Project Description: Eutrophication caused by excess P loading poses serious environmental risk to freshwater bodies around the world. To prevent eutrophication, legislation on P discharge is becoming stricter and water companies, in particular, now face additional requirements to reduce P concentration in their final effluents to ultra-low levels. Fundamentally, P removal from wastewater effluents can be achieved using chemical precipitation or biological processes. However, it is technically difficult or economically undesirable for both techniques to enhance P removal to achieve ultra-low P concentrations. Moreover, the ratification of the EU Water Framework Directive requires all member states to put measures in place to achieve good chemical and biological status in controlled waters using sustainable management techniques. Thus the challenge remains how to achieve ultra-low effluent P concentrations using techniques that can meet current and proposed future limits while still benefiting the environment. This project addresses this challenge by examining the engineering aspects of a novel recovery oriented treatment system that is capable of achieving ultra-low P effluent concentrations without the use of chemicals and with wider environmental benefits. The outcomes will contribute to the development of the system which can also potentially provide a feedstock for P-recovery and recycling.
The successful candidate will be working within the Hydro-environmental Research Group in the Institute of Environment and Sustainability – a multidisciplinary research group, which offers an environment providing high quality research opportunities, leadership, training and supervision for research students.
Eligibility Candidates should have a first-class honours degree, or a 2.1 plus a postgraduate Masters degree (or their equivalents) in a relevant subject. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)
Residency: The studentship is open to Home, EU or overseas candidates.
Funding This studentship is funded by Cardiff University and Northumbria Water.
The award will cover tuition fees at the Home/EU fee rate and will provide a stipend at the UK Research Council rate (£13,726 in 2013/14), plus an enhancement of £1,000 per annum.
Please note that overseas candidates will be required to fund the balance of fees at the overseas rate themselves.
Application Deadline 13th September 2013
About Cardiff University The University is a member of the Russell Group and internationally recognised as one of Britainâs leading universities.
Our University Graduate College enhances the postgraduate experience by providing an extensive training and support programme.
The University is attractively located at the heart of a modern capital city, providing a high quality of life to our students.
About the School of Engineering The Cardiff School of Engineering is an integrated school that covers the major core engineering disciplines, allowing for an exciting, interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research. Its vibrant research-led culture attracts more than 300 postgraduate students. It is rated as one of the top ten engineering schools in the UK in independent assessments.
To apply, please click the Apply button below.