Photo/Electrocatalytic degradation of contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater

Apply and key information

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)

Summary

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) including personal care products, antibiotics and pharmaceuticals are emitted to the sewage system from human and veterinary use.

These compounds may not be effectively removed by conventional wastewater treatment and are released in low concentrations to the aquatic environment where they have negative and largely unknown effects on ecosystems.

The EU urban wastewater directive has been recently updated and will require quaternary treatment to remove CECs in the future, placing additional challenges on water utilities. Research has shown that CECs can be effectively degraded using advanced oxidation processes.

AOPs include heterogeneous photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis (PEC).

Research at Ulster has previously focused on the degradation of CECs in PEC reactors at lab scale.

In this research we aim to investigate the engineering design of PEC reactors for scale up for the removal of CECs from wastewater effluent as a potential quaternary treatment. The research will involve an in-depth literature review of the state of the art.

This will be followed by modelling and design of photo/electrocatalytic reactors considering materials to be used, fabrication methods, radiation modelling, and computational fluid dynamics.

Bench scale reactors will be fabricated and tested in the lab for the removal of CECs in simulated wastewater effluent. Should results prove promising, we will scale up to small pilot scale for testing with real wastewater effluent in collaboration with Northern Ireland Water.

This project would be suitable for candidates who have a degree in science or engineering and an interest in water /wastewater treatment and environmental protection.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

First Class Honours (1st) Degree
Masters at 65%
Work experience relevant to the proposed project
Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a UK National, or

Have settled status, or

Have pre-settled status, or

Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period