Dr CHENG, Jinping    程金平 博士
Assistant Professor
Department of Science and Environmental Studies
Contact
ORCiD
0000-0003-3585-6645
Phone
(852) 2948 7881
Email
jincheng@eduhk.hk
Address
10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong
Scopus ID
55508443000
SDGs
3 - Good Health and Well-Being
6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
13 - Climate Action
14 - Life Below Water
15 - Life on Land
Research Interests
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Pollution Monitoring and Assessment
  • Wetland Dynamics and Biodiversity
  • Biofilms and Microbiome

Teaching Interests
  • Environmental Impact and Risk Assessment
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Pollution Monitoring and Assessment 
  • Environmental Studies
  • Environmental Health


External Appointments

Associate Editor: Marine Pollution Bulletin

Associate Editor: Frontiers in Marine Science 

Subject Editor: Metabarcoding and Metagenomics

Editorial Board: Sustainable Horizons

Editor: Cambridge Prism: Plastics

Other Activities

·        Area Coordinator, Doctor of Education in Science Education and Education for Sustainability, EdUHK


Personal Profile

 As a trained science educator, Jinping is a strong advocate for student-centered learning and is deeply passionate about mentoring students to support their academic and professional development. Dr. Cheng's research is centered on ecotoxicology and environmental health, with a focus on assessing the effects of anthropogenic stressors on the environment and public health. Our work emphasizes the role of environmental microbiomes in mediating interactions, investigating their influence on the environmental fate and impact of emerging and persistent pollutants, as well as the dynamics of their habitats.

For applicants interested in pursuing a PhD at EdUHK, if you have received research-based academic training in bioinformatics or environmental health and toxicology-related studies, you are welcome to contact me via email with your CV for further discussions.

Research Interests

  • Ecotoxicology
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Pollution Monitoring and Assessment
  • Wetland Dynamics and Biodiversity
  • Biofilms and Microbiome

Teaching Interests

  • Environmental Impact and Risk Assessment
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Pollution Monitoring and Assessment 
  • Environmental Studies
  • Environmental Health


External Appointments

Associate Editor: Marine Pollution Bulletin

Associate Editor: Frontiers in Marine Science 

Subject Editor: Metabarcoding and Metagenomics

Editorial Board: Sustainable Horizons

Editor: Cambridge Prism: Plastics

Other Activities

·        Area Coordinator, Doctor of Education in Science Education and Education for Sustainability, EdUHK


Projects

Unraveling the Dynamics of Antibiotic-Resistant Genes and Pathogens in Microplastic Biofilm in Marine Aquaculture Environment: Assemblage, Dissemination, and Associated Environmental and Health Implications
Microplastics can provide a unique microhabitat for the colonization of opportunistic pathogens and microbes in the aquaculture environment. This project aims to investigate the recruitment, development, and spreading of pathogens and antibiotic-resistant genes from marine aquaculture farms to microplastic biofilms and subsequently to fish and coastal waters. Attempts will be made to delineate the key drivers shaping the diversity and mobility of pathogens and resistome in this important ‘coastal ecosystem-plastic biofilm-fish-water’ pathway. The proposed research will not only provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental and public health risks posed by pathogens and antibiotic-resistant genes associated with microplastic pollution, but also shed light on protective measures for coastal ecosystems, seafood safety, and public health.
Project Start Year: 2025, Principal Investigator(s): CHENG, Jinping
SDGs Information: 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation, 14 - Life Below Water
 
Study of Microplastic Biofilm-facilitated Transfer and Enrichment of Aquatic Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistance in Hong Kong Waters, and Potential Mechanisms
This project aims to: 1) study the microplastic biofilms community composition in Hong Kong coastal water; 2) screen for antibiotic-resistant genes and pathogens within the microplastic biofilms to assess their ecological and health risks; and 3) investigate the mechanisms of enrichment and detachment of microplastics biofilm to inform the development of microplastic biofilm-based strategies for pollution reduction.
Project Start Year: 2024, Principal Investigator(s): CHENG, Jinping

 
Exploring the Dynamic Interplay between Microplastics and Harmful Algal Species and the Impacts in Coastal Waters

Project Start Year: 2024, Principal Investigator(s): CHENG, Jinping

 
Study of marine food web interactions and their responses to environmental gradients and coral bioerosion in Hong Kong eastern waters using environmental DNA
Study of marine food web interactions and their responses to environmental gradients and coral bioerosion in Hong Kong eastern waters using environmental DNA
Project Start Year: 2023, Principal Investigator(s): CHENG, Jinping

 
Impacts and Mechanisms of Wastewater Discharge on Microbial Dynamics and Ecological Services in Receiving Waters and its Community Response

Project Start Year: 2023, Principal Investigator(s): CHENG, Jinping

 
Colonization of plastic debris by marine microbes and its health and toxicological implications: from biofilms to the gut
Plastic debris in the form of microplastics is overwhelmingly abundant in coastal waters and present in the oceans beyond. Microplastics are emerging particle pollutants that hardly degrade and are relevant to and accessible to many aquatic organisms, ranging from phytoplankton to fish. There is increasing concern about their bioaccumulation along marine food chains, as aquatic organisms inevitably take up microplastics from the environment, which can ultimately result in microplastics meeting their makers - humans. The Plastisphere community has important implications for the transport and fate of microplastics and may facilitate the carrier role of microplastics for pollutants and pathogens. This is an understudied risk for aquatic populations that ingest microplastics unintentionally.
Project Start Year: 2021, Principal Investigator(s): CHENG, Jinping
SDGs Information: 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
 
Research Outputs

Journal Publications
Publication in refereed journal
Li, C., Cui, X., Huang, H., Zhou, Y., Xu, M., Cang, S., He, L., Du, S., Cui, H., Cheng, J., Huang, Z., & Yang, H. (2025). A High-responsivity Subsurface Buoy System with a Fiber-optic Acoustic Vector Sensor for Continuous Low-frequency Acoustic Monitoring in the Deep Ocean: Development and Sea Trials. IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering, Early Access, Article Online. https://doi.org/10.1109/JOE.2025.3545248
Miao, Z., Yang, J., Cai, L., Huang, Z., Yan, E., Peng, J., Chen, X., & Cheng, J. (2025). Zebrafish embryos as a teratogenicity screening tool to reduce potential birth defects. Reproductigve Toxicoloy, 134, Article 108895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.108895
Bu F, Dai Z, Mei X, Chu A, Cheng J, lan L. (2025). Machine learning-based mapping wetland dynamics of the largest freshwater lake in China. Global Ecology and Conservation, 59, Article e03585. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03585
Lo LSH, Tong RMK, Chan W, Ho W, Cheng J. (2025). Bacterial pathogen assemblages on microplastic biofilms in coastal waters. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 216, Article 117958. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117958
Long, C., Dai, Z., Mei, X., Liang, X., Zhang, X., Xi, Y., Wang, R., Binh, N. A., Van, C. M., & Cheng, J. (2025). Machine learning-based detection of dynamic changes in mangrove forest, Beilun Estuary. Ocean and Coastal Management, 266, Article 107696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2025.107696
Shi, M., Dai, Z., Luo, J., Wang, J., Pang, W., Liang, X., & Cheng, J (2025). Wave attenuation over a Scirpus mariqueter salt marsh during typhoon Muifa. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 315, Article 109155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2025.109155
Ye P, Cheng J, Lo LSH, Liu J, Li C, So KJY, Xia F, Yan M, Wang J, U C, Qiu JW, Cai W, Leung KMY (2024). Environmental DNA/RNA metabarcoding for noninvasive and comprehensive monitoring and assessment of marine fishes. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 211, Article 117422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117422
Ip JH, Loke HX, Yiu S, Zhao M, Li Y, Lin Y, How CM, Mo J, Yan M, Cheng J, Lai VS, Chan L, Leung K and Qiu JW (2024). Bottom trawling and multi-marker eDNA metabarcoding surveys reveal highly diverse vertebrate and crustacean communities: A case study in an urbanized subtropical estuary. Environmental DNA, 6(6), Article e70031. https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.70031
Lee, S. S., Xu, Z., Li, Y., Zhang, X., Cheng, J., & Liu, H. (2024). Unraveling community potential interactions by environmental DNA in the Hong Kong coastal waters. Environmental DNA, 6(6), Article e70034. https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.70034
Ham, Y.-H., Cheng, J., Nagl, S., Yu, J. Z., Cai, Z., & Chan, W. (2024). Surgical face mask as an air sampling device for assessing personal exposure to airborne antimicrobial resistance gene-bearing bacteria. Analytical Chemistry, 96(42), 17021-17026. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.4c04703
Yang, J., Li, C., Lo, L. S. H., Zhang, X., Chen, Z., Gao, J., U, C., Dai, Z., Nakaoka, M., Yang, H., & Cheng, J. (2024). Artificial intelligence-assisted environmental DNA metabarcoding and high-resolution underwater optical imaging for noninvasive and innovative marine environmental monitoring. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 12(10), Article 1729. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12101729
How, C. M., Ip, J. C.-H., Deconinck, D., Zhao, M., Yan, M., Cheng, J., Leung, K. M. Y., Chan, L. L., & Qiu, J.-W (2024). Refining sampling efforts for fish diversity assessment in subtropical urban estuarine and oceanic waters using environmental DNA with multiple primers. Environmental DNA, 6, Article e70013. https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.70013
Zhou, Y., Dai, Z., Liang, X., & Cheng, J. (2024). Machine learning-based monitoring of mangrove ecosystem dynamics in the Indus Delta. Forest Ecology and Management, 571, Article 122231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2024.122231
Robertson, S.J., Cheng, J., & Shao, M. (2024). One-pot Electrodeposition of a PANI:PSS/MWCNT Nanocomposite on Carbon Paper for Scalable Determination of Ascorbic Acid. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 171, 067510, Article 067510. https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ad541c
Hu, H., Qing, L., Xu, J., Li, G., Cheng, J., Zhong, X., & Zhang, R. (2024). Enhanced Microplastic Retrieval Efficiency from Cultivated Soil Samples Through Optimized Pre-treatment in Density-Based Extraction. Soil and Tillage Research, 242, 106134, Article 106134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2024.106134
Mei, X., Dai, Z., Du, J., & Cheng, J. (2024). Three Gorges Dam enhanced organic carbon burial within the sediments of Poyang Lake, China. Catena, 238, Article 107859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2024.107859
Robertson, S. J., Cheng, J., & Shao, M. (2024). Extraction-less amperometric detection of tetrodotoxin in seawater. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 171(2), Article 027523. https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ad2732
Jiang, W., Dai, Z., Mei, X., Long, C., Binh, N. A., Van, C. M., & Cheng, J. (2024). Profiling dynamics of the Southeast Asia's largest lake, Tonle Sap Lake. Science of the Total Environment, 917, Article 170444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170444
Lo, L. S. H., Liu, X., Qian, P.-Y., Häggblom, M. M. & Cheng, J (2024). Microbial colonization and chemically influenced selective enrichment of bacterial pathogens on polycarbonate plastic. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31(5), 8061-8071. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31752-6
Yuan Xiong, Zhijun Dai, Chuqi Long, Xixing Liang, Yaying Lou, Xuefei Mei, Binh An Nguyen, Jinping Cheng (2024). Machine Learning-Based examination of recent mangrove forest changes in the western Irrawaddy River Delta, Southeast Asia. CATENA, 234, 107601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2023.107601
Ma C, Chen Q*, Gao, Z, Yang Y, Cheng J, Shi H. (2023). Diel pattern of microplastic residues in zebrafish. Environmental Science & Technology, 57(44), 16779-16787. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c04018
Lo LSH, Liu X, Liu HB, Shao MH, Qian PY, Cheng J (2023). Aquaculture bacterial pathogen database: Pathogen monitoring and screening in coastal waters using environmental DNA. Water Research X, 20, Article 100194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100194
Qiang L, Hu H, Li G, Xu J, Cheng J*, Wang J, Zhang R* (2023). Plastic mulching, and occurrence, incorporation, degradation, and impacts of polyethylene microplastics in agroecosystems. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 263, Article 115274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115274
强丽媛, 朱晓桐, 程金平 (2023)。 微塑料在河口海岸環境的檢測、分佈、歸趨以及生物和環境效應。 環境化學,2023(3),832-842。 https://doi.org/ 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2022093004
Lo LSH, Xu Z, Lee SS, Lau WK, Qiu JW, Liu H, Qian PY and Cheng J (2022). How elevated nitrogen load affects bacterial community structure and nitrogen cycling services in coastal water. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, Article 1062029. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.1062029
She W, Ye W, Cheng A, Ye W, Ma C, Wang R, Cheng J, Liu X, Yuan Y, Chik SY, Malit JJ, Lu Y, Chen F, Qian P-Y (2022). Discovery, yield improvement, and application in marine coatings of potent antifouling compounds albofungins targeting multiple fouling organisms. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, Article 906345. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.906345
Qiang L, Cheng J (2021). Exposure to polystyrene microplastics impairs gonads of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Chemosphere, 263, Article 128161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128161
Qiang L, Cheng J, Mirzoyan S, Kerkhof L, Haggblom M (2021). Characterization of microplastic-associated biofilm development along a freshwater-estuarine gradient. Environmental Science & Technology, 55(24), 16402-16412. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c04108
YI, J., LO, L. S. H., LIU, H., QIAN, P-Y. & CHENG, J. (2021). Study of heavy metals and microbial communities in contaminated sediments along an urban estuary. Frontiers in Marine Science, 8, Article 741912. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.741912
Ho Yin Chiang, Jinping Cheng, Xuan Liu, Chunfeng Ma, Pei-Yuan Qian (2021). Synthetic analogue of butenolide as an antifouling agent. Marine Drugs, 19(9), Article 481. https://doi.org/10.3390/md19090481
He J, Cheng J, Lo IMC (2021). Green photocatalytic disinfection of real sewage: Efficiency evaluation and toxicity assessment of eco-friendly TiO₂-based magnetic photocatalyst under solar light. Water Research, 190, Article 116705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.116705
Jun Yi, Linus Shing Him Lo and Jinping Cheng (2020). Dynamics of microbial community structure and ecological functions in estuarine intertidal sediments. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7, Article 585970. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.585970
Liyuan Qiang , Linus Shing Him Lo, Yang Gao, Jinping Cheng (2020). Parental exposure to polystyrene microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations has negligible transgenerational effects on zebrafish (Danio rerio). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 206, Article 111382. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111382
Xiaotong Zhu, Liyuan Qiang, Huahong Shi, Jinping Cheng (2020). Bioaccumulation of microplastics and its in vivo interactions with trace metals in edible oysters. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 154, Article 111079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111079
Qiang, Liyuan ; Cheng, Jinping (2019). Exposure to microplastics decreases swimming competence in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 176, 226-233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.03.088
CHENG, L., ZHOU, J. L. & CHENG, J (2018). Bioaccumulation, tissue distribution and joint toxicity of erythromycin and cadmium in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). Chemosphere, 210, 267-278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.07.005
Jun Yi, Jinping Cheng (2017). Effects of water chemistry and surface contact on the toxicity of silver nanoparticles to Bacillus subtilis. Ecotoxicology, 26(5), 639-647. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-017-1796-1
Yim Ling Mak, Jing Li, Chih-Ning Liu, Shuk Han Cheng, Paul K S Lam, Jinping Cheng, Leo L Chan (2017). Physiological and behavioural impacts of Pacific ciguatoxin-1 (P-CTX-1) on marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma). Journal of Hazardous Materials, 321, 782-790. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.09.066