PhD Studentship: Bioaugmentation in Water/Wastewater Treatment to Enhance the Removal of Micropollutants

Supervisory Team: Yongqiang Liu 

Project Description:

Emerging micropollutants, encompassing a spectrum from pharmaceutical residues and personal care products to industrial chemicals, have been found in water sources worldwide. Their health effects and environmental impact are evident. As these pollutants persist and accumulate, addressing the multifaceted challenges they present has become imperative to safeguard both human well-being and the integrity of our natural environment. 

Currently, no water or wastewater treatment plants are designed to target micropollutants, resulting in the presence of persistent micropollutants in water bodies.  For example, the identification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in breast milk and blood is a matter of considerable concern due to its profound implications for public health. Therefore, removing micropollutants from water is imperative along with the expected more stringent regulations on micropollutants. Bioaugmentation, employing microorganisms to remove micropollutants, emerges as a promising and environmentally sustainable approach. Microorganisms possess inherent capabilities to degrade a wide array of pollutants, making them effective agents in water/wastewater treatment. In bioaugmentation, specific strains of microorganisms are intentionally introduced into microbial communities to enhance their capacity to break down recalcitrant compounds. 

In this project, you will investigate the key microorganisms enabling the breakdown of toxic and recalcitrant organic compounds and develop an effective bioaugmentation approach to manipulate the microbial community to enhance the biological removal of micropollutants. When necessary, it is also expected that physical or chemical treatment could be integrated to further improve the removal efficiency of micropollutants. In the project, you will be trained to set up and operate bioreactors for wastewater treatment, do analysis of both sludge and water by using various analytical instruments, and conduct bioinformatic analysis.  

Candidates with high motivation and degrees in environmental engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, microbiology, or other relevant backgrounds are preferred. You will be part of the BBSRC-funded project and closely work with a postdoc. 

Application Deadline: 

International students with relevant publications or outstanding academic achievement are encouraged to be considered for the prestigious presidential scholarship scheme, covering full international fees. We strongly encourage applications from EU and UK students, given funding restrictions. If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr. Yongqiang Liu, Water and Environmental Engineering Research Group, Email: Y.Liu@soton.ac.uk  Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 2843. 

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate and or master degree (a UK 1^st class degree, or its international equivalent). 

Closing Date: 31 August 2024. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. 

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton  Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. 

How To Apply

Apply online: HERE Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Yongqiang Liu. 

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date 

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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