PhD Studentship: Indoor Plant Effects on Aerosol Behaviour and Exposure in Residential Environments

This fully funded 4-year PhD studentship at the University of Bristol, offered through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Aerosol Science, investigates the active role of indoor plants in modifying aerosol behaviour and reducing human exposure to particulate pollution in residential environments. Indoor air pollution is a significant health concern, with everyday activities such as cooking, smoking, and cleaning generating fine and ultrafine particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system. While ventilation and filtration have been widely studied, the potential for houseplants to influence aerosol dynamics and improve air quality remains underexplored. The project aims to move beyond the decorative value of houseplants by scientifically examining their measurable effects on indoor aerosol concentrations, deposition processes, and microclimatic conditions. Research will integrate aerosol science, environmental engineering, plant biology, low-cost sensing, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling. The work will involve controlled laboratory experiments, real-world household monitoring, and advanced simulations to develop a comprehensive understanding of how different plant species, configurations, and room layouts can reduce exposure to airborne particulate matter. Collaborations with GCARE at the University of Surrey, the University of Birmingham, RHS Wisley, and community partners such as Zero Carbon Guildford provide access to environmental chambers, high-quality instrumentation, horticultural expertise, and lived-in homes for field studies. Laboratory studies will quantify plant-specific mechanisms including deposition, impaction, diffusion, and humidity-driven effects, while household measurements will use reference instruments and sensor networks to capture particle dynamics during daily activities. Outcomes from this research will inform practical, low-cost, nature-based interventions for households and community groups to improve indoor air quality and wellbeing. The project is supported by a multidisciplinary team of supervisors and offers opportunities for industrial and public sector placements, advanced training in aerosol science, and collaboration with a cohort of 80 postgraduate students and academics from 8 UK universities. Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least an upper second-class undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as chemistry, physics, biological sciences, life and medical sciences, mathematics, computer science, chemical or mechanical engineering, pharmaceutical or environmental sciences. The CDT values diversity and inclusion, and applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds. For further details and to apply, visit the Aerosol CDT website or contact the team via email. Applications are accepted year-round, with the studentship covering tuition fees, research and training support, and a stipend at the standard UKRI rate for eligible candidates.