About the Project
This project is in competition for funding from the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP) for entry in September 2024. The GW4+ DTP consists of the Universities of Bath, Bristol and Exeter and Cardiff University plus five prestigious Research Organisation partners.
Supervisory Team:
Lead Supervisor: Dr Jannis Wenk (University of Bath, Department of Chemical Engineering)
Co-Supervisors: Prof Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern (University of Bath, Department of Chemistry), Prof Andrew Weightman (Cardiff University, School of Biosciences)
Project Background:
This project investigates the pervasive issue of plastic pollution that has become ubiquitous in our environment, posing a severe threat to both ecosystems and human health. Transport via water serves as a key route for the dissemination of plastic waste. Over time, larger pieces of plastic litter disintegrate into microplastics, nanoplastics, and eventually plastic monomers. While there is a substantial amount of research on the environmental implications of microplastics, our understanding of the environmental impact and transformation routes of smaller plastic particles (<300 µm) remains limited. Leveraging the foundations laid by our previous groundbreaking research,(1,2) this project aims to deliver the first comprehensive study of the fate and impacts of the entire plastic spectrum in an engineered wetland environment, generating valuable analytical capabilities and knowledge that can be applied to other sections of aquatic ecosystems.
Project Aims and Methods:
The primary aim of the project is to develop effective, reliable methods to examine micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the aquatic environment, using a constructed wetland as a model site.(3) This includes profiling particle type and size, especially within smaller, potentially more toxicologically relevant ranges, for which existing research in constructed wetlands and elsewhere in the aquatic environment is sparse. By integrating analytical data with microbiological data and experiments, we hope to uncover the impact of MNPs on the wetland’s microbial performance, which is integral to its functionality.
Another aim is to uncover how MNPs might function as carriers for chemical pollutants like PFAS and other recalcitrant pollutants as well as MNPs’ role in maintaining and transporting microbial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes.
The project further aspires to examine the potential of constructed wetlands as buffers to prevent downstream plastic pollution, thereby safeguarding downstream ecosystems. This also includes exploring the environmental ramifications of constructed wetland substrates at the end of their lifespan, and how plastic pollution within these substrates might pose challenges to their reuse.
We intend to develop and apply experimental designs and analytical methods derived from aquatic science, potentially coupled with soil science. This will involve the application of cutting-edge particle analysis, trace chemical analysis, microbiology and environmental engineering. Another broader objective may encompass the effects of microplastics on macroflora and fauna within the constructed wetland, thereby incorporating aspects of biological science and ecology.
Our supervisory team, possessing a diverse array of expertise in environmental engineering, chemistry, microbiology, ecotoxicology, microplastics/nanoplastics analysis, and plastic pollution policy, will prove instrumental in achieving these objectives. Alongside the PhD student and based on the student’s research interest and educational background our team will collaboratively shape this research.
Candidate requirements:
This PhD project is ideally suited for candidates from diverse academic backgrounds such as Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Ecology, and Natural Science. A profound interest and affinity for fieldwork and laboratory research are prerequisites for this role. Additionally, specialized knowledge or a level of expertise in areas such as microbiology, toxicology, chemical analysis, or ecological studies would be a significant asset.
Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a UK Honours degree 1st or 2.1, or international equivalent.
Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement by 01/02/2024 (unless you will be awarded a UK degree or degree conducted in English between February and September 2024).
Project partners:
The project encompasses three universities – the University of Bath, the University of Cardiff, and the University of Exeter – partners include the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), the Welsh Government / Llywodraeth Cymru, and Wessex Water. The PhD student will gain access to state-of-the-art research facilities at participating institutions, and a robust network of expertise that spans across academia, government, and industry, which will be significantly enriching their research journey and their further career.
Training:
Beyond the excellent PhD training provided at the University of Bath and GW4 universities, comprehensive special training for both laboratory and fieldwork will be provided. The PhD journey includes extended research stays across various institutions, field research, and may also offer the opportunity for internships within the named project partner organisations.
Enquiries and Applications:
Informal enquiries to Dr Jannis Wenk, j.h.wenk@bath.ac.uk
Formal applications via application form for PhD in Chemical Engineering
In the ‘Funding Your Studies’ section, please select ‘NERC GW4+ DTP’ from the first drop-down menu. In the ‘Your PhD project’ section, please quote the project title and supervisor name in the appropriate fields.
You must complete the personal statement template found on our website, and attach this to your application.
Failure to complete these steps will cause delays in processing your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
We encourage student applications from under-represented groups and value a diversity. If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of, inform us with a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
Enquiries relating to the project should be directed to the lead supervisor. For enquiries about the application process contact doctoraladmissions@bath.ac.uk.
The application deadline is Tuesday 9 January 2024 at 2359 GMT. For more information about the NERC GW4+ Doctoral Training Partnership visit https://www.nercgw4plus.ac.uk.
Funding Notes
Candidates may be considered for a NERC GW4+ DTP studentship tenable for 3.5 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (£18,622 p/a in 2023/23) and a generous allowance for research expenses and travel. Studentships are open to both Home and International students; however, International applicants should note that funding does NOT cover the cost of a student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK. In line with guidance from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the number of awards available to International candidates will be limited to 30% of the total.
References
(1) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2023.119936; (2) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160113;
(3) Recognition for Cromhall wetland project | Wessex Water
