Background

Plastics in fluvial environments have become an emerging threat to habitats. The expected long-life and potential adsorption of contaminants during transport has led to a growing concern of the international community. Plastics, of all sizes, can be trapped by the water flow and be transported into the ocean or other slow-moving water bodies. Plastic particles can be toxic, as contaminants are adhered and transported together. The life cycle of plastics is complex and involve several chemical and mechanical processes, so they evolve in shape with time (from macro, to micro and finally nano).

Problem statement and research objectives

Plastics are debris of nearly buoyant densities which are transported as particles that move in close agreement with the water flow. However, not necessarily following the same dynamics of a water particle. Little is known about the fluid mechanics of such systems and only very recently some first, exploratory studies have been conducted to disclose plastic-water dynamics. This research will involve expand on current works of my research group, including experimental research on plastic-water flows, remote sensing, and numerical modelling.

The candidate will work on the frontiers of knowledge on transport of particles. The following research objectives are proposed a priori :

- Explore experimental options for the detection and measurement of plastic particle dynamics (at different scales, from macro to micro).

- Explore numerical methods for the modelling of fluvial plastic transport

- Develop models to predict the behavior of the studied plastics

Some representative publications on this topic from our research group are available here:

Numerical plastic transport modelling in fluvial systems: Review and formulation of boundary conditions

Effects of aspect ratio on the incipient motion of plastics in open-channel flows

On the boundary conditions for Lagrangian plastic transport models

Surface detachment and bed entrainment of fluvial plastics

Your profile

You have a BSc or BEng Honours degree or equivalent (GPA >= 85%) in Civil or Environmental Engineering, with a research interest in fluid mechanics. You are motivated and enthusiastic about working on the interface between fundamental and applied research. You have the ability to work independently and as a member of a research team, while demonstrating a collaborative attitude. You are able to review and engage with interdisciplinary studies and are driven by curiosity. You have excellent analytical skills and communication skills, written as well as spoken. English language proficiency is important.

For more information, send your CV and transcripts to [email protected]