Development of a Novel Osmotic Membrane Bioreactor for Energy-Neutral Wastewater Treatment

The United Nations estimates that the world produces around 1,500 cubic kilometers of wastewater annually, of which more than 80% is untreated. On average, treating 1 m3 of sewage consumes ~0.5-0.6 kWh of energy, ranking the fourth most energy intensive sector in the UK. With the increasing concern over declining quality of natural water bodies, greenhouse gas emission and the escalating price of fossil fuels, the conventional paradigm of sewage treatment needs a step-change. There is a rapidly expanding global water market in creating and delivering low energy and environmentally sustainable sewage treatment technologies which are required not only for enhanced treatment efficiency but also resource exploitation.

Compared to energy-intensive aerobic counterparts, anaerobic sewage treatment processes are more attractive due to their low energy consumption and sludge production and their production of bioenergy. However, it is crucial to pre-concentrate dilute sewage before anaerobic digestion in order to achieve improved treatment efficiency and energy recovery.

In this project, we propose to develop a novel osmotic membrane bioreactor for energy-neutral anaerobic wastewater treatment. The novelty of the technology is that we get nature to work for us by using forward osmosis (FO) membrane filtration, an emerging water treatment technology. The whole system is highly attractive in terms of treating wastewater to meet the further stringent water quality standards, reduced footprint and reduced energy costs. More importantly, it has the potential to make sewage treatment a net energy producer.

Water & Environment Research Group at the University of Glasgow provides a unique opportunity to be part of international leading research at the interface of biological and environmental engineering. The student will also receive training and skills in bioreactor design/operation, advanced characterization techniques and analytical methods for environmental analysis.

Applicants should have a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering or related discipline. The successful candidate will be highly self-motivated, be goal oriented and have good writing and communication skills. An enthusiasm for innovation and speculative thinking is particularly encouraged. A master degree in a relevant subject would be advantageous but is not essential.