AEESP Journal Spotlight: Mid 2017

The “spotlight” column draws attention to selected articles in Environmental Engineering Science, the official journal of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP). Spotlight articles appear regularly in the AEESP newsletter as well as in the journal as an Editor's Note. Through publication of high-quality peer-reviewed research, the EES journal helps AEESP achieve its mission of developing and disseminating knowledge in environmental engineering and science. In this entry, we reviewed articles from the December 2016 issue through the March 2017 issue of EES. We decided to shine the spotlight on three articles in the January 2017 Special Issue: Environmental Engineering Science in the 21st Century, edited by Peter Vikesland. Congratulations to all whose work is highlighted.

Boehm et al. (2017) laid out environmental challenges and research needs for oceans. With the high economic value and reliance of society on ocean ecosystems, the authors discuss the grand challenges that threaten oceans and they make the case for increased interdisciplinary-research by the EES community to address microbial, nutrient, and chemical pollution, as well as ocean debris and loss of biodiversity in oceans.

Mihelcic et al. (2017) discus 10 grand challenges to achieve environmental sustainability in the developing world for the EES community to address. The challenges discussed are diverse, ranging from sanitation needs to global climate change to developing the global competency of early career engineers. Mihelcic et al. also lay out opportunities and paths forward to addressing these challenges.

Daigger et al. (2017) propose a necessary paradigm shift from EES education, research, and practice to better position the EES field for the future. The proposed new paradigm emphasizes integrated solutions that address multiple benefits (akin to the “one-water” concept), a proactive stance to pollution problems that emphasizes green engineering and anticipated impacts, and an integration of the EES practice within society. Daigger et al. lay out new practices and policies that can be used to shift the field toward this paradigm.