Vietnamese scientist receives award from King of Thailand

Thailand: Dr. Ngo Thi Thuy Huong and her colleagues at Phenikaa University were awarded the King of Thailand Awards for their work on phytoremediation technology using vetiver grass to reduce dioxin in contaminated soil.

The King of Thailand Vetiver Award 2023 (Thai King Award) honored six outstanding research projects on vetiver grass, taking place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on May 29.

Dr. Ngo Thi Thuy Huong and her colleagues, including Nguyen Quoc Dinh, Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao and Vu Thi Lan Anh, won the Outstanding Research Award in the non- agricultural application category, with the work "Using vetiver grass phytoremediation technology to reduce dioxin in contaminated soil at Bien Hoa Airport, Dong Nai , Vietnam".

Research on the ability of vetiver grass to treat pollution and stabilize dioxin-contaminated soil on a field scale at Bien Hoa airport, one of the most heavily dioxin-contaminated areas in Vietnam.

Vetiver grass is known to have the function of preventing erosion, conserving soil and water resources, and reducing pollution. This is the first time that research has shown that vetiver grass can be used to treat dioxin-contaminated soil with plants, thereby opening up opportunities for the application of cleaning persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in soil and water.

Dr. Ngo Thi Thuy Huong received the award in Thailand. Photo: Organizing Committee — Dr. Ngo Thi Thuy Huong received the award in Thailand. Photo: *Organizing Committee*

According to the Vetiver Network, each winning project will receive $2,500 and a certificate, presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Patron of the Vetiver Network (TVNI), on behalf of His Majesty the King. The awardees will also present and share their research at the International Vetiver Conference.

Dr. Ngo Thi Thuy Huong is currently a lecturer and head of the Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology research group at Phenikaa University. As an expert in ecotoxicology and environmental health, she has led many domestic and international projects on water environment, ecotoxicology, environmental management, natural resources, phytoremediation and microplastic pollution. Dr. Huong's recent research has expanded to the field of metal speciation and bioavailability in aquatic environments, as well as microplastic pollution and their impacts on ecosystems and human health.

The King of Thailand Vetiver Award 2023, within the framework of the 7th International Vetiver Conference, took place from May 29 to June 1. This is the third time Thailand has hosted the event, with the theme "Vetiver in soil and water conservation", attracting the participation of scientists and researchers from more than 18 countries.

The International Vetiver Congress is a scientific event focusing on various applications of the vetiver system, held every 4 (or 5) years. The event was first held in 1996 in Thailand and has expanded to other countries under the auspices of the International Vetiver Network and the Chaipattana Foundation.

The international conference on vetiver grass has been held 6 times, in Chiang Rai - Thailand (1996), Petchaburi - Thailand (2000), Guangzhou - China (2003), Caracas - Venezuela (2006), Lucknow - India (2011), and Da Nang - Vietnam (2015). The conference is an opportunity for experts and scientists to summarize the application efficiency and superior features of vetiver grass, to soon replicate the application of vetiver grass technology in the work of preventing erosion and landslides, limiting environmental pollution and promoting the economic efficiency of this grass.

Nhu Quynh

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