PhD Study : Detection and elimination of antimicrobial organisms and genes in water using advanced oxidation processes / Chemical engineering and wastewater treatment

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Summary

Globally, about 1.8 Billion people live without access to improved water sources. Alarmingly, Contaminants of Emerging Concerns (CECs) such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, metal based nanoparticles, and other pollutants, including pathogens, antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARBs) and genes (ARGs) were reported to be present in the treated sewage as well as in drinking water around the world. Hence, a concerted effort water treatment system that remove CECs in treated wastewater, and drinking water sources are urgently needed to protect the world environment and health. Photoelectrolytic (or electrochemically assisted photocatalytic) treatment of water is an interesting approach for the tertiary treatment of wastewater.

This novel technology has been porrly investigated up to date for the simultaneous degradation or organic pollutants and removal of microorganisms present in wastewater.

The objective of this PhD project relates to the development of an application of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for the removal of Antimicrobial Resiantant (AMR) organisms and genes (ARG) in water. This PhD project will focus on the detection of the main AMR organisms and ARGs in natural waters and on their elimination via the use of several AOPs.

The main objectives of this project are:

-Selection of the most frequently found AMR organism and ARGs in narural water sources based on lit review and analysis of systematic sampling of several water sources.

-Detection of AMR organism and ARGs using molecular techniques (qPCR) in water.

-Assessment of the response of selected AMR and ARGs to several AOPs.

-Proposing a treatment process for the disinfection of water with special emphasis on AMR and ARGs.

The data and results of this project will be published in high impact peer reviewed journals. The main novelty of this proposal is the contribution to the knowledge to the identification and removal of antimicrobial resistance in water. The expected impact is to reduce water stress in areas of water scarcity.

This project aligns with the recently awarded H2020-PANIWATER (PI Dr Fernandez), which primarily addresses UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 ‘Ensure access to water and sanitation for all’. PANIWATER is a multidisciplinary research project where several European and Indian partners collaborate to investigate on novel and sustainable technologies for purifying wastewater and reduce water stress and water scarcity in India.  This will allow for the PhD student to learn for the expertise of other groups and to be integrated into a large multidisciplinary team.

The proposal addresses the Ulster 5 & 50 strategic themes of Healthy Communities, Sustainability and Social Renewal.   There is significant opportunity for impact through the PANIWATER network leading to real outcomes for Europe and India.

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.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • 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. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 18 February 2019
12:00AM

Interview Date
March 2019

Preferred student start date
September 2019

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Professor Pilar Fernandez-Ibanez

Other supervisors