Fully Funded Swansea University and Welsh Water Dŵr Cymru PhD Scholarship: Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Removal in Water

Funding providers: Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering and Welsh Water Dŵr Cymru

Subject areas: Water Treatment

Project start date: 

• 1 April 2024 (Enrolment open from mid–March)
• 1 July 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-June)
• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Project description: 

The occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids of wastewater treatment plants is becoming a serious issue since these substances are persistent in the environment and are carcinogenic to humans. As regulation is evolving to limit their levels in drinking water, wastewater and sludge, effective treatment technologies are required to reduce or remove PFAS in contaminated liquid and wastewater sludge matrices. This PhD programme will evaluate the destruction of PFAS using catalytic hydrothermal and advanced oxidation processes mainly focused on biosolids. The project will, in collaboration with Welsh Water and other water companies, determine the relevant PFAS substances to study and optimise the treatment process to reduce or fully remove PFAS and other relevant emerging contaminants in biosolids. The PhD student will benefit from a well-established research discipline at Swansea University and through collaboration with industry will develop a unique opportunity for training in new techniques and networking.

Eligibility

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student who is eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations .

Additional Funding Information

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £18,622 at UKRI rate.

Additional research expenses will also be available.