Overview

Questionnaires

Survey 1

Public acceptance of genetically modified crops

A successful product needs recognition in the market. To better understand the market, we're seeking expert insights and conducting social surveys. We've assessed public acceptance of GM crops through an anonymous WeChat questionnaire, receiving 618 responses so far.

It can be seen that in our genetically modified knowledge questionnaire, 67.3% of the respondents have a simple understanding of genetically modified crops. However, there are many people at different ages who do not understand genetically modified crops at all, and the proportion is even higher than those who have a deeper understanding of genetically modified crops. It is also known from the chart that soybeans and corn are well-known genetically modified crops. The main purpose of this questionnaire is not only to investigate people's acceptance of genetically modified crops, but also to raise public awareness through our future education.

To identify avenues for our upcoming educational initiatives, we inquired about respondents' sources of information on genetically modified crops and their inclination to follow news reports on the subject. Among the 618 surveyed, a diverse range of information channels emerged, with the Internet constituting the predominant source. Notably, the extent of interest in genetically modified crops varies in relation to educational background. Primary school students generally exhibit minimal interest, while individuals with a college degree or higher actively engage with related news. Conversely, many junior and senior high school students exhibit less interest and are less likely to proactively seek information on genetically modified crops. Nevertheless, to effectively disseminate pertinent information and capture public interest, we plan to employ short videos and various other channels.

In order to understand the public's acceptance of our products, we asked respondents about their acceptance of genetically modified crops including the open- ended response “Are there any specific concerns or questions you have about genetically modified crops that you would like to share?” Across all age groups, the biggest reason for acceptance or rejection of GM crops was health concerns, roughly 30 percent. This was followed by security issues, accounting for the charts' second-largest base. The biggest difference between people aged 0-45 and those older than 45 is in the study of long-term studies. People aged 0-45 think it's important, but older people don't. And some older people think morality is also an issue.

In the face of "Do you think that some reports about genetically modified foods on the Internet are misleading?" And when it comes to issues such as the advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified crops, a large number of respondents said that they were not very clear, as high as about 60%. A large number of the public hold a neutral attitude towards the degree of trust and support of genetically modified crops, and the proportion of biased answers is relatively average. In recent years, there has been continuous controversy over genetically modified crops. Through the answers of respondents, we can know that a large number of people do not have a clear understanding of genetically modified crops. Public education is also one of our goals, so that everyone can have their own judgment and cognition.

Overall, based on the findings of this online survey, particularly the open-ended responses, it is evident that individuals possess a limited comprehension of the specific intricacies surrounding genetically modified crops. Even if they possess a vague sense of awareness, they fail to give it adequate attention. Given this scenario, we firmly believe that it is imperative to enhance public knowledge about genetically modified crops, enabling individuals to grasp their advantages and potential hazards. Consequently, it is crucial to prioritize science education in this regard

Survey 2

Public Awareness of Phosphate Fertilizers and Public Acceptance of Bio-Fertilizers that Involves Microorganisms

For a product to be deemed successful, it must gain recognition in the market. To enhance our understanding of the market's dynamics, we aim to gather more expert insights and conduct social surveys. To gauge public awareness of phosphate fertilizers, we launched an anonymous questionnaire on WeChat and garnered 225 responses thus far. The data indicates a predominant participation of individuals below 18 years, primarily high school students, as illustrated in the figure below.

Based on statistical data, approximately 50% of the participants possess a basic comprehension of phosphorus fertilizer, encompassing an understanding of its nature and its role. However, when delving into more intricate details, only a minute fraction of respondents demonstrates such knowledge. To illustrate, a mere 8.7% are acquainted with the various types of phosphate fertilizers. Notably, 26.7% of respondents exhibit a lack of awareness regarding phosphate fertilizer altogether.

The distribution of this questionnaire serves a dual purpose: not only does it gauge public knowledge, but it also serves as a call to action. By shedding light on this subject, we aspire to capture public interest and elevate awareness concerning phosphate fertilizers.

In order to determine the channel of our future educational activities, we also asked them where they got information about phosphate fertilizer and how they hoped to get it. In these 255 questionnaires, we can clearly see that school education is the most common channel for our respondents to collect phosphate information, but people prefer to learn about phosphate information through streaming media, such as official accounts, short videos, etc. For most of the public, they may not take the initiative to search for or learn about phosphate fertilizer before there is some relevant news. But a large part of them is willing to learn more about phosphorus fertilizer. Therefore, we decided to take responsibility and disseminate information about phosphate fertilizer to attract public attention to this issue. We will also carry out educational activities through some short videos, WeChat official accounts and some lectures. In order to understand the public's acceptance of our products, we asked the respondents what they think of the harm of excessive use of fertilizer to the environment. Almost everyone believes that it will cause harm to the environment, and 66.2% of the respondents believe that excessive use of fertilizer will lead to soil deterioration. The rest of the people perceive the harm more average, such as the eutrophication of water. Our products help alleviate these environmental problems through some microorganisms. Through the survey, most of the respondents are still worried about whether the release of these microorganisms in the soil will also bring some potential harm. It is believed that this will have the effect of destroying the ecological balance. In fact, microbial fertilizers do little harm to the soil. But combined with their answers, we can show that they have not received relevant scientific education and explanations, so they do not have a clear understanding of microbial fertilizer pollution and its effects. Therefore, we realize that public education is necessary.

In general, through this online survey, it is apparent that people have limited awareness of the precise details of microbial fertilizers, and their understanding of phosphorus fertilizers is not very high. Even if they may have a vague sense, they haven't paid sufficient attention to them. Given this situation, we believe it is necessary to enhance awareness of phosphorus and microbial fertilizers so that people can comprehend their benefits and potential risks. Therefore, relevant scientific education is deemed highly essential.

Stakeholder interview with Mr. Haijun Yang

In our relentless pursuit of enhancing the marketability of our products, we embarked on a significant initiative by conducting a pivotal interview with Mr. Haijun Yang, an eminent figure in the field of soil and environmental sciences. Mr. Yang's profound expertise and extensive experience as a front-line expert in agriculture offered us an invaluable opportunity to gain profound insights into the complex world of fertilizers and their ecological implications.

Our primary goal during this enlightening interview was threefold. First and foremost, we sought to elucidate the landscape of fertilizers within the market, specifically focusing on the prevalent brands and types commonly employed within the agricultural sector. Mr. Yang's depth of knowledge proved instrumental in unraveling the intricate tapestry of fertilization practices, allowing us to discern the preferences and practices of our target customer base. Armed with this understanding, we were better equipped to tailor our products to their specific needs, thereby enhancing our competitive edge in the market.

A central facet of our inquiry revolved around the acceptance and adoption of bio-fertilizers within the agricultural community. Mr. Yang's insights were particularly enlightening in this regard. Despite the rapid advancements in microbial fertilizers, we discovered that their utilization remains limited and is primarily confined to high-value crops such as grapes and cherries. This revelation compelled us to deliberate on the form our fertilizer should take - liquid or powder. Mr. Yang offered a nuanced perspective, advocating for liquid fertilizer due to its ease of use and compatibility with hydroponic integrated facilities. However, we were mindful of cost considerations and the environmental impact of our choice, as Mr. Yang aptly pointed out that excessive nitrogen-rich fertilizer could lead to soil clumping, decreased crop quality, and environmental issues like eutrophication if washed into rivers by rain.

Beyond these revelations, our engagement with Mr. Yang illuminated the underutilization of bio-fertilizers in agricultural production. Recognizing the need for increased awareness, we committed to conducting science-based public awareness campaigns to educate a broader audience about the myriad benefits of bio-fertilizers. Simultaneously, we acknowledged the need for flexibility in our product design, and we are poised to adjust the final form of our fertilizer to align with evolving market demands.

Importantly, this interview also shed light on the alarming environmental consequences of chemical fertilizers. Driven by our newfound awareness, we resolved to embark on a comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the ecological repercussions of these fertilizers. By disseminating this crucial information, we hope to inspire a collective commitment to responsible agricultural practices and safeguarding our environment.

In summation, our interview with Mr. Haijun Yang has proven to be a pivotal milestone in our journey toward refining and innovating our product offerings. Armed with insights into market trends, customer preferences, and environmental considerations, we are well-positioned to deliver solutions that not only cater to market demands but also promote sustainable and responsible practices within the agricultural industry.

Field trip to Suzhou Drainage Co.,Ltd.

In our pursuit of aligning our BioSmart Phosphate Fertilizer project with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) - Clean Water and Sanitation, we embarked on a valuable excursion to Suzhou Drainage Co.,Ltd. This immersive experience not only enlightened us about the intricate process of treating domestic sewage but also shed light on the specific water quality issues in our region. This company, a cornerstone in maintaining public health and environmental sustainability, became a focal point for understanding the complexities of wastewater treatment and the disparities between treating domestic and agricultural wastewater.

The wastewater treatment journey unfolds through a series of meticulously designed steps aimed at efficiently removing pollutants. Commencing at an outdoor pumping station, sewage undergoes an initial filtration process in coarse screens, eliminating large debris. Filtered water is then directed to an inlet pump room, from where it enters an aeration tank through fine screens. At this stage, odorous gases such as hydrogen chloride are collected to address the issue of foul smells. Additionally, the aeration sedimentation tank efficiently eliminates sand particles.

At the heart of domestic wastewater treatment lies the biological pond, employing the Anoxic-Anaerobic-Oxic (AAO) process. In this realm, bacteria in the sediment absorb organic matter as their growth nutrient. The biological pond is segmented into three groups, each containing 12 water pools. The Anoxic, Anaerobic, and Oxic stages involve processes of aeration and reflux. Microorganisms in these stages play a pivotal role in breaking down various pollutants in wastewater. The key to this process lies in gate control, aeration provided by air blowers, and the reuse of activated sludge. Maintaining an optimal temperature is essential to ensure the efficiency of microorganisms in degrading pollutants. Inspired by the microbial degradation of pollutants in the AAO process, we explored the use of microorganisms to break down organic compounds in phosphate fertilizers.

The treated water undergoes further separation from sludge in sedimentation tanks and undergoes additional physical filtration through microfiltration units. Sterilization with sodium hypochlorite ensures the elimination of remaining bacteria. Ultraviolet disinfection is then employed to kill bacteria and denature microbial proteins, ensuring the treated water complies with water quality standards before being released into natural water bodies. Continuous online monitoring guarantees the maintenance of water quality standards, with immediate corrective measures implemented upon detecting deviations.

Our firsthand visit to the wastewater treatment facility provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of domestic wastewater treatment and offered a profound understanding of the distinctions between domestic and agricultural wastewater treatment. We witnessed the meticulous steps involved, from initial filtration to the final disinfection phase. Furthermore, we discovered that while nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in domestic wastewater might be lower than agricultural wastewater, the treatment processes share fundamental similarities. This understanding, encompassing techniques to mitigate the impacts of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants, serves as a reference for our phosphate fertilizer research. Additionally, the wastewater treatment methods inspired our exploration of reducing phosphate fertilizer pollution and enhancing its efficiency in agriculture and environmental applications.

The AAO biological treatment process stands as a mature and widely adopted method for domestic wastewater treatment. Further developments focus on enhancing efficiency through increased circulation cycles. During the interactive session, we discussed challenges related to equipment malfunctions and winter temperature fluctuations, underscoring the imperative need for continuous monitoring and maintenance.

The stringent wastewater quality standards upheld by Suzhou surpass national requirements, underscoring Suzhou's dedication to environmental protection. In essence, this on-site exploration underscored the pivotal role of wastewater treatment in preserving the environment and public health. It emphasized the necessity for ongoing innovation in wastewater management. The online monitoring and maintenance measures adopted during wastewater treatment serve as a vital reference for our phosphate fertilizer research, facilitating the establishment of a robust monitoring and maintenance system for phosphate fertilizer production and application. This enlightening experience fortified our commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

Interview with Prof. Emily Williams

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Effective Communication

Emily Williams is a cultural historian of modern China, with a particular interest in Maoist material culture and collections of so-called 'red relics' in contemporary China. Her first book, 'Collecting the Revolution: British Engagements with Chinese Cultural Revolution Material Culture' (Rowman & Littlefield) was published in 2022.

She teaches modules in Chinese history, society, and aesthetics. She welcomes Ph.D. proposals in these areas. The purpose of this interview with Dr. Williams is to promote sustainable agriculture and communicate effectively to raise awareness among farmers and consumers about the importance of changing traditional farming practices. This is important for us because we are working on producing sustainable agricultural products. Moreover, we would like to ensure that more people can understand and adapt. these products through effective communication.

The following report summarizes an interview conducted on the topic of promoting sustainable agriculture and effective communication. The interview focused on addressing the challenges faced in changing traditional farming practices and the need to raise awareness among farmers and consumers. The key points discussed in the interview were distilled to provide concise and impactful information.

Changing Traditional Farming Practices:

• Traditional farming techniques need to be updated as they may not lead to a sustainable lifestyle.
• The technique of modern agriculture can make the land more sustainable and prevent soil pollution.
• A visually appealing poster targeted specifically at farmers can effectively communicate the advantages of new techniques.
• Utilizing a comparison between traditional and modern farming practices through photographs can highlight the benefits of adopting new techniques.

• Different potential audiences, such as urban audiences, may not be initially interested in farming.
• Emphasizing the health benefits of genetically modified crops can attract urban consumers.
• Farmers, however, may be resistant to change and require a different approach.
• Creating visually impactful posters that can be easily seen at bus stops can effectively communicate with busy farmers.

• Initially, consumers in China may not have been concerned about how crops are cultivated.
• However, consumer awareness is changing, with a growing concern for animal welfare and potential agricultural issues.
• Highlighting government or scientific approval can reassure consumers about the safety of genetically modified foods.

• Targeting middle-class urban young consumers at fairs requires a concise and visually demonstrative approach.
• Briefly introducing and demonstrating how the products work can capture their attention.
• Emphasizing the benefits of the products for crops, farmers, consumers, and the land is crucial.
• Utilizing posters with a single sentence and real crops to showcase the benefits can be effective.

• Creating a small story where the products play the role of superheroes can spark the interest of young children.

1. Realizing the need to change traditional farming practices for sustainable agriculture. This encourages us to continue working and promoting innovative agricultural products to support sustainable development.
2. Understanding the importance of different communication strategies for different audiences. We realize that customized approaches can better engage farmers and consumers, increasing their awareness and acceptance of sustainable agriculture.
3. Recognizing the importance of education and involving children. By telling stories about agricultural products to children, we can cultivate their interest and understanding of agriculture, laying the foundation for a sustainable future. During our next education activity in Shanghai, to develop awareness of the importance of fertilizer, we use this idea to inspire children at primary school (7-12 years old) to draw healthy crops in their minds.
4. Moreover, our members created 4 posters for different purposes based on the inspirations and lessons we learned from Dr. Williams: (链接跳转至Education- posters的界面)

Art exhibition——Return to nature

Our project, Smart Bio-Phosphorus Fertiliser, is closely related to sustainable development and environmental protection. With the explosion of technology and the rapid expansion of modern cities, people's lives have gradually become detached from nature, but there are still artists, scientists, and people from all walks of life who find inspiration from nature. This exhibition is a great opportunity for our team to learn how cutting-edge artists are linking the preservation of the natural environment with art. At the same time, it will be a good entry point to express our views and find ways to educate the public. The artists' rich and diverse art forms can help us to explore the connection between art and biology, and to learn how to remind people of relevant environmental issues through art.

Art and nature are both expressed in different ways by artists from different cultural backgrounds. In this exhibition, artists from 10 different countries express their reflections on many environmental issues through paintings, installations, photographs and other nature-themed creations.

Huangsheng Wang's Garden of Memory series is the most impressive and inspirational art piece for us, which creates a complex garden of life with plant topiaries, illusory colors, and positive and negative shapes pictorially. Huangsheng Wang said, "Since the 2020 epidemic, I have had different experiences and rethinking of 'life', which has led me to rethink my memories of my own growth and life experiences, especially the memories of the life and emotions of the plant specimens that were collected from the Pearl River Trace back in those years, and thus I have created a series of works using plants as elemental media to explore time, processes, growth, and the importance of life. plants as elemental media, exploring topics such as time, process, growth, life, emotion, memory, and so on."

Field trip

To HuaPu Union Test Technology Service Co.,Ltd.

Our purpose for this interview is to gain further insights into testing processes, especially about the environment. We looked at tests performed on environmental samples, mainly soil and water, and how they were significant in performing the role of maintaining environmental quality. Additionally, we aim to gather some information regarding test approaches, as well as equipment and methods used.

• How are tests carried out?
• What are the sources of phosphorus contents?
• What are the environmental impacts of phosphate fertilizers?