About the Project
Water-based epidemiology requires broad, near real-time monitoring of pathogens and chemicals at wastewater treatment plants and near-source locations such as prisons, hospitals, universities, and care homes.
Key research questions include:
1. Can we provide a digital fingerprint of water quality that can be applied to epidemiology studies to understand the link between specific sensor responses and wider environmental and water parameters?
2. Can we improve our understanding of the inter-relationship between multiple markers and water parameters from detailed data analytics on the data sets collected?
3. Can inferences be drawn between the wider markers identified by the sensing system based on detailed lab analysis of the samples taken?
4. Can samples be collected near source using existing wastewater infrastructure securely and safely?
5. What can we detect using a range of membrane sensors and separators in a single sampling system?
6. Can we identify common factors by linking with air quality sensors?
Current wastewater sampling is sporadic and influenced by variables such as flow rate (FR), temperature (T), electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), and pH, which are rarely captured simultaneously. Combining these environmental sensors with pathogen, turbidity, and flow data offers a unique digital fingerprint of water quality, supported by geo-tagged and time-stamped samples.
The project aims to design a combined sampling and sensing system deployable at outlets, pipes, and watercourses. It will collect local samples for lab analysis while storing continuous digital data, with live readings every minute. Positioned near-source (e.g., a hospital ward or section of a building), the hardware will integrate with existing wastewater infrastructure, enabling secure, hygienic, low-maintenance sampling. The hardware will have a small outlet attached to the main waste water pipe to filter out debris prior to sensing and sampling, and to ensure that the sensors can operate with minimal intervention.
The system will feature environmental sensors (T, FR, turbidity, DO, EC, pH) combined with membrane sensors in a multi-stage filter stack to capture chemical and pathogen markers. These membranes—using tailored polymer materials—will detect biomarkers such as pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and disease indicators.
A cloud-based data platform will aggregate information from distributed sensors, enhancing environmental monitoring. Designed for 24-hour deployment, the device will include self-contained power, miniaturized sensors, and onboard data logging. Research will focus on efficient delivery and retrieval mechanisms, sensor miniaturization, membrane packaging, and low-cost disposable production.
This integrated system will advance wastewater epidemiology through continuous, high-resolution environmental and biomarker monitoring.
This studentship is one of several that will be based within CWBE.
Join our recently funded Centre of Excellence in Water-Based Early-Warning Systems for Health Protection. Become part of an exciting journey developing future early warning systems for environmental and public health protection.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement by the application deadline.
Enquiries and Applications:
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Prof Peter Wilson (prw30@bath.ac.uk)
Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering prior to the closing date of this advert. Please enter your proposed start date on this form (12 Jan 2026, 23 March 2026, or 06 July 2026).
IMPORTANT:
When completing the application form:
1. In the Funding your studies section, select ‘University of Bath URSA’ as the studentship for which you are applying.
2. In the Your PhD project section, quote the project title of this project and the name of the lead supervisor in the appropriate boxes.
Failure to complete these two 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.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement
Funding Notes
Candidates may be considered for a University of Bath studentship tenable for 3.5 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (£20,780 p/a in 2025/6) and access to a training support budget.
