Fate, transport, and impact of microplastics in the environment

These projects are open to students worldwide, but have no funding attached. Therefore, the successful applicant will be expected to fund tuition fees at the relevant level (home or international) and any applicable additional research costs. Please consider this before applying.

Recent research indicates that microplastics are now ubiquitous in the environment: they have been found in lakes, rivers, and even groundwater. Not only may they themselves pose a health risk if consumed, there are also concerns that microplastics can act as vectors and promote the spread of other harmful substances in the environment that may otherwise be immobile. Despite the growing body of research on microplastics in the natural environment, relatively little is known about the processes that control their fate and transport in the subsurface (e.g., soil, groundwater aquifers). Furthermore, many studies model microplastic contaminants as smooth (plastic) spherical particles – yet microplastics in the shape of fragments and fibres have been identified in field sites.

The aim of the broader research programme is to improve our understanding of the fate, transport, and impact of microplastics in surface waters (e.g., estuaries) and in the subsurface (e.g., soil). Depending on the candidate’s expertise and interests, the PhD project may focus on the impact of the size, shape, density, surface roughness, mechanical properties, and/or concentration of microplastics on, e.g.,

·       gravity currents;

·       capillary-hydraulic properties of partially water-saturated soils;

·       hydromechanical compaction of beach sand;

·       contaminant transport in groundwater aquifers; and

·       performance of temporary plugging agents used to seal fractures in petroleum reservoirs (e.g., Zhao et al 2025).

Depending on the topic, the candidate may use techniques such as scanning electron microscopy to characterize surface roughness of microplastics and/or soil grains (e.g., Ibekwe et al 2019), X-ray micro-computed tomography and microfluidics for the visualization of fluids at the micron-scale (e.g., Tanino et al 2020), and column experiments for the measurement of capillary pressure-saturation curves and permeabilities. Gravity currents will be generated in the Aberdeen Tilting Lock Exchange Facility housed in the Aberdeen Fluid Mechanics Laboratory.

The successful candidate will be based in the Fluid Mechanics Research Group in the School of Engineering at University of Aberdeen. Members of the Group use different combinations of laboratory experiments, field measurements, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis to study physical processes associated with a wide range of applications, including offshore wind energy, sediment transport, and petroleum engineering. A co-supervisor will be chosen from University of Aberdeen staff based on the topic.

Previous laboratory experience and knowledge of fluid mechanics are essential.  Depending on the topic, experience in granular mechanics, image post-processing, MATLAB, or programming will be an advantage.

Informal enquiries are encouraged. Please contact Dr Y Tanino (ytanino@abdn.ac.uk) or further information.

Essential Background:

Decisions will be based on academic merit. The successful applicant should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours Degree at 2.1 (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering or physical science discipline.

Application Procedure:

Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php

You should apply for Engineering (PhD) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team for processing.

Please clearly note the name of the lead supervisor and project title on the application form. If you do not include these details, it may not be considered for the studentship.

Your application must include: A personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.

Please note: you DO NOT need to provide a research proposal with this application.

If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk