About the Project
This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the NERC Centre for Doctoral Training in Freshwater Biosciences and Sustainability (GW4 FRESH CDT) which is offering 12 studentships for entry in September/October 2019.
In the recent years, the presence of organic micropollutants in river waters, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), their trans¬formation products and many pesticides, has been confirmed up to several tens of micrograms per litre. Although it is believed that presence of pharmaceuticals is not directly harmful for humans, there is strong evidence that these concentrations are harmful for aquatic life.
The project will develop a river model that couples hydrological and water quality modelling at high spatial and temporal resolution. Experimental work will be done to calibrate and validate the model. It will then be used to perform a time and location dependant risk assessment of different functions of the surface water and its riparian areas. This will enable new risk evaluation methodologies for specific functions along the river. The model will also enable scenario studies to predict the effects of abatement options, like additional treatment steps for removal of pharmaceuticals at STWs.
The student experience will comprise a combination of cutting edge modelling of hydrological and (bio)chemical processes in rivers. The project will include fieldwork for advanced sampling required to validate the models. Furthermore, the student will be working in close collaboration with Wessex Water and the Environment Agency.
The studentship has the following objectives:
1. To deliver a time-dependent hydrological and water quality model for a small-scale river
2. To calibrate and validate the model for key PPCPs and pesticides
3. Develop a risk assessment methodology
What you should know about this project:
The PhD project aims at creating a better understanding of the dynamics of concentrations, fate and transport of organic micropollutants and their effects on biology and ecosystems in small rivers. Small rivers are highly dynamic systems in which water flows and emission loads can change orders of magnitude in a very short time. The effect of these dynamics on the aquatic life and biology are unknown. Current water quality models are based on simple dilution and first order decay models to describe environmental processes in a steady state approximation. Therefore, existing models are inadequate for small rivers. Building on the accurate emissions and source apportionment data, we will – for the first time – develop a water quality model for small rivers to describe pollutant concentrations and loads in a high spatial and temporal resolution. The model will be used to quantify environmental risks, the effects for aquatic life in ecosystems, and help decision makers in prioritising abatement options.
The supervisory team are academic and industrial experts in water quality and hydrology:
Jan Hofman (University of Bath), water science and engineering, lead-supervisor
Nicholas Howden (University of Bristol), hydrologic modelling, co-supervisor
Ruth Barden (Wessex Water), environmental management, industrial supervisor
Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern (University of Bath), environmental chemistry and analytics, co-supervisor
The wider collaborators (local co-supervisor) include: Thomas Kjeldsen (University of Bath), hydrologic modelling, Jannis Wenk (University of Bath), water science and engineering. The project will also seek collaboration with the Environment Agency.
Applications:
Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an area appropriate to the skills requirements of the project.
In order to apply, you should apply direct to the CDT using online application form. See http://www.gw4fresh.co.uk/how-to-apply/doctoral-students/.
You do NOT need to apply to the University of Bath at this stage – only those applicants who are successful in obtaining an offer of funding from the CDT will be required to submit an application to study at Bath.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT 09:00 ON 17 DECEMBER 2018.
Funding Notes
Studentships cover Home tuition fees, training support grant and stipend (£14,777 p/a, 2018/19 rate) for a period of up to 3.5 years and are open to UK/EU applicants who have been resident in the UK since September 2016.
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