Pollution in freshwater is an important global grand challenge that is receiving attention from governments and research funding bodies. Part of this this type of pollution derives from industrial production and plastic pollution. Almost all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are affected by it. Pollutants in the environment transform by the action of UV-B from the sun, and it is not known how some of these pollutants transform. The proposed DoS participates in a UN panel in this matter. The underlying research questions in this work are: can the main Contaminants of Environmental Concern (CECs) be affected by UV-B? and to what extent can plasma technology be a solution for the degradation of CECs? The aim of the thesis will be understanding how UV-B and plasma technology can affect, and be used to eliminate, CECs and plastic particles in freshwater, industrial wastewater and drinking water. Plasma technology is a reagent-less technology that combines plasma generated by electric discharges, thus producing high-energy electrons, chemically reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and electromagnetic field (UV light). To enhance the efficiency of the plasma and reduce the energy consumption, this research plans to include processes to enhance the degradation of pollutants such as catalytic ozonation and photocatalysis. Catalytic ozonation could accelerate the decomposition of organic pollutants. However, its effectiveness is often limited by factors such as slow ozone decomposition, catalyst surface properties, and the need for catalyst activation.

This PhD is to start in April 2025. The applicant will need an MSc in Analytical Chemistry or related area preferably.

Please apply via the following link and state this project title as part of your application. How to apply for a research degree (PhD, Professional Doctorate, MPhil, MA/MSc by Research) - Kingston University London

Subject area/ buzzwords : emerging contaminant, water, analysis, analytical chemistry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry