Insights into Microplastics transportation in the aquatic environment

About the Project

Microplastics in the aquatic environment have received significant attention due to their negative environmental impacts on both marine fauna and humans. Studies estimate that 2.7 million tonnes of microplastics are released into the environment, and this figure is expected to double by 2040. Microplastics vary in size from a few microns to millimetres and are made of a wide range of materials (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon), making it very difficult to understand their transportation behaviour in aquatic environments.

Despite the alarming environmental problem, the transport and fate of microplastics in aquatic environments are poorly understood. This project aims to deliver unique insights into the transport of microplastics in aquatic environments using advanced laser diagnostic tools. In particular, 3D measurements will be implemented for a better understanding of the spatial evolution of microplastics in the complex environmental flows encountered in aquatic environments. Experiments will be carried out in the state-of-the-art flumes at the University of Manchester Hydrodynamics lab (https://www.scieng.manchester.ac.uk/tomorrowlabs/manchester-hydrodynamic-lab/). This project will directly contribute to tackling the major global environmental issue.

Applicants must have:

• A strong foundation in fluid mechanics
• Knowledge of experimental techniques is preferred but not mandatory
• Basic programming skills in any language (e.g., MATLAB, Python)

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

Excellent candidates will be nominated for competence-based faculty funding. The funding covers tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend based on the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26). We expect the stipend to increase each year. The duration of the PhD is 4 years.

Self-funded students are welcome to apply.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.