Postgraduate research opportunities New methods for removal of pollutants from water

Emerging pollutants have been linked to adverse effects in humans and wildlife, such species e.g. metaldehyde as a persistent pesticide, as well as pentabromobiphenylether, 4-nonylphenol, C10-C13 chloroalkanes and di(2 ethylhexyl)phthalate, which are listed as priority hazardous substances by the EU (refs: EC Water Directive 2000/60/EC and the final EU decision No. 2455/2001/EC). Environmental levels continue to increase but previous research on these emergent pollutants is limited; however, as they are beginning to increase in prevalence, and their biological impacts are realised, new methods are required to effect their removal. Building upon current research within the Fletcher group this project proposes the development of novel sorbent materials for the removal of persistent organic species, identified as emergent pollutants, from water process streams, including groundwater supplies. The group has recently developed a solid bed system for the removal of metaldehyde from water using cost-effective solid sorbents [1] and methods to address rising levels of endocrine disruptors in water streams [2-3]; this project will build on this solid base to address the issue of key emerging
pollutants.

This PhD project is initially offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with their own funding, or those applying to funding sources. However, excellent candidates may be considered for a University scholarship.

All Strathclyde Postgraduate Research (PGR) students undertake the Strathclyde Researcher Development programme (PGCert), which provides a framework for skills and knowledge development, with the award of the separate qualification in conjunction with the PhD. Additionally, all PGR students are automatically enrolled in the Strathclyde Doctoral School, providing opportunities for students to network and intensifying their research dissemination.

References

[1] Tao B, Fletcher A. Development of a novel dual-stage method for metaldehyde removal from water. Chemical Engineering Journal. 2016; 284:741-9.

[2] Tasca, A.L., Ghajeri, F., Fletcher, A.J. Novel hydrophilic and hydrophobic amorphous silica: characterization and adsorption of aqueous phase organic compounds. Adsorption Science & Technology. 2017; 1-21.

[3] Tasca, A.L., Fletcher, A. State of the art of the environmental behaviour and removal techniques of the endocrine disruptor 3,4-dichloroaniline, Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part A. 2017.