"Research Officer - Nano and Microplastic Removal"

Job Number

SU00478

Contract Type

Fixed Term

Salary

£38,205 to £44,263 per annum

Faculty/Directorate

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Location

Singleton Campus, Swansea

Closing Date

25 Aug 2024

Informal Enquiries

 Iain Roberton

 i.robertson@swansea.ac.uk

 Peter Holliman

 p.j.holliman@swansea.ac.uk

About The University

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

About The Role

This project will combine theoretical, analytical, and experimental approaches to investigate if biochar modified with iron oxide from steel manufacturing waste offers a viable and sustainable solution to removing Nano and Microplastics (NMPs) from water.

• In the laboratory, the use of biochar to remove NMPs will be investigated using batch and column experiments (a common method to study retention in saturated / porous media) and employing environmental conditions to mimic those present in UK river waters
• Biochar will be modified using steel industry waste, specifically iron oxide from Tata Steel Port Talbot Works, via 2 processes (Co-precipitation and Ball milling). These laboratory processes cause the biochar to become more positively charged with increased electrostatic attraction of NMPs, and, increase the surface roughness of the biochar to improve the trapping of the NMPs.
• Will capture and characterise NMPs from local water sources (the river Ogmore and downstream from the Ogmore wastewater treatment plant in South Wales) to study their removal by modified biochar and using natural water as a medium. The shape, size and chemical composition of plastics together with the degree of environmental degradation will be investigated to ensure accurate representation and to ensure the modified biochar is effective in their remediation.
• Will investigate the use of low energy and efficient processes to produce biochar, with the long-term aim of regeneration. Specifically, we will use near infra-red, ultraviolet and microwave irradiation. Here, these heating techniques will be used to bring the biochar to temperature for regeneration in a shorter timeframe using less energy than traditional pyrolysis methods that are energy intensive and costly. A separate task will test the re-use and recycling of the produced (and modified) biochars using electromagnetic regeneration, density separation and thermal regeneration techniques.

Additional Information

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.