PhD Studentship - Self-Funded
Taking ‘forever’ out of ‘forever chemicals’ using biosolid biochar: A ‘circular economy’ approach for more sustainable wastewater treatment
Supervisors:
Dr Szabolcs Pap
Dr Lydia Niemi
Prof. Alistair Kean
Tamsyn Kennedy
About the Project
Host Institution: Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands
Location: Thurso, UK
Funding: Self-funded studentship with support for fees and RTSG
Deadline for application: 15.01.2026.
Start Date: Mid 2026.
Project Overview
The revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (rUWWTD) introduces ambitious targets for micropollutant removal, creating an urgent need for innovative, cost-effective treatment solutions. This PhD project will explore the conversion of biosolids into biochar as a sustainable alternative to conventional granular activated carbon (GAC) for advanced wastewater treatment.
The research will focus on:
Developing and characterising biosolid-derived biochar for adsorption of priority contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, flame retardants, and other “forever chemicals.”
Evaluating performance against rUWWTD targets (80% reduction for 12 micropollutants) and phosphorus removal.
Comparing operational costs (OPEX) with conventional GAC systems and assessing regeneration and disposal strategies.
Investigating scalability and integration into existing treatment infrastructure.
Why This Matters
Scotland alone generates ~130,000 tonnes of biosolids annually, costing £6 million for management. Repurposing this waste into biochar offers a circular economy solution that addresses both biosolid disposal and micropollutant removal, supporting net-zero ambitions.
Candidate Profile
We seek a highly motivated candidate with:
Applicants must have obtained a First class UK honours degree, or a combination of a 2.1 bachelor's honours degree and a master's degree awarded with Merit (or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK), in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline.
Strong interest in water treatment, resource recovery, and sustainable technologies.
Experience in laboratory analysis and adsorption processes (desirable).
What We Offer
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and pilot-scale testing platforms.
Collaboration with industry partners and opportunities for knowledge exchange.
Training in advanced analytical techniques and innovation pathways.
How to Apply
Submit the following documents to szabolcs.pap@uhi.ac.uk.
Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
CV
Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at UHI, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed.
Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
English Language certificate (if applicable)
