MSc by Research – Impact of chemicals on low energy wastewater treatment, Cranfield University

Supported by Severn Trent Water, a studentship of £17,000 p.a.* for one year, UK/EU fees* is available

Internationally recognised Cranfield’s Water Science Institute, in collaboration with Severn Trent Water, has an exciting MSc by Research opportunity for a motivated graduate to examine the impact of chemical dosing for nutrient removal from domestic wastewaters on constructed wetlands’ (“reed beds”) performance and maintenance.

The project will evaluate wetland performance at full scale supported by reactor diagnostic trials under controlled conditions. Chemical dosing is increasingly being employed in small sewage treatment works as more sites require phosphorus removal to comply with EU legislation. As a low energy treatment technology, constructed wetlands are typically used for polishing domestic wastewaters providing process resilience to conventional secondary treatment units. This project will quantify the impact of chemical dosing upstream of tertiary wetlands to determine the appropriate design, management and operation strategies.

The student will be primarily based at Severn Trent Water’s Research and Development in Coventry, with frequent interaction with both the Cranfield Water Science Institute and various departments within Severn Trent. Embedded within the larger strategic partnership between Cranfield, Severn Trent Water and Atkins on wastewater research, the project will use the wastewater characteristics and performance information from Severn Trent Water. The project will involve significant field work activities as well as process engineering testing, calculations and data analysis.

Anticipated Start date: ASAP 

This higher research degree is associated with one of our Doctoral Training Centre, which is funded in part by the Research Councils and industry. A generic core skills training programme is provided for all research students. This is structured as a series of half day or full day events and acts as a social and networking forum to foster and develop Cranfield’s research student community.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a first or upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related subject such as engineering, biology, environmental science or chemistry. An understanding of biological treatment technologies is desirable.

Funding

*Supported by Severn Trent Water, this studentship will cover the tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only. Non UK/EU students will have to pay the remainder of their tuition fees up front before commencing their studies. Applicants are also eligible for a bursary of up to £17,000 p.a. for the duration of the award dependent upon qualifications and experience

How to apply

If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form. For further information contact us today:

School of Applied Sciences
T: +44 (0)1234 754086
E: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk

Please note that we are unable to consider submissions for specific research studentships that fall outside of the stated eligibility criteria.