Securing resilient public water supply from groundwater resources at transient risk from uncertain DNAPL chlorinated solvent contamination

This NERC-funded PhD CASE studentship (2012-15) awarded to the University of Birmingham (UoB, Water Sciences – Hydrogeology; Dr Rivett) in collaboration with the University of Sheffield (UoS, Catchment Science Centre; Prof Lerner) is supported by case partners Severn Trent Water Ltd and the Environment Agency. The research addresses a case partner priority concern to secure resilient public water supply from groundwater resources at transient risk from DNAPL (dense non-aqueous phase liquid) chlorinated solvent contamination. The PhD aims: (i) to develop supply well centred probabilistic risk-based management modelling tools that manage transient water-quality risks posed by DNAPL (and other) contaminants; (ii) to better understand the uncertainty of time-variant interactions between supply wells and surrounding DNAPL sources and their effective incorporation to modelling tools; and, (iii) to undertake concentration-time series sampling of pumping wells and use these and archive datasets to validate developed modelling tool transient capabilities. The research will utilise and further develop UoS’s BOS (Borehole Optimisation System) risk-based (numerical model) management tool. Data archive analysis and field tests will be facilitated by Severn Trent Water and the Environment Agency with whom the student will spend time allowing them to gain valuable industrial practitioner experience and training. Student training on BOS will be facilitated by UoS and the student will have opportunity to collaborate with Prof Brusseau of the University of Arizona to develop temporal DNAPL source terms for BOS. We are looking for a dynamic numerate postgraduate/undergraduate student with a background from Hydrogeology, Environmental/Civil Engineering or Earth/ Environmental/ Natural Sciences. The student will have opportunity to attend MSc Hydrogeology modules (including numerical modelling) and other postgraduate training and be part of UoB’s Water Sciences Group. Further details via [Email Address Removed] or http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/gees/courses/postgraduate/phd.aspx. The application deadline is: 31 October 2012.