Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/R009724/1
Quantifying the influence of waste water treatment on the release of microplastics to the environment
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor RC Thompson, University of Plymouth, Sch of Biological and Marine Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Plymouth, Sch of Biological and Marine Sciences
- Science Area:
- Freshwater
- Marine
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Freshwater
- ENRIs:
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Pollution and Waste
- Science Topics:
- Assess/Remediate Contamination
- Contamination Risk Assessment
- Pollution
- Pollutant pathways
- Pollutant transport
- Water pollution
- Waste Minimisation
- Plastic Waste
- Contaminated Waste Waters
- Water Quality
- Abstract:
- This studentship has been developed over the last 12 months to address challenges outlined by the EA and Water Authorities. It provides a unique, timely collaboration focused on cutting edge research to address a global challenge. At the same time it will deliver multidisciplinary postgraduate training through mutually beneficial collaborations between academic researchers and end-users at UKWIR, Water Authorities, wastewater treatment (WWT) facilities as well as the EA and DEFRA. Microplastic (MP) debris contaminates aquatic habitats worldwide and can be ingested by a range of organisms, including commercially important species; raising concerns about impacts on marine life and seafood. An additional concern is that proximity to faecal bacteria within WWT suggests MPs could be a substrate for dissemination of pathogens. Minimising microplastic contamination is a requirement under MSFD; hence there is a need to reduce emissions. MPs accumulate via several pathways, and it is widely believed that large quantities are transported via waste water, including microbeads from cosmetics, textiles fibres and particles from tyres. Previous evaluations of emissions are limited, and reached contrasting conclusions; low emission in Russia but the opposite in N. America. In the UK 5% of the larger items of litter collected in beach cleans are sewage related; hence it is likely that substantial quantities of MPs escape WWT. A further concern is that even if MPs are captured in sewage sludge during WWT, this is often disposed of to the land; hence MPs will still be released to the environment. In the UK there is some data on retention in WWT, but little on the pathways, i.e. microplastics arriving at, or leaving WWT, there is no data on the influence of treatment scenarios. There are no standard methods for assessment. Aims and proposed PhD Chapters: 1) Develop and validate standard methods for MP quantification in WWT 2) Quantify types and quantities of MPs arriving at WWT 3) Quantify types and quantities of MPs leaving WWT, via water and sludge 4) Examine the bacteria associated with MPs released to the environment The project will be based in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, which has more than 20 active NERC projects. In REF2014 UoA 7, 85% of our submissions were classified as world leading or internationally excellent, and in the top 10 for research power. Our impact case study on the discovery of microplastics was graded 4*. UoP PhD training aims to develop world-class researchers, addressing strategic UK skills gaps and embracing NERCs Most Wanted Skills and the Vitae Researcher Development Framework for development of transferable skills. Full training will be provided in Health and Safety. The student will also benefit from Cohort training via the EnvEast NERC DTP. Research will be based in the International Marine Litter Research Unit which has an outstanding reputation for work on MPs. Its research has directly contributed to legislation in the UK and internationally. Externally, CASE partner UKWIR will supervise student placement and access to WWT facilities; provide industrial training, and ensure wide applicability of the work. Project Partners the EA and Defra will provide technical input to ensure policy relevance and opportunities for the student to gain understanding of regulatory approaches. The student will be invited to attend Chemistry Task Team meetings offering an insight into regulatory approaches. The Environment Agency will provide data on WWT discharges and rivers, and assist in dissemination and communication. The studentship presents a superb opportunity for scientific excellence and multi-disciplinary training across academia, policy and industry; and is likely to generate an exceptionally high calibre doctoral graduate. The collaboration has considerable potential for impact and broad reach with defined end users and clear societal and economic benefits.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/R009724/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Industrial CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £89,114
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| £17,480 | £11,000 | £60,637 |
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