Towards a Cleaner Industrial Environment

About the Project

Industrial manufacturing has long been associated with environmental pollution, particularly in the form of airborne particulate matter generated during machining and processing activities. These particles, often invisible to the naked eye, pose significant challenges not only to the immediate workplace but also to the broader ecosystem. Among the most concerning are nanoparticles, ultra-fine particles that emerge especially when raw materials contain engineered nanomaterials, such as metallic or polymer-based composites. In recent years, nano plastics have also become a growing concern due to their persistence in the environment and potential to cause harm to human health and wildlife.

Despite decades of effort to reduce particulate emissions, through improved ventilation systems, extraction technologies, and evolving workplace exposure limits (WELs), the problem remains largely unsolved. Moreover, most current standards focus on quantitative metrics such as particle size, weight, and concentration, which may not adequately capture the unique risks posed by emerging nanomaterials. These materials behave differently from conventional particulates, and their long-term effects on health and the environment are still poorly understood.

Recent studies underscore the urgency of this issue. For example, research published in Environmental Science & Technology suggests that airborne nanomaterials can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, the World Health Organisation estimates that air pollution contributes to over 7 million premature deaths annually, with occupational exposure in industrial settings being a significant contributor. In the UK alone, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reported that 12,000 workers die each year from lung diseases linked to past exposure to harmful substances at work [1], highlighting the need for more robust monitoring and mitigation strategies.

This PhD project aims to address these challenges by conducting a comprehensive assessment of particulate emissions from various manufacturing processes, including CNC machining and other subtractive techniques. The research will focus on identifying the types and quantities of particles released, with particular attention to nanomaterials and nano plastics. It will also evaluate the health and environmental impacts of these emissions, drawing on both experimental data and existing health statistics. A life cycle assessment (LCA) will be conducted on selected manufacturing components and processes to understand the broader implications of particulate release across the product’s lifespan.

The project will also seek to fill critical gaps in current regulations and knowledge. By generating new data on the behaviour and impact of nanomaterials in industrial environments, the research will support the development of more effective exposure limits and safety guidelines. One of the key goals will be to propose strategic targets for reducing nanomaterial emissions, for example, aiming to cut airborne nanoparticle concentrations by a specific percentage over a defined period, based on empirical findings.

This is an ambitious and timely project that aligns with national and global efforts to promote cleaner, safer, and more sustainable industrial practices. The successful candidate will work within a dynamic research environment and collaborate with industrial partners to ensure that the findings are grounded in real-world applications. This will also provide valuable insights into the practical challenges faced by manufacturers and help shape solutions that are both scientifically sound and economically feasible.

Ultimately, this research has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the future of manufacturing, one that prioritises environmental stewardship, worker safety, and public health. It offers a unique opportunity for a motivated researcher to engage with cutting-edge issues at the intersection of engineering, environmental science, and policy.

Academic qualifications

First degree (minimum 2:1 classification) in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Textile, or Materials Engineering

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Good fundamental knowledge of Manufacturing Engineering
• Independence and Initiative
• Time Management and Organisation
• Communication Skills
• Integrity and Ethics

Desirable attributes:

• Teamwork
• Passion for the subject

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.
• The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.
• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact i.shyha@napier.ac.uk

PhD Start Date: October 2026

Application link: https://evision.napier.ac.uk/si/sits.urd/run/siw_sso.go?mP9MDnTs1Rwm8ftb3WVhDhXtraMQwXSUMdHC9wIc34es5bJqXf

Funding Notes

International applicants should note that visa application costs and the NHS health surcharge are additional costs to be taken into consideration, and successful applicants will need to cover these expenses themselves.

References

[1] Work-related ill health and occupational disease in Great Britain Report, Health and Safety Executive, Accessed on 26 Sep. 25