PhD Studentship: Tackling Algae and Algae-derived Challenges in Drinking Water

Start date: 29/09/2025   

Studentship funding

Sponsored by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe) and the UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR), this PhD studentship will provide a bursary of £24,000 (tax free) and cover registration fees for four years. 

Type of opportunity 

Fully-funded studentship - Opportunities which are fully funded (e.g. covers all fees and stipend) 

Eligibility & Related Project Details 

Type of studentship: CDT 

Fee status of eligible applicants: UK and International

Duration of Award: 4 years

1^st Supervisor: Dr Irene Carra   

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Tao Lyu and Professor Bruce Jefferson

Introductory Paragraph

This exciting fully funded PhD, with an enhanced stipend of £24,000 pa, is sponsored by the UK Water Research Industry (UKWIR) and EPSRC. The research will look at treatment solutions to address the challenge that algae and algae-derived micropollutants pose to drinking water production. This is an experimental project that will investigate the use of new ozone systems using microbubbles and nanobubbles to mitigate algae and associated water quality risks. The successful candidate will work closely with UKWIR to deliver the outputs of the project, will have the opportunity to undertake an international placement and access to a bespoke training programme.  

Main Copy (advised structure)

Occurrences of freshwater harmful algal blooms are increasing globally due to increased nutrient input in water bodies and changing climate patterns. In the UK and worldwide, the presence of algal blooms has even been detected on water sources that have historically not suffered from this challenge. Reservoirs are particularly vulnerable and are linked to the detection of cyanotoxins and associated taste and odour issues. Furthermore, little information is known about the contribution of algal organic matter to the formation of disinfection by-products.

Ozone is a well-established process in drinking water treatment, which has been widely used to mitigate algae and taste and odour risks. However, the contribution of conventional ozone systems to the electrical energy consumption of drinking water production can reach up to 24%. To overcome this challenge, new, cost-effective technology such as microbubble and nanobubble ozone systems have been developed in recent years and are now available. The aim of the project is to investigate the benefits of using ozone systems using microbubble and nanobubble to mitigate algae-derived risks in drinking water and the impact of treatment on water quality.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or international equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit in a relevant subject such as chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental science or other relevant engineering/science degree. The ideal candidate should have some understanding of water science. The candidate should be self-motivated, have good communication skills for regular interaction with other stakeholders, with an interest in applied scientific research.

Funding

This studentship is open to both UK and international applicants. However, we are only permitted to offer a limited number of studentships to applicants from outside the UK. Funded studentships will only be awarded to exceptional candidates due to the competitive nature of the funding.

How to apply

For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Irene Carra
Email: irene.carra@cranfield.ac.uk

Academic profile link: https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/people/dr-irene-carra-1045215        

Keywords: algae, climate change, water treatment, ozone, water chemistry, water science, micropollutants

Application Deadline: 26/03/2025

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