PhD Studentship: Cyanobacterial Bioremediation of Emerging Contaminants in Water/wastewater

Application details

The position is available to start in October or December 2023

Duration: 3 or 3.5 years

Closing date: 20^th February 2023 

Project description

Cyanobacteria constitute a sustainable platform for biopolymers production due to minimal nutritional requirements. Examples of high-value biopolymers that are produced by cyanobacteria, include intracellular polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). However, cyanobacterial EPS have interest because they exhibit a variety of properties, such as antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial, to immunosuppressive, and even anti-cancer activities. Therefore, cyanobacterial EPS present an alternative to petroleum-based high-value biopolymers with advanced properties while sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide as a cost-free carbon source and capable of mitigating the ecological consequences.

However, strategies can be developed aimed at the direct use of cyanobacterial EPS for bioremediation purposes. The use of bacterial EPS in bioremediation, i.e., for water/ wastewater treatment, has recently gained considerable attention since they are biodegradable, non-toxic and characterised by high flocculation efficiencies. These are molecules of high molecular weight, consisting mainly of polysaccharides and/or proteins and lipids, produced by bacteria to protect themselves against toxic substances, but can also enhance hydrophobic substrates' uptake or serve as a carbon and energy source. EPS pose effective mechanisms for contaminants removal from industrial wastewater, with removal efficiencies reaching up to 90%. 

The focus of this PhD project will be to test EPS produced by cyanobacteria in bioremediation, which present more complex and interesting structures in terms of monosaccharides composition and functional groups compared to plant-based and other bacterial polysaccharides.

The objectives of this PhD project are:

• to demonstrate the efficiency of cyanobacterial EPS to successfully remove contaminants present in wastewater,
•  evaluate how removal efficiency is influenced by physicochemical factors such as pH, salinity, etc.
• and understand their mechanism of action.

This will enable the use of these natural and biodegradable products as an environmentally friendly treatment for contaminated waters and wastewaters. 

Eligibility

Degree – 2:1 or masters in Engineering or another relevant area (Biotechnology, Chemical and/or Environmental Engineering, Materials Science etc.)

International and EU equivalents – we accept a wide range of qualifications. For information on entry requirements from your country, click here

IELTS – 6 (with no less than 5.5 in any element)

Funding

If the supervisor wishes to support your application post interview, they will apply to the Faculty by the 24^th February 2023 for funding, if successful you will be notified by the Faculty of Engineering. Please note that supervisor support does not guarantee funding.

The studentships are fully funded for 3 or 3.5 years and include a stipend and tuition fees.

How to apply

Please check your eligibility against the entry requirements prior to proceeding.

Informal contact can be sent to Dr Konstantina Kourmentza (konstantina.kourmentza@nottingham.ac.uk) before submitting an online application. Please send a cover letter and a copy of your CV with your up to date relevant experience. 

Online application can be made via 

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx. Please quote the studentship reference and Dr Konstantina Kourmentza. 

When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (beginning ENG) within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship.

Contact details

Name: Dr Konstantina Kourmentza

Email: konstantina.kourmentza@nottingham.ac.uk

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