[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Destruction of organic pollutants using novel electrochemical oxidation technology; Evaluating impact of metals on the removal efficiency.

The Nyex Rosolox (NR) is such a novel water treatment technology, which makes use of an adsorption and electrochemical regeneration process, to remove and completely oxidize organic contaminants from aqueous solutions. The process uses a low capacity, proprietary graphitic adsorbent material (Nyex) that can be electrochemically regenerated. Although, this technology might provide a simple, flexible and reliable solution to removing a wide range of pesticides, dyes and organometallic pollutants [1-4], with significantly lower operating costs than traditional alternatives it remains unclear whether this is possible under realistic effluent conditions. This since the effectiveness of removing target organic contaminants in complex effluents, such as (natural) peat waters, containing high amounts of iron-bound organics or other metals are still poorly understood. It remains unclear what happens to these metals after the treatment, if it ‘poisons’ the Nyex media, which can have a negative impact on the treatment process.

This project therefore seeks to evaluate the impact that the presence of iron or other metals has on the NR process removal efficiency of a wide range of organic pollutants in complex synthetic and natural water matrices. Using small scale setups, you will assess the efficiency of the process in destroying iron- (and other metal) bound organics, present in organic rich waters, including demonstrating that no toxic breakdown products are generated by the electrochemical oxidation. You will explore what happens to the metals after the treatment and what the long-term impacts of the presence of these metals are on the efficiency of the NR process for a range of organic pollutants (dyes, pesticides and antibiotics) in a variety of effluent conditions. Combined this will lead to a step-change in our fundamental understanding of the NR process efficiency, further positioning this technology as a promising solution for sustainable water treatment.

This project is open to candidates with backgrounds relevant to environmental science/engineering or chemistry and some experience of one the following would be advantageous: UV spectroscopy, gas or liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy, however full training will be provided. The successful applicant will join a vibrant group of researchers working across themes in environmental chemistry/water pollution. We will deliver extensive training in all analytical aspects, and the applicant will have access to the state-of-the-art Williamson Research Laboratories. More widely, the applicant will gain extensive training in project planning, communication, networking and outreach which will be augmented by their interaction with the Manchester Doctoral College.

This project is expected to start in September 2027.

Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.

How to apply

To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships. If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.

When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.

We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.

Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Environmental Science/Engineering or Chemistry OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Environmental Science/Engineering or Chemistry. Previous research experience in UV spectroscopy, gas or liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy is desirable, however full training will be provided.

This project will remain open until filled.

If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.

If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.

Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.

FSE_SoNS

Funding Notes

Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year), and a research training support grant of up to £2,500 per year for the full 3.5-year programme.

References

References: 1 Nabeerasool et al. 2015. Water 7, 3057-3071. https://doi.org/10.3390/w7063057; 2 Cullen et al. 2026. Water 18, 659. https://doi.org/10.3390/w18060659; 3 Venn et al. 2026. Water 18, 1468. https://doi.org/10.3390/w18121468; 4 Wang et al. 2026. Water Research 298, 125813. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2026.125813.