Title of Speeach: Management of environmental microplastics: Should it be based on particle counting or mass?

Abstract: Microplastics have emerged as a global environmental challenge, yet their regulation faces a fundamental dilemma: should management standards be based on particle count or mass? We are honored to invite Professor Hyunook Kim from the Department of Environmental Engineering at the University of Seoul to provide an in-depth analysis of this critical issue. As an international authority in environmental technology, Professor Kim leads several national research initiatives on post-plastic era strategies. With extensive expertise in water treatment and analytical technologies, he has directed nearly 200 R&D projects. His presentation will thoroughly examine the far-reaching impacts of different metrics on risk assessment, policy regulation, and treatment technologies. By integrating his cutting-edge research findings and international standardization experience, the talk will offer key insights for developing a scientific framework for future microplastic management.

Biography: Dr. Hyunook Kim is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at the University of Seoul and currently serves as Director of graduate programs focused on Post-Plastics, Climate Change Adaptation, and Carbon Neutrality. Prior to joining the University in 2002, he worked as an Environmental Engineer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Yonsei University, an M.S. from Johns Hopkins University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. Dr. Kim's research centers on smart water and wastewater management as well as sustainable environmental and energy technologies. He has served on the Korean government’s National Science and Technology Advisory Board and holds editorial positions in leading journals such as Water-Energy Nexus, Chemosphere, and Frontiers in Environmental Chemistry. He is also actively involved in international standardization and currently chairs the Korean Mirror Committee for ISO/TC 224. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed journal papers, holds 92 national and international patents, and has completed approximately 200 R&D projects. His contributions have earned him numerous academic and professional awards, including Korea’s National Medal of Honor for advancing environmental science and policy.