Low-Cost sustainable Materials to Mitigate the Impact of Algal Blooms

Summary

In recent years, Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland, has experienced severe algal bloom outbreaks caused mainly by nutrient pollution particularly phosphorus and nitrogen runoff from agricultural activities, wastewater discharge and inadequately managed septic systems.

These blooms release a range of harmful substances including cyanotoxins and taste and odour compounds such as microcystins, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol which pose serious risks to public health and aquatic life.

Traditional water treatment technologies often show limited effectiveness in removing these harmful compounds, necessitating the development of improved, sustainable and cost-effective treatment options.

Adsorption is a promising approach for removing algal contaminants with activated carbon widely recognized for its high adsorption capacity and adaptability in treatment systems. However, the relatively high cost of activated carbon limits its application, particularly in resource-constrained regions.

Low-cost alternative adsorbents derived from agricultural or industrial by-products (e.g. sawdust, seaweed, biochar, clay minerals, modified zeolites) are gaining attention as viable substitutes and have been shown to be effective for the removal of some pharmaceuticals and metals in water.

These materials offer economic and environmental advantages but require systematic evaluation of their performance and adsorption mechanisms under bloom conditions.

This PhD project aims to assess the adsorption efficiency of low-cost adsorbents for the removal of cyanotoxins and taste and odour compounds from water.

This will involve setting up methods for the analysis of selected toxins and taste and odour compounds; characterising the properties of selected low-cost adsorbents and evaluating their performance under controlled and natural bloom scenarios compared to activated carbon.

The PhD student will collaborate closely with contacts at NI Water and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to collect and analyse water samples, develop and refine monitoring methods and share findings to support evidence-based solutions for improving water quality and tackling the algal bloom issues in Lough Neagh.

The outcomes will contribute to developing sustainable, low-cost treatment strategies for mitigating algal bloom impacts and improving water quality management.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship.

In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

A degree in Science or Engineering (e.g. Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Environmental Science, Geography, Chemical/Environmental/Biomedical Engineering) with an interest in environmental issues.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

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