PhD Studentship: Combatting Forever Chemicals (PFAS) in Water with Advanced Adsorption and Ion Exchange Technologies

Award type: MSc by Research

Start date: 29/09/2025    

Studentship funding 

Sponsored by Sponsored by Anglian Water and Cranfield University, this MSc by research will provide a bursary of to £24,000 (tax free) for living expenses plus registration fees* for one year.

Eligibility

Duration of Award *:  1 year

1^st Supervisor: Irene Carra

2^nd Supervisor:  Peter Jarvis

This is an exciting opportunity to join the fight against PFAS – the so-called "forever chemicals" threatening our water sources. Sponsored by Anglian Water, this hands-on experimental project will explore advanced adsorption treatments using activated carbon and ion exchange to remove PFAS from drinking water. As the successful candidate, you'll work in close collaboration with industry experts at Anglian Water and benefit from Cranfield University's tailored researcher training programme – setting you up for a rewarding career in water science and environmental technology.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," represent a growing challenge for drinking water providers due to their persistence and potential health impacts. Water utilities across the UK, including Anglian Water, are developing strategies to meet new regulatory guidelines and enhance the resilience of water supply systems.

Anglian Water are assessing the potential of combined granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange treatment to remove PFAS from water sources used for drinking. Part of the planning process involves evaluating operational aspects of these treatment processes such as contact time, media type and regeneration. This MSc by Research project aims to support these goals by experimentally evaluating advanced adsorption and ion exchange-based strategies for PFAS removal and contributing critical data to inform Anglian Water’s long-term treatment roadmap. 

Working in collaboration with Anglian Water and academic supervisors at Cranfield, the student will:

• Investigate and compare the performance of various adsorbents for PFAS removal using rapid small-scale column testing (RSSCT).
• Evaluate the influence of contact time, media type, and multi-stage configurations on treatment efficacy.
• Characterise the scientific mechanisms that influence PFAS adsorption 

The outputs of this project will inform decision-making stakeholder teams within Anglian water to form short- and medium-term PFAS abatement strategies.

Entry requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic applicant who wants to make a difference to the PFAS challenge. Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or international equivalent in a related discipline. This is a multidisciplinary project and, therefore, different backgrounds could fit the project requirements such as chemical or civil engineering, chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental science or other relevant engineering/science degree. The candidate should be self-motivated, have good communication skills for regular interaction with other stakeholders, with an interest in applied scientific research.

How to apply

For further information please contact:      
Name: Irene Carra
E: irene.carra@cranfield.ac.uk 

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form via the above ‘Apply’ button.

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