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Xiamen University - OON Yoong Sin

OON Yoong Sin

Assistant Professor Dr.

Office: A4-212
Email: yoongsin.oon@xmu.edu.my
Research Interests: Bioelectrochemical systems, Microalgae-based environmental technologies, Sustainable wastewater treatment, Bioenergy and resource recovery, Nitrogen cycling

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SDGs Focus
6 Clean Water and Sanitation 7 Affordable and Clean Energy 13 Climate Action

About Me

Dr Oon Yoong Sin is an Assistant Professor at the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia. Her research focuses on sustainable wastewater treatment, particularly photosynthetic bioelectrochemical systems and microalgae-based environmental technologies. Her work integrates bioelectrochemistry and environmental engineering principles to elucidate biogeochemical transformation processes and enhance resource and energy recovery. Her research aims to advance low-carbon wastewater treatment by harnessing microbial and electrochemical processes while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. She is a recipient of the Chinese Academy of Sciences President’s International Fellowship Initiative and has research experience in both academia and industry.

  • PhD in Engineering (Environmental), University Malaysia Perlis
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental), First Class Honours, University Malaysia Perlis
     

  • Board of Engineers Malaysia: Graduate Engineer
  • Institute of Engineers Malaysia: Graduate Member
     

Research Interests

Dr. Oon’s research focuses on photosynthetic bioelectrochemical systems incorporating microalgae for sustainable wastewater treatment. Her work investigates the interactions between microbial and electrochemical processes underlying nitrogen cycling, pollutant removal, bioenergy generation and resource recovery. Her research also addresses greenhouse gas emissions associated with wastewater treatment, with the aim of advancing low-carbon and sustainable treatment technologies.

Research Project(s)

  • Photosynthetic Bioelectrochemical Systems for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment

     

Current Courses Taught

  • EGE203 Principles of Chemical Engineering I
  • EGE312 Technology of Electrochemical Power Sources 
     

Local Grant(s)

 

International Grant(s)

  • National Natural Science Foundation of China, Research Fund for International Young Scientists, 2024-2026, 400,000 CNY. Principal Investigator.
  • Hubei Province Innovation Research Grant, 2023-2024, 60,000 CNY. Principal Investigator.
     

 

Journal

  • Oon Y.-S.1, Oon Y.-L.1, Ayaz M., Wang Y., Deng M., Li L., Song K.*, Wu F. 2025. Microalgae-bacteria synergy in photosynthetic bio-electrochemical systems supports nitrogen transformation, microbial dynamics and greenhouse gas mitigation. Communications Earth & Environment, 6, 884. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02815-y 

  • Oon, Y.-S., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-L., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E., 2021. Innovative Baffled Microbial Fuel Cells for Azo Dye Degradation: Interactive Mechanisms of Electron Transport and Degradation Pathway. Journal of Cleaner Production, 295, 126366. 

  • Oon, Y.-S., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-L., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E., Nordin, N., 2018. Disclosing the synergistic mechanisms of azo dye degradation and bioelectricity generation in a microbial fuel cell, Chemical Engineering Journal, 344, 236–245. 

  • Oon, Y.-S., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-L., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E., Nordin, N., 2016. Microbial fuel cell operation using monoazo and diazo dyes as terminal electron acceptor for simultaneous decolourisation and bioelectricity generation. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 325, 170–177.

  • Oon, Y.-S., Ong, S.-A., Ho, L.-N.*, Wong, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-L., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E., 2016. Long-term operation of double chambered microbial fuel cell for bio-electro denitrification. Bioprocess and Biosystem Engineering, 39, 893–900. 

  • Oon, Y.-S., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-L., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E., 2017. Microbial fuel cell operation using nitrate as terminal electron acceptor for simultaneous organic and nutrient removal. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 14, 2435–2442. 

  • Ayaz M., Oon Y.-S, Oon Y.-L., Deng M., Li L., Song K*. 2026. Acidification reshapes plastisphere communities to sustain potassium-stimulated N2O emissions under warming Journal of Hazardous Materials, 512, 142266.

  • Ayaz M., Oon Y.-S, Oon Y.-L., Khan K., Deng M., Li L., Song K.*, Jiang X., Xia Z. 2025. Microplastics transport and impact on nitrogen cycling and N2O emissions in estuaries. Environmental Pollution, 383, 126869. 

  • Ayaz M., Oon Y.-L., Oon Y.-S, Deng M., Li L., Song K.*, 2025. Potassium modulating aquatic microbial processes: Dynamics of nitrogen cycling and nitrous oxide. Environmental Reviews, 33, 1-15. 

  • Oon Y.-L1, Oon Y.-S1, Ayaz M, Deng M., Li L., Song K.*, 2023. Waterborne pathogens detection technologies: advances, challenges, and future perspectives. Frontier in Microbiology, 14, 1286923. 

  • Oon, Y.-L., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Dahalan, F.A., Oon, Y.-S., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E., Nordin, N., 2018. Up-flow constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell for azo dye, saline, nitrate remediation and bioelectricity generation: From waste to energy approach. Bioresource Technology, 266, 97-108.

  • Oon, Y.-L., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Dahalan, F.A., Oon, Y.-S., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E., Nordin, N., 2017. Role of macrophyte and effect of supplementary aeration in up-flow constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell for simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy recovery. Bioresource Technology, 224, 265-275. 

  • Oon, Y.-L., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Dahalan, F.A., Oon, Y.-S., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E., 2016. Synergistic effect of up-flow constructed wetland and microbial fuel cell for simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy recovery. Bioresource Technology, 203, 190-197. 

  • Oon, Y.-L., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-S., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E., 2015. Hybrid system up-flow constructed wetland integrated with microbial fuel cell for simultaneous wastewater treatment and electricity generation. Bioresource Technology, 186, 270-275. 

  • Abate R, Oon Y.-S.*, Oon Y.-L., Bi Y.*, 2024. Microalgae-bacteria nexus for environmental remediation and renewable energy resources: advances, mechanisms and biotechnological applications. Heliyon, e31170. 

  • Abate R, Oon Y.-L., Oon Y.-S., Mi, W., Song, G, Gao, Y., Bi Y.*, 2024. Diverse interactions between bacteria and microalgae: A review for enhancing harmful algal bloom mitigation and biomass processing efficiency. Heliyon 10, 17, e36503. 

  • Deng, M., Yeerken, S., Wang, Y., Li, L., Li, Z., Oon, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-L., Xue, Y., He, X., Zhao, X., and Song, K*. 2024. Greenhouse gases emissions from aquaculture ponds: Different emission patterns and key microbial processes affected by increased nitrogen loading. The Science of Total Environment, 926, 172108

  • Wang, Y, Deng M, Li B, Li L., Oon Y.-S., Zhao, X., Song K.*, 2023. High nitrous oxide (N2O) greenhouse gas reduction potential of Pseudomonas sp. YR02 under aerobic condition. Bioresource Technology, 378, 128994. 

  • Yap, K.-L., Ho, L.-N*., Guo, K., Liew, Y.-M., Lutpi, NA, Azhari, AW, Oon, Y.-S., Thor, S.-H., S.-M. Teoh, Ong, S.-A., 2023. Exploring the potential of metal oxide as cathodic catalysis in a double chambered microbial fuel cell for phenol removal and power generation. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 53, 103639. 

  • Yap, K.-L., Ho, L.-N.*, Ong, S.-A., Guo, K., Y.-M. Liew, Oon, Y.-S., Ong, Y.-P., Thor, S.-H., S.-M. Tan, T.-P. Teoh, 2021. Microbial fuel cell for simultaneous caffeine removal and bioelectricity generation under various operational conditions in the anodic and cathodic chambers. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 25, 1021158 

  • Oon, Y.-L., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Dahalan, F.A., Oon, Y.-S., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E., Nordin, N., 2020. Constructed wetland - microbial fuel cell for azo dyes degradation and energy recovery: Influence of molecular structure, kinetics, mechanisms and degradation pathways. Science of the Total Environment, 720, 137370. 

  • Yap, K.-L., Ho, L.-N.*, Ong, S.-A., Guo, K., Oon, Y.-S., Ong, Y.-P., Thor, S.-H., 2020. Crucial roles of aeration and catalyst on caffeine removal and bioelectricity generation in a double chambered microbial fuel cell integrated electrocatalytic process. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 104636. 

  • Teoh, T.-P., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, Wong, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-L., Oon, Y.-S., Thung, W.-E., Tan, S.-M., 2020. Up-flow constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell: Influence of floating plant, aeration and circuit connection on wastewater treatment performance and bioelectricity generation. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 36, 101371. 

  • Thung, W.-E., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Ridwan, F., Lehl, H.K., Oon, Y.-L., Oon, Y.-S., 2018. Biodegradation of Acid Orange 7 in a combined anaerobic-aerobic up-flow membrane-less microbial fuel cell: Mechanism of biodegradation and electron transfer. Chemical Engineering Journal, 336, 397-405. 

  • Thung, W.-E., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Ridwan, F., Oon, Y.L., Oon, Y.-S., Lehl, H.K., 2017. Sustainable green technology on wastewater treatment: The evaluation of enhanced single chambered up-flow membrane-less microbial fuel cell. Journal of Environmental Sciences (China), 295-300. 

  • Nordin, N., Ho, L.-N., Ong, S.-A.*, Ibrahim, A.H., Wong, Y.-S., Lee, S.L., Oon, Y.-S., Oon, Y.L., 2017. Hybrid system of photocatalytic fuel cell and Fenton process for electricity generation and degradation of Reactive Black 5. Separation and Purification Technology, 177, 135-141. 

  • Thung, W.-E., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.N., Wong, Y.-S., Ridwan, F., Oon, Y.-L., Oon, Y.-S., Lehl, H.K., 2015. A highly efficient single chambered up-flow membrane-less microbial fuel cell for treatment of azo dye Acid Orange 7-containing wastewater. Bioresource Technology, 197, 284-288. 

  • Thung, W.-E., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-L., Oon, Y.-S., Lehl, H.K., 2015. Simultaneous Wastewater Treatment and Power Generation with Innovative Design of an Upflow Membrane-Less Microbial Fuel Cell. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 226,165. 

  • Nordin, N., Ho, L.-N.*, Ong, S.-A., Ibrahim, A.H., Wong, Y.-S., Lee, S.-L., Oon, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-L., 2017. Influence of Amaranth dye concentration on the efficiency of hybrid system of photocatalytic fuel cell and Fenton process. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24, 23331-23340. 

  • Thung, W.-E., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Ridwan, F., Oon, Y.-L., Oon, Y.-S., Lehl, H.K., 2016. Bioelectricity Generation in Batch-Fed Up-Flow Membrane-Less Microbial Fuel Cell: Effect of Surface Morphology of Carbon Materials as Aqueous Biocathodes. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 227, 254. 

  • Thung, W.-E., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.N., Wong, Y.-S., Ridwan, F., Oon, Y.-L., Oon, Y.-S., Lehl, H.K., 2019. Enhancement of mass and charge transport in scaled-up microbial fuel cell by using innovative configuration of bioanode. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 16, 8175-8184.

  • Lehl, H.K., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S, Saad, F.N.M., Oon, Y.-L., Oon, Y.-S., Yong, C.-Y., Thung, W.-E., 2016. Multiple aerobic and anaerobic baffled constructed wetlands for simultaneous nitrogen and organic compounds removal. Desalination and Water Treatment, 57:60, 29160-29167 

  • Lehl, H.K., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Saad, F.N.M., Oon, Y.-L., Oon, Y.-S., Thung, W.-E., Yong, C.-Y., 2017. Decolorization and mineralization of Amaranth dye using multiple zoned aerobic and anaerobic baffled constructed wetland. International Journal of Phytoremediation, 19, 725-731. 

  • Lehl, H.K., Ong, S.-A.*, Ho, L.-N, Wong, Y.-S, Saad, F.N.M., Oon, Y.-L., Oon, Y.-S., Thung, W.-E., 2019. Decolourisation and mineralization of Acid Red 27 metabolites by using multiple zoned aerobic and anaerobic constructed wetland reactor, Desalination and Water Treatment, 160, 81-93. 
     

Conference

  • Oon, Y.-S., Oon Y.-L., Deng M., Li L., Song K., From Wastewater to Watts and Warning: Photosynthetic Microbial Fuel Cell for Treatment, Energy and Biosensing. IWA Conference on Water & Wastewater Management, with special focus on Developing Countries, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia, December 4th - 8th, 2023.

  • Oon, Y.-S., Ong, S.-A., Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-L., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E., Simultaneous Dye Decolourization and Bioelectricity Production Using a Baffled Microbial Fuel Cell, The 18th UK-International Water Association Young Water Professional (UK-IWAYWP) Conference 2017, Bath, United Kingdom, April 10th - 12th, 2017.

  • Oon, Y.-S., Ong, S.-A., Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-L., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E.,   Simultaneous Azo Dye Decolourization, Organic Removal and Bioelectricity Generation by Using a Double Chambered Biocathode Microbial Fuel Cell, The 5th Asian Conference on Innovative Energy and Environmental Chemical Engineering, Yokohama, Japan, November 13th - 16th, 2016. 

  • Oon, Y.-S., Ong, S.-A., Ho, L.-N., Wong, Y.-S., Oon, Y.-L., Lehl, H.K., Thung, W.-E., Study on Double Chambered Microbial Fuel Cell for Electricity Generation and Wastewater Treatment, The 2nd International Water Association (IWA) Malaysia Young Water Professionals Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 17th - 20th, 2015.
     

Current Supervision (Postgraduate only)

Completed supervision (postgraduate only)

  • World’s Top 5% Scientists, SciRank Global, 2025

  • President’s International Fellowship Initiative, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2022

  • Excellent Youth Recipient for Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 2016