Nanobubble technology for upgrading conventional water treatment - PhD

This exciting fully funded PhD is sponsored by EPSRC and Northumbrian Water, with an enhanced stipend of £21,500 per annum (with fees covered). This project will deliver strategies to strengthen and upgrade water treatment infrastructure and increase its resilience using nanobubble technology as a chemical-free approach. The successful candidate will work closely with the water industry to develop the technology, with the aim of implementing their research on the ground.

Water treatment technologies, such as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption, have been widely applied for the removal of various recalcitrant chemical pollutants and biological contaminants. However, these processes are not always suitable to meet more challenging and emerging water quality standards, such as the forever compounds PFAS. As such, we need to develop treatment technology innovations that can resolve these challenges while also being cost-efficient and sustainable. Defra’s ‘25 Year Environment Plan’ highlights the need for technology innovations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of water treatment processes. 

This study aims to develop and assess how nanobubble technology can be used to strengthen and upgrade existing water treatment infrastructure, thereby enhancing its resilience.

Cranfield University is the UK’s only postgraduate University, with a strong focus on research and technology implementation across many sectors. Cranfield has significant expertise across the themes of Water and Environment that is enhancing and helping implementation of advanced water treatment technologies in the field. Our state-of-the-art Environmental Analytical Laboratories and the National Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility located on the Cranfield campus enables rapid testing of technology and process optimisation. This PhD, funded by EPSRC and a major UK Water Utility (Northumbrian Water), is seeking to implement advanced nanobubble technologies as a sustainable and efficient water treatment process and consider its and potential application in other areas.

The candidate is expected to deliver the following research objectives,
1)Summarise the existing evidence, potential, and challenges associated with utilising nanobubble technology for both water and wastewater treatment.
2)Develop the nanobubble technology, understand its underlying mechanisms, and collect evidence-based approaches for its implementation in the water sector.
3)Evaluate the environmental and cost impacts and assess the feasibility of deploying implementation at larger scale.

On top of the enhanced stipend and fees, we encourage and support student participation in at least one international conference to disseminate their research outputs and develop academic relationships. Specific laboratory skills training, such as in water treatment technology (water and wastewater engineering), water quality analysis (environmental chemistry), and molecular microbiological analysis (microbiology), will be provided. The student will also be trained to write peer-reviewed journal publications, and project reports for the industry partner. You will have the opportunity to work closely with the project industrial partner to ensure that you develop research ideas that address the real needs of water utilities and industry.

In addition to the transferrable skills programme (communication, project management and leadership) on offer at Cranfield, the candidate will work with their academic supervisors to tailor a personal development plan based on experience, and career aspirations. At the end of the project the successful applicant will be very well positioned to have a highly successful career in the water sector or in an academic role.

At a glance

• Application deadline01 May 2024
• Award type(s)PhD
• Start date03 Jun 2024
• Duration of award3 years
• EligibilityUK
• Reference numberSWEE0245

Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related discipline. It is desirable that the candidate has some understanding of water or wastewater treatment.
Funding
Sponsored by EPSRC and Northumbrian Water, this DTP studentship will provide an enhanced stipend of £21,500 (tax free) for three years, with all fees covered.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.
Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network.  This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

  Dr Tao Lyu 

Email: [email protected]

If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form  stating the reference number SWEE0245.

For further information contact us today:
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