Application Deadline: 28 April 2026
Details
This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the Red-ALERT CDT, hosted by Cardiff University for entry in September 2026.
Overview of the Research:
Project Idea:
The main causes of pollution in UK rivers and anticipated failure to meet the Water Framework Directive’s ecological good status are mainly due to agricultural and rural runoff, the discharge of untreated and partially treated sewage, as well as urban diffuse pollution. Understanding the source apportionment, for example the proportion of agricultural and rural runoff versus sewage/wastewater discharges is critical if we are to efficiently clean our rivers and reduce freshwater pollution. Natural engineering of rural land-use such as soil-based approaches (e.g. tillage and sheep and cattle grazing) have great potential to improve water quality yet evidence is still lacking. Soil-based studies to date have mostly focused on the effectiveness in mitigating flood risk. This is probably due to the expense of water quality monitoring compared to hydrometric monitoring as well as the complexity of understanding the hydrological drivers of pollutant mobilisation and soil storage and whether the instream pollutant load is source-limited or transport-limited. Soil-based approaches to pollution mitigation could be a game changer but their effectiveness needs to be evaluated.
The PhD will:
i) Quantify how changes in land-use impacts soil storage capacity, pollutant loads and pollutant load apportionment using an existing high-spatial resolution sensor network developed for the Usk catchment in Wales,
ii) Explore the transferability and scaling of these findings to a more urban catchment- the Taff catchment (South Wales),
iii) Incorporate the physical dynamics into hydrological and hydraulic models, enabling more evidence-based inclusion of Nature based solutions to mitigate pollution in farming, water and flood policy. The project combines Engineering and Ecological sciences and brings in collaboration with two freshwater management partners: NRW and the Wye and Usk Foundation (WUF). It builds on a range of existing assets and evolving monitoring techniques and cross-sector engagement including fixed and mobile monitoring sensors (e.g. pressure transducers, flow gauging, infiltration, velocity, water quality sensors), and landowner/NGO/regulator involvement.
Training provided:
· Experimental design;
· data handling/visualisation/statistics;
· report and publication writing;
· conference presentations
Interdisciplinarity:
The project combines Engineering and Ecological sciences and brings in collaboration with two freshwater management partners: NRW and the Wye and Usk Foundation. It builds on a range of existing assets and cross-sector engagement including: fixed and mobile monitoring sensors and landowner/NGO/regulator involvement. Skills developed include critical thinking, complex problem solving abilities and strong oral and written communication.
Project Keywords: Hydraulics, Hydrology, Water Quality, Pollutant Transport
Industrial Partner: Wye and Usk Foundation (WUF)
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject e.g. e.g. Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering Environmental Sciences, Biomedical engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
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.
Enquiries and Applications:
Formal applications should be submitted via the Red-ALERT CDT online application form prior to the closing date of this advert.
Funding Notes
Candidates may be considered for a NERC Red-ALERT studentship tenable for 3.5 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (£21,805 p/a in 2026/7) and access to a training support budget.
