PhD Studentship Integrated Constructed Wetlands to Treat Domestic Wastewater

*Institute for Infrastructure and Environment in collaboration with Monaghan County Council (Ireland) and the Integrated Constructed Wetland Initiative*

A full PhD scholarship is available for a very good candidate (UK, EU or Overseas) with a background in civil and environmental engineering, environmental science, applied microbiology, ecology or equivalent, interested in carrying out experimental research of physical, biological and chemical processes occurring in wetlands treating domestic wastewater, and undertaking subsequently corresponding statistical data analysis and computer modelling studies. Work experience in academia, relevant industries and/or local authorities would be beneficial.

*Research Project Outline*
Integrated constructed wetlands (ICW) have been designed successfully to treat farmyard runoff following best management practice. They are popular because of their low capital and operational costs, high treatment efficiency, optimal integration into the landscape, and ecosystem and biodiversity enhancement benefits, and excellent compliance with socio-economic and sustainable needs. However, the application of ICW as the main treatment unit for large-scale domestic wastewater treatment plants is novel, and concerns need to be addressed that these ICW do not pollute groundwater and receiving watercourses.

Treatment wetland systems are currently designed based on past empirical observations. There is a clear need for a decision support tool for the design and operation of ICW treating domestic wastewater incorporating standard engineering and microbiological variables. This can be achieved by incorporating microbiological parameter into novel engineering decision support methodologies.