Prof K Lindsey, Dr J Topping
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
The aim of this EDRF PhD project is to develop a novel, sustainable eco-friendly gel formulation that can be applied to underground waste water pipes to protect them against damage from invading plant roots. Root growth into waste water pipes causes severe damage and blockages, and significant expense for water companies. This project is jointly funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Intelligent Gels Ltd, a company that is using innovative gel chemistry to develop polymers with broad industrial applications.
Previous research carried out in the Department. of Biosciences, in collaboration with Northumbrian Water Ltd (NWL), has demonstrated that a novel gel matrix containing plant-growth inhibitory chemicals can be used as an effective deterrent of plant root growth. The gel matrix prevents plant root growth, but has no effect on plant health.
The PhD student will work with plant biologists in the Biosciences Department, polymer chemists in the Durham University COAST research labs in Durham University’s Chemistry Department, and chemical engineers from Intelligent Gels Ltd, to develop and test novel root inhibitory gel formulations and characterise the biological responses of plant roots. Potential bioactive formulations will be further evaluated in larger scale trials in partnership with NWL.
The specific aims of this PhD project are to develop a robust gel formulation that:
• provides a molecular network to encapsulate the inhibitory compounds, while allowing them to remain bioactive and deter plant root growth while preventing their leaching into the environment;
• is able to be applied easily to regions of damaged pipes using available equipment;
• is robust enough to remain adhered the internal wall of waste water (sewage) pipes.
•could be adapted to provide a preventative coating for new pipes.
Training will be provided in plant genetics, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology and advanced bio imaging techniques.
Funding Notes
The domestic tuition fees are supported by the business partner but please note international students will be required to pay the balance of their
fees. A PhD student stipend is paid that equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend, currently £14,777.
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