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Nature-based solutions (NbS) have gained increasing attention in recent years, with the UK at the forefront of deploying NbS to address various environmental challenges. Water Utilities have implemented NbS including treatment wetlands (TWs) and sustainable drainage systems (SuDs) at water recycling centres and within individual surface water catchment areas, respectively. These systems offer significant benefits, such as nutrient removal, flood attenuation, and biodiversity enhancement. However, there remains a gap in the assessment of emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and PFAS pollutants.

In addition to statutory Environmental Quality Standards (EQS), the Environment Agency has published the Prioritisation and Early Warning System (PEWS) to highlight the risks posed by priority chemicals in surface water. There remains a critical need to evaluate the efficacy of NbS in mitigating these statutory micropollutants. Following the monitoring, it is also essential to develop enhanced NbS strategies that target micropollutant removal and remain compatible with other ecological and environmental benefits. 

The aims of this project are therefore to 1) benchmark the long-term performance of NbS (e.g. treatment wetlands and SuDs) through site surveys, 2) explore sustainable intensification strategies, including advanced media and engineering biology approaches, to enhance treatment performance, and 3) to conduct cost-benefits analyses and ecosystem assessments to support the application of intensified NbS strategies.

The project is an exciting collaboration between Cranfield University, the Water Research Centre (WRc), four UK water utilities, and the Environment Agency. The successful applicant will make use of the pilot-scale nature-based solution test facilities at Cranfield’s National Research Facilities and the field-scale systems operated by the sponsors. By focusing on the evaluation and enhancement of NbS for micropollutant remediation, the project will contribute to building more adaptive and resilient water infrastructure systems, ensuring the long-term viability and security of water resources for future generations.

Additionally, as part of the CDT WIRe, students will benefit from an enhanced stipend of £25,726  per annum, undertake an international placement, and complete a bespoke training programme within a cohort of up to 15 students.  

Students will benefit from being part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe), a world leading collaboration between three UK universities (Cranfield, Sheffield, and Newcastle Universities). The WIRe programme includes a bespoke training programme in technical and personal skills development and provides opportunities for overseas travel and access to world leading experimental facilities (PhDs under this scheme are for a duration of four years full time).

At the end of the project the successful applicant will be very well positioned to have a highly successful career in the water sector or in an academic role. We will help you develop into a dynamic, confident and highly competent researcher with wider transferable skills (communication, project management and leadership) with an international network of colleagues.