In the UK, constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment are a major source of greenhouse gases. Reducing these emissions (particularly of nitrous oxide and methane) requires a detailed understanding of how different parts of the system (e.g. inputs, plants, and substrates) interact to drive fluxes, and how different components respond to climate change. This fully-funded three year PhD project is sponsored by EPSRC and UK water utilities (£18,000 tax free stipend per year), and will enable you to deliver new research on how constructed wetlands can be used as nature based solutions that can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment.
Constructed wetlands are critical for wastewater treatment but are a significant contributor to UK greenhouse gas emissions, including nitrous oxide and methane. As part of national net-zero targets, UK water utility companies are committed to mitigating emissions by 2030. However, designing resilient systems and mitigating emissions from current designs, requires a detailed understanding of how different components drive emissions, and how each component will respond to climate change.
In this exciting, fully-funded PhD sponsored by EPSRC and UK water utilities, you will work on developing nature based solutions (constructed wetlands) for wastewater treatment and net carbon sequestration supported by a multi-disciplinary supervisory team. You will conduct a series of laboratory studies and undertake fieldwork to assess constructed wetland ecosystem functions, with a focus on quantifying net greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide). You will then manipulate key components, including plant communities, substrates, and amendments, assessing the potential of each to mitigate emissions individually and in combination, and predict how they may respond to a changing climate. Specific objectives include:
- Establishing a baseline carbon footprint of current UK constructed wetland designs.
- Creating an understanding of the processes underpinning GHG generation, transport, and emissions from constructed wetlands.
- Expanding existing models to include GHG generation and carbon sequestration pathways, under steady state and dynamic conditions.
- Developing and testing possible adaptations to current constructed wetland designs for low carbon, high resilience wastewater treatment.
You will receive training in state-of-the-art greenhouse gas, sediment and water analysis techniques, data analysis, and a range transferable skills. There will be opportunities to present findings at international conferences, and to undertake a relevant placement with a project partner. As well as delivering important outputs for UK water utilities, this PhD project will help prepare you for a career in research or industry.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a minimum first or second class UK degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, such as biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, engineering, or water science.
How to apply
For general enquiries about this position including help applying, terms and conditions, etc, please contact [Email Address Removed], quoting reference number SWEE0150.