Project details
As a result of climate change, population expansion and industrialisation, more areas of the world are becoming “water-stressed”. Many of these places also have water sources that are contaminated naturally with high concentrations of fluoride. Fluoride is particularly difficult to remove, often using methods that are expensive, environmentally unfriendly and only viable on a large scale.
Our project will look to develop a sustainable system that are portable (decentralised) and use materials that are derived from waste or cheap materials such as bananas, biochar, clay or concrete rubble. These can then be used to obtain clean water in developing countries and disaster zones. One of the key challenges to overcome in this research is how to achieve selectivity and specificity of the bio-derived material for fluoride removal in the presence of other water contaminants while ensuring that the developed system is efficient and fit for purpose.
Sustainable water treatment is part of the circular economy research group, which focuses on re-using waste products. The project will be supervised by Drs Mark Leaper and Diganta Das, who have been involved in a number of sustainable water treatment projects and publications.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Dr Mark Leaper
Secondary supervisor: Dr Diganta Das
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Essential criteria include a 2.1 honours degree in chemical engineering or chemistry at BEng/BSc level and an English language qualification that satisfies the university requirements. It is also desirable that the candidate has experience of analytical techniques, an interest in water treatment and previous project experience. Candidates from industry are especially welcome to apply.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
Fully funded Full-time degree per annum
International fee
Fully funded Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025.
Find out more about research degree 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. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
This studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend at UKRI levels of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select *School of AACME/ Chemical Engineering*. Please quote the advertised reference number: *AACME-24-011* in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
