The aquarium is not a tank simply filled with water and aquatic life, but is regarded as a complicated, isolated, hyper-eutrophic, bacteria-rich, and high-retention water environment. The definite volume of water defines the boundaries of the aquarium system, which must be correctly engineered to maintain its enclosed water quality. This is also different from natural systems with indefinite volume of water that encompass multiple boundaries and require little human intervention. My research in aquarium engineering has a goal of advancing sciences of aquarium water, developing a better engineered solution for aquarium water treatment to incentivize aquaculture industry, and minimize water footprints and environmental concerns of aquaculture activities.

On-going research facilitates the development of cost-efficient and sustainable aquarium water treatment methods. The research outcomes are also integrated with teaching to make STEM topics more appealing to college and high school students, broadening their vision on the technical and societal consequences of the environmental engineering subjects. The following manuscripts are under preparation:

Tang, H.L.* Evaluation of an aquarium as a naturally occurring wastewater treatment system: competence and limitations. Bioresource Technology.