This project seeks to optimise an environmental water quality detection device and integrate internet of things connectivity to a novel prototype, low-cost, optical sensor that Enviro-365 have developed in conjunction with the Centre for Photonics Expertise (CPE).
Water quality in rivers, lakes and seawater has a deep and significant impact on wildlife and ecosystems worldwide. Remote and early sensing of toxic elements plays a vital role in minimising impact on the environment and improving wildlife safekeeping. Furthermore, a major commercial driving factor is the considerable economic and societal cost of poor water quality in drainage systems and water courses. A 2019 Senedd Research report on the impact of oil spills has identified that over 3 million tonnes of oil is estimated to be released into the environment annually, with accidental runoff from land-based sources responsible for around 38 per cent of oil in the oceans, (1). Even ‘small scale’ local events can involve fines and clean-up costs of many millions of pounds (2).
Despite these pressures, ongoing water monitoring and pollution detection often relies on error prone manual human visual inspection or high cost fixed infrastructure sensing systems.
Enviro-365 and CPE have identified that an opportunity exists to develop a new to market system that utilizes low-cost photonic and internet of things technologies in a cutting-edge, instant alert, water quality monitoring environmental application. This has led to the development of a prototype product (at Technology Readiness Level 3) currently undergoing evaluation.
The proposed Master’s project will extend the initial collaborative investigations by quantifying the detection of key water pollutants, in order to identify the optimum sensor specification. In addition, the project will seek to develop a rapid alert system utilising an ‘Internet of things’ approach. This aims to enhance speed of response and thus minimise potential pollution impact.
To achieve this, we need to develop the optimum method of data capture and reporting. In addition, we need to develop the existing software code to fully utilise the built in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules of the sensor to generate a LoRaWAN gateway, providing both long term data transfer and storage on a web-based system thereby facilitating targeted alarm warnings when excess pollution levels are detected.
The prospective applicant should have a minimum of a 1st or good 2:1 in a relevant degree, and be available to take up the studentship by 3rd October 2022. The project is part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the European Union’s Convergence programme administered by the Welsh Government. KESS 2 Masters scholarships are collaborative awards with external partners. (Applicants need to only apply, they do not need to search for partners.)
To apply, please submit the following to the Postgraduate Admissions Office by 30th September 2022
1) A completed Research Programme Application, an up-to-date CV and two references. Applications should be made via the online Postgraduate Admissions Portal at https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/apply/#apply-online. Here applicants can provide us with their personal details, select their chosen course and upload documents in support of their application. If you cannot find the specific project, or have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office ([Email Address Removed]) for further advice.
2) A completed KESS 2 Participant proposal form (put the reference number AUM70010 in the top right-hand box of the application form) and an up-to-date CV. KESS II application forms are available to download at the link below.
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/rbi/business/services/initiatives/kess/currentscholarshipvacanciesandap plicationforms/
Please email a completed KESS II Participant proposal form to [Email Address Removed] and [Email Address Removed]
A supporting statement of up to 1,000 words where you expand on your experience and interests and describe why you are a good candidate for this research studentship. Please refer to the Project Description. This can be uploaded via the Postgraduate Admissions Portal at the point of application or submitted via email to [Email Address Removed]
Value of Award: A stipend of £11,937. Each scholarship has an additional budget for travel, equipment/consumables and training to support your research. KESS II Masters Scholarship holders do not pay fees.
Length: Full-time for 1 year. (Theses must be submitted 3 months after the funded year study period.)
Training: The achievement of a Postgraduate Skills Development Award (PSDA) is compulsory for each KESS II scholar (The PSDA is based on a 60 credit award, which is an additional award to the Masters).
Eligibility: Due to ESF funding, eligibility restrictions apply to this scholarship. To be eligible, the successful candidate will need to be an EU national and resident in West Wales on University registration, and must also have the right to work (settled status) in the region on qualification. The Convergence Area means the following counties of Wales:
- Isle of Anglesey
- Gwynedd
- Conwy
- Denbighshire
- Ceredigion
- Carmarthenshire
- Pembrokeshire
- Swansea
- Neath Port Talbot
- Bridgend
- Rhondda Cynon Taff
- Caerphilly
- Torfaen
Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Fred Labrosse at [Email Address Removed]
Quote Reference AU CODE: AUM70010
Closing date for applications: 30th September 2022
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