PhD Studentship: Synthesis of Luminescent Probes to Detect Phosphate Pollution in Water: Investigating Ecosystem Health in a Changing Climate

The impact climate change is having on the world’s ecosystems affects every one of us. Our capacity to grow food and maintain clean and safe water supplies sustainably, is dependent upon understanding how soil and water are affected by our changing weather. The EcoSENSE research cluster will develop new sensors for the accurate, sensitive and real-time monitoring of the health of water and soil systems. We will achieve this through an ambitious and exciting series of interconnected projects combining expertise in Materials Science, Chemistry, Geography and Computer Science, guided by input from key Industrial partners including MAST group Ltd and Severn Trent.

Project Summary

High levels of inorganic phosphate released into waterways through sewage, fertiliser and pesticides and is a primary cause of the spread of environmentally detrimental algae. The cost of responding to water-based phosphate pollution in the UK alone is estimated at £170 million per year. Crucially, there are no existing sensors or devices capable of detecting phosphate which have been miniaturized for point-of-need testing and mapping of large waterways.

To address this challenge, in this PhD project we will design and synthesise molecular probes that bind selectively to phosphate anions and generate a sensitive luminescent signal to precisely measure phosphate in water.

We have established the design principles to create luminescent probes that selectively bind target anions (Chem. Sci., 2022, 13, 3386; Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 3619). We will build on this knowledge to develop molecular probes that display high sensitivity for phosphate and minimal interference from other components in environmental samples. In collaboration with the EcoSENSE cluster, we will encapsulate our probes into hydrogels using patented technology, thereby delivering new tools with real environmental and industrial applications.

Widening participation

EcoSENSE are committed to widening the diversity of our PhD student cohorts. We aim to guarantee interviews for Home-award-eligible students in certain groups or areas of the UK who are under represented in higher education.

More details are in the EcoSENSE application form which you can find in the how to apply section below.

How to Apply

As part of our aim to guarantee interviews for home-awarded-eligible students in certain groups or areas of the UK who are under-represented in higher education, we require you to complete and submit the EcoSENSE Studentship Application Form 2023 in addition to the general application process highlighted below.

Funding

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment.

Studentship is for three years full time or six years part time and provides a tax-free stipend of £17,668 per annum (pro rata for the part time) for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees. UK and international applicants are both eligible for this award. Please note that the studentship will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who have applied to this project.

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