PhD Study : Photoelectrocatalytic reactor with microcontroller-based control system for the elimination of antimicrobial resistant organisms in water

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) were reported to be present in the treated sewage as well as in drinking water around the world. Photoelectrolytic (or electrochemically assisted photocatalytic) treatment of water is an interesting approach for the tertiary treatment of wastewater. This novel technology has been poorly investigated thus far 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 a photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) for the removal of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria (ARB) in water.

This PhD project will focus on the following main objectives:

-Detection of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in water using microbial and molecular techniques.

-Selection and characterisation of an UV sensor material for automatic control of a photoreactor.

-Design of a microcontroller-based control program for the operation of a photoelectrochemical reactor based on UV dose sensing.

-Construction and assessment of an photoelectrocatalytic reactor with UV-feedback microcontroller-based control system for the elimination of antimicrobial organisms in water.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

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

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