PhD Studentship - Self-Funded
Supervisors: Dr Szabolcs Pap, Dr Lydia Niemi, Prof. Alistair Kean, Tamsyn Kennedy
About the Project
Host Institution: Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands
Location: Thurso, UK
Funding: Self-funded studentship with support for fees and RTSG
Deadline for application: 15 January 2026. Start date: mid-2026.
Project Overview
The revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (rUWWTD) introduces ambitious targets for micropollutant removal, creating an urgent need for innovative, cost-effective treatment solutions. This PhD project will explore the conversion of biosolids into biochar as a sustainable alternative to conventional granular activated carbon (GAC) for advanced wastewater treatment.
- Developing and characterising biosolid-derived biochar for adsorption of priority contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, flame retardants, and other “forever chemicals.”
- Evaluating performance against rUWWTD targets (80% reduction for 12 micropollutants) and phosphorus removal.
- Comparing operational costs (OPEX) with conventional GAC systems and assessing regeneration and disposal strategies.
- Investigating scalability and integration into existing treatment infrastructure.
Scotland alone generates ~130,000 tonnes of biosolids annually, costing £6 million for management. Repurposing this waste into biochar offers a circular economy solution that addresses both biosolid disposal and micropollutant removal, supporting net-zero ambitions.
Requirements
- Applicants must have obtained a First class UK honours degree, or a combination of a 2.1 bachelor's honours degree and a master's degree awarded with Merit (or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK), in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline.
- Strong interest in water treatment, resource recovery, and sustainable technologies.
- Experience in laboratory analysis and adsorption processes (desirable).
Benefits
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and pilot-scale testing platforms.
- Collaboration with industry partners and opportunities for knowledge exchange.
- Training in advanced analytical techniques and innovation pathways.