicals) were also confirmed to act as electron shuttles (ESs) to maximize treatment efficiencies of MFCs. Moreover, quantitative assessment of simultaneous bioelectricity generation and dye decolorization (SBG&DD) via MFCs indicated that ET capabilities of SBG&DD could be augmented more than 40-70% for applicable biodegradation. In addition, MFC-aided bioremediation was also promising to treat dyes-laden saline wastewater due to autocatalysis of DM. From reaction engineering perspective, batch mode of operation (HRT->∞) with recycle(s) of DM was more favorable for promising industrial practicability for wastewater decolorization.