Photo/Electrocatalytic degradation of contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater

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.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

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.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• International applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to a distinction at Ulster
• Experience or knowledge of research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Track record of peer reviewed publications

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)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD Scholarships are available for this project and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

To be eligible for these scholarships applicants must: be a UK or Irish national; or have pre-settled or settled status; or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

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 i.e. September 2027.

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, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.