Fully Funded Swansea University and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water PhD Scholarship: Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Removal in Water

Funding providers: Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

Subject areas: Water Treatment

Project start date: 

• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Project description: 

The occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids of wastewater treatment plants is becoming a serious issue since these substances are persistent in the environment and are carcinogenic to humans. As regulation is evolving to limit their levels in drinking water, wastewater and sludge, effective treatment technologies are required to reduce or remove PFAS in contaminated liquid and wastewater sludge matrices. This PhD programme will evaluate the destruction of PFAS using catalytic hydrothermal and advanced oxidation processes mainly focused on biosolids. The project will, in collaboration with Welsh Water and other water companies, determine the relevant PFAS substances to study and optimise the treatment process to reduce or fully remove PFAS and other relevant emerging contaminants in biosolids. The PhD student will benefit from a well-established research discipline at Swansea University and through collaboration with industry will develop a unique opportunity for training in new techniques and networking.

Eligibility

Candidates must hold a UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours or overseas bachelor’s degree deemed equivalent to UK honours (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.

This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality.

International Fee Eligible Students:

Swansea University is pleased to offer the Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES) which covers the difference between the International and the Home/UK tuition fee for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme. All International applications will be considered for a SUIPRES Scholarship. You will be informed whether a SUIPRES Scholarship will be offered within your offer letter.

Additional Funding Information

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237 at UKRI rate.

Additional research expenses will also be available.

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