Application Deadline: 07 May 2025
Details
The textile industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors, is also among the most polluting, significantly impacting the environment and human health. Textile manufacturing consumes vast amounts of water—over 200 liters per kilogram of fabric—and discharges untreated wastewater containing up to 20,000 chemicals. Studies indicate that textile dyeing and treatment contribute to 20% of global freshwater pollution. Additionally, the industry produces 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually, making it the second-largest GHG emitter after oil. The problem is particularly severe in South Asia, where low-cost production drives increased environmental degradation.
This project aims to address these critical issues by focusing on the technological, environmental, and policy aspects of wastewater management in the textile sector in South Asia. The primary objective is to evaluate the performance and scalability of the advanced Molecular Distortion Technique for treating textile wastewater. Key metrics such as energy efficiency, pollutant removal efficacy, and operational costs will be assessed to develop sustainable and scalable solutions. The research will also explore circular economy principles, including resource recovery and energy generation, to enhance environmental outcomes.
The project will examine the environmental impacts of scaling wastewater treatment systems, including carbon footprint analysis, water reuse opportunities, and the reduction of hazardous discharges. Insights will be used to devise strategies for minimizing environmental impacts while maximizing efficiency.
A key component of the research will analyse policy and regulatory frameworks internationally and in South Asia to identify barriers to technology adoption and propose actionable recommendations for fostering innovation-friendly regulations. The study will align its findings with global sustainability targets, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The PhD candidate will work closely with Project PI to align their research with an ongoing project under the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme (SMEP), funded by UK International Development. The project titled ‘Re-inventing the Textile Circular Economy’, is currently piloting with textile industry players in Pakistan. The goal of the research will thus be to deliver practical, scalable solutions to transform wastewater management in the textile industries of one or more SMEP target countries in South Asia [Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal].
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Dr Muhammad Wakil Shahzad. For informal queries, please contact muhammad.w.shahzad@northumbri.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please use the email form below to contact Admissions.
Eligibility Requirements:
• Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• have settled status, or
• have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• have indefinite leave to remain or enter.
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student and would not be eligible.
Applicants will need to be in the UK and fully enrolled before stipend payments can commence.
For further details on how to apply see
In your application, please include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words and the advert reference (e.g. RDFC25/…).
Deadline for applications: 7 May 2025
Start date of course: 1 October 2025
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.
Funding Notes
Directly Funded Project (Home only)
The Full Time studentship is available to Home students and includes a full stipend at UKRI rates (for 2025/26 full-time study this is £20,780 per year) and full tuition fees for 3 years.
