Written and Photographed by: Shang Yankai/ Liu Yang
Translated by: Li Xiaojuan
Edited by: D. Parker
Date: Mar. 26th, 2018
"Boys and girls, do you know what type of research we do in our laboratory?? What kind of work do those majoring in environmental sciences do?” Recently Professor Chen Zhonglin, deputy director of the State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Water Environment, introduced his laboratory to a group of visiting middle school students and asked these two questions.
A moment later, Professor Chen continued, “The main focus of this laboratory is harmonious water ecology and healthy urban water. Environmental science is closely related to the construction of an eco-friendly civilization and a beautiful China.” Hearing the introduction from Professor Chen, the students nodded their heads taking in every word!
This scene was glimpsed by this reporter on March 22nd , 2018. This was the opening day of the State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Water Environment. Usually, one can only enter by swiping an ID card. That day, to welcome the 26th World Water Day and the 31st China's Water Week, the laboratory was opened to over 50 students from Harbin No.3 Middle School and the Affiliated Middle School of Harbin Normal School. The purpose of this activity was to raise their awareness of water conservation, contributing wisdom and strength to the construction of a more beautiful China and Heilongjiang Province.
During the activity, the students s visited the sand table which is part of water supply and drainage system of Harbin. Then, under the guidance of personnel in the laboratory, they tested the “hardness” and alkalinity of the water. They also learned to make simple water purifiers with their own hands. Zhou Hengyi, a senior two student of Harbin No.3 Middle School gave the following comment, "Before this visit, I never imagined that the supply and drainage system of urban water could be that complex! This visit has refreshed my perception. I see that the research conducted in this national key laboratory is so grand and classy, so different from what we have learned in text books. In the future, I too want to devote myself to work related to environmental engineering.” The campaign theme for the 2018 World Water Day, designated by the United Nations, was“Nature for Water”. The theme for China’s 2018 Water week was “Building a water-saving society with concrete actions”. For the implementation of related objectives by the Chinese government, the State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Water Environment, the League Committee of the Environment Department, the League Committee of the Foreign Language Department and the Student Green Association jointly conducted a series of activities with the theme “Beautiful China, Green School". In addition to the open house at of the key laboratory, other activities were also held. Experts were invited to hold lectures to increase awareness of ecological issues with topics such as "Water, Ecology and Civilization", “Environmental and Ecological Protection in the Arctic” “The Research Front of Microalgae Bioenergy”. The“Bailin Cup” contest of innovational water conservation was held with the active participation of many HIT students. Various public service activities were offereed, such as the "water torch" contest “in the form of directional points”. The purpose of these activities was to challenge more and more students to cherish and protect our water resources.
