SKLMP Young ScholarParticipate in Jiaolong’s 4,700-Meter Deep-Sea Expedition

In September 2024, the Chinese manned submersible Jiaolong successfully completed its first international deep-sea scientific research expedition in the Western Pacific Ocean, carrying out a total of 18 dives.

Among the three young Hong Kong scholars participating in this expedition was Dr. Qi Wang, a postdoctoral researcher at SKLMP. Dr. Wang was the second scientist to dive, reaching a maximum depth of 4700 meters. Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Qi Wang said, "I am honoured to have had the opportunity to represent Hong Kong in the 45-day 2024 Western Pacific International Deep-Sea Expedition. My research focuses on the environmental behaviour of pollutants and their adverse effects on marine ecosystems. Some pollutants are highly stable, allowing them to disperse globally through ocean currents and reach the deep sea.

During this expedition, I was fortunate to dive with the manned submersible Jiaolong, investigating the deep-sea environment at a depth of 4700 meters. We collected valuable samples of bottom seawater, sediments, and various biological specimens. These samples are now stored in our SKLMP laboratory, where I will utilize advanced trace analysis methods to study the presence of pollutants. This research will help us better understand the levels and behaviour of pollutants in the deep-sea environment, contributing to the protection of marine ecosystems."