Eligibility
Students applying should have (or expect to achieve) a minimum 2.1 undergraduate degree in relevant engineering (e.g. chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy engineering) or related science discipline and be highly motivated to undertake multidisciplinary research. Knowledge and/or experiences in chemometrics, material characterisation (chromatography/spectrometry methods), surface analysis, statistics/data science and key software packages e.g. Python, Matlab are desirable.
Project Details
Microplastics pose an ecological risk, causing starvation, suffocation, laceration and death of marine organisms and disrupting critical ecosystem services and biological functions. Sewage sludge is a major reservoir and pathway for microplastics pollution. This is so because biosolids from wastewater treatment plants are often applied on agricultural lands as a nutrient source, which increases the risk of microplastics contamination. And though plastics break into smaller fragments due to mechanical forces ꟷsome degrading as a result of oxidation, ionizing radiation, thermal degradation etc, others do not degrade or persist and if at all proceeding slowly. Current waste treatment methods have not proven to efficiently remove microplastics without compromising sludge characteristics. The varying size, distribution and composition of microplastics makes it difficult to detect in the environment. This project aims to enhance the understanding of point-source detection of microplastic fragments using spectrophotometry and chemometric methods. Advanced thermal treatment processes e.g. pyrolysis will be explored for removing microplastics in sediments, sludges, and soil samples. Project outcomes are expected to contribute to improved environmental monitoring and ultimately to ensure prevent and control microplastic pollution.
In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.
Funding Details
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.
Supervisor
Primary Supervisor - Dr Tosin Somorin
Secondary Supervisor - Dr Yi-Chieh Chen
Contact us
Miss Ewa Kosciuk
+44(0) 141 548 2835
chemeng-pg-admissions@strath.ac.uk
James Weir Building, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow, G1 1XJ
How to apply
Apply for this project here – please quote the project title in your application.
During the application you'll be asked for the following information and evidence uploaded to the application:
- your full contact details
- transcripts and certificates of all degrees
- proof of English language proficiency if you are not from a majority English-speaking country as recognised by UKVI
- two references, one of which must be academic. Please see our guidance on referees
- funding or scholarship information
- international students must declare any previous UK study
By filling these details out as fully as possible, you'll avoid any delay to your application being processed by the University.
Useful resources
Your application and offer
Application System Guide
Fees and funding