PRW Wilson

This PhD project at the University of Bath focuses on the automated sensing and identification of chemical and pathogen markers in wastewater, a critical area for advancing water-based epidemiology and public health protection. The research aims to develop a combined sampling and sensing system capable of near real-time, broad monitoring of pathogens and chemicals at wastewater treatment plants and near-source locations such as hospitals, prisons, universities, and care homes. Key research questions include the creation of a digital fingerprint of water quality, understanding the relationships between multiple markers and environmental parameters, and improving the security and efficiency of near-source sample collection using existing wastewater infrastructure. The system will integrate environmental sensors (measuring flow rate, temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity) with membrane sensors in a multi-stage filter stack to capture a wide range of chemical and pathogen markers. These membranes, made from tailored polymer materials, will detect biomarkers such as pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and disease indicators. The project will also develop a cloud-based data platform to aggregate information from distributed sensors, enabling high-resolution, continuous environmental monitoring. The hardware will be designed for 24-hour deployment, featuring self-contained power, miniaturized sensors, and onboard data logging, with a focus on low-maintenance and secure operation. Research will address challenges in sensor miniaturization, membrane packaging, and the production of low-cost disposable components. The studentship is part of the Centre of Excellence in Water-Based Early-Warning Systems for Health Protection (CWBE), offering the opportunity to contribute to the development of future early warning systems for environmental and public health. Funding is available through a University of Bath studentship, covering tuition fees, a stipend, and a training support budget for 3.5 years. Applicants should have a strong academic background in a relevant field, with a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent), and meet English language requirements if applicable. The application process requires submission through the University of Bath’s online portal, with specific instructions for selecting the studentship and referencing the project and supervisor. The university values diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.

This PhD project at the University of Bath focuses on the development of advanced near-source sensing systems for chemical and pathogen markers in wastewater, contributing to water-based epidemiology and public health protection. The research aims to address key challenges in real-time tracking of pathogens and chemicals at wastewater treatment plants and near-source locations such as hospitals, universities, prisons, and care homes. The project will explore secure and safe sample collection using existing wastewater infrastructure and investigate the detection capabilities of membrane sensors and separators within a single sampling system. Current water sampling methods are sporadic and influenced by factors like flow rate, temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and pH, which are difficult to measure concurrently. The innovative approach of this project combines multiple environmental sensors (temperature, EC, DO, pH) with pathogen detection, flow rate, and turbidity to create a unique fingerprint of water quality, providing geo-tagged and temporal data relevant to public health. The objective is to design and deploy a combined water sampling and sensing system in various locations, including outlets, pipes, and water courses. The hardware will be integrated with existing wastewater infrastructure, featuring hygienic and secure interfaces and a debris-filtering outlet to ensure sensor reliability. Membrane sensors will utilize biomarker capture materials such as polymers, enabling in-situ extraction of chemical markers (illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals, disease biomarkers) and pathogen identification. The system will be validated in real-world environments, with regular local samples analyzed in the lab. This studentship is part of the Centre of Excellence in Water-Based Early-Warning Systems for Health Protection (CWBE) at the University of Bath. The project offers the opportunity to join a dynamic research environment dedicated to developing future early warning systems for environmental and public health protection. Funding: Candidates may be considered for a University of Bath studentship tenable for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees, a stipend (£20,780 per annum in 2025/6), and access to a training support budget. Eligibility: Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification is advantageous. Non-UK applicants must meet the English language requirement by the application deadline. Application Process: Submit a formal application via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering. In the 'Funding your studies' section, select 'University of Bath URSA' as the studentship. In the 'Your PhD project' section, quote the project title and lead supervisor's name. For informal enquiries, contact Prof Pedro Estrela at [email protected]. The University of Bath values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from under-represented groups. If you have circumstances affecting your educational attainment, you are encouraged to mention them in your application.