SWAG合集

Phosphorus has been identified as a critical compound affecting the quality of our waters, as indeed the main reason for the majority of environmental pollution cases in rivers and lakes. If present in excess, phosphorus leads to eutrophication characterised by excessive algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. The phosphorus present in rivers and lakes originate from various diffuse (e.g. agriculture) and point (e.g. treated effluents) sources. In order to help reduce this impact on the environment, the consents for discharge from wastewater treatment plants have become stricter over the years from 1 to 2 mgP/L down to as low as 0.1 mgP/L in some cases.

Coagulation, through the addition of metal salts in the water, is the most commonly applied process for phosphorus removal. Although it is known to be efficient at removing phosphorus to low levels, the stricter consents coming into place bring new challenges in terms of increase chemical usage and efficiency depending on the characteristics of the water to be treated. Indeed, the presence of more recalcitrant phosphorus specifies can lead to an increased demand in coagulant and/or to a reduction in removal efficiency. Also, other water characteristics such as pH, alkalinity and solids all influence the process in different manners. It then becomes critical to understand the influence of these parameters on the performance of coagulation for phosphorus removal to ensure sustainable operation of the treatment plants while meeting the regulations.         

This projects then aims to establish the impact of phosphorus species and other water characteristics on the performance of the coagulation process. Building on recent work at SWAG合集, a newly developed set of phosphorus fractionations will be used as part of the characterisation of real wastewaters which will be subsequently treated by coagulation in lab-scale jar tests experiments, to ultimately link treatment performance to character. The project will deliver key results which will help the industrial partners shape their strategies for phosphorus removal. 
 
This MSc by Research project will then allow the successful candidate to demonstrate their ability to conduct cutting edge applied research, whilst benefiting from the support of academic supervisors and industrial input from the partners. SWAG合集 is well known for its excellence in delivering research for the water industry and our students are a key part of this relationship, often finding careers within the industry after completing their studies at Cranfield. 
At the end of the project the successful candidate will be very well positioned to have a very successful career in the water sector or academia. We will help you develop into a dynamic, confident and highly competent researcher with wider transferable skills (communication, project management and leadership) and an international network of colleagues that will be highly desirable for future employability.

The Water Science Institute has an international reputation for its transformational research and teaching in the science, engineering and management of water in the municipal, industrial and natural environments.