Sustainable treatment of toxic tyre chemicals in water
Vehicle pollution is a growing environmental threat. Most research has focused on exhaust emissions. However, emissions form tyres have largely been overlooked and now pose the greatest pollution burden from vehicles. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address the impacts of tyre pollution to protect the environment.
Research Opportunities
Summary
Tyre pollution is an emerging threat to the aquatic environment. Tiny tyre particles are produced during driving, and are washed from road surfaces into surrounding water environments. It is estimated that 1 trillion tiny tyre particles are produced by a single car for every kilometre driven and there are a predicted 500 billion miles driven in the UK every year. Despite the staggering scale of tyre pollution, it has received relatively little attention to date. A major concern is the presence of small organic chemicals that are added during the manufacture of tyres to improve their performance (e.g., durability). These chemicals leach from tyre particles into water and biological fluids and are toxic to exposed organisms at low concentrations. For example, 6PPD-quinone a transformation product of an antioxidant additive, has an LC50 (median lethal concentration) of 0.095 µg/L to juvenile Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) 1.
This is higher than concentrations found in the environment. Our research has found tyre particles and several tyre additive chemicals in roadside retention ponds used to manage road runoff. Despite high retention of tyre particles, the discharged water from retention ponds contains tyre chemicals. These retention ponds are an essential opportunity to eliminate tyre chemicals and protect the wider environment. Therefore, the aim of this PhD project is to develop a sustainable nature-based treatment method for the elimination of tyre chemicals which can be easily applied to existing retention ponds as well as being incorporated into the design of new ponds. Biochar is proposed as an effective treatment substrate which has proven capacity for pollutant adsorption and biodegradation in water 2.
Objectives
- To optimise biochar production and characteristics for elimination of tyre chemicals during long-term use in ponds.
- To implement a local process for large scale biochar production using low value agricultural byproducts.
- To develop biochar treatment configuration(s) at pilot-scale and assess their efficacy for tyre chemical elimination.
Requirements
We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to undertake this exciting interdisciplinary project. A background in Chemistry and/or Engineering and/or Microbiology is required. You will have at least an upper second-class honours degree and/or an MSc degree in a relevant topic. Knowledge and experience of liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection is a significant advantage. This will be primarily a laboratory-driven project with a considerable amount of field work conducted in collaboration with our industrial partners therefore we expect a consistent in-person attendance during your studies. You will have clear personal goals directing your interest in research. Good team working skills, observational and communication skills (oral and written) are essential.
References
- [1] Tian Z., et al (2022) Environ Sci Technol Lett 9 (2), 140-146.
- [2] Moore J., et al (2023) Environ Sci Technol Lett 57 (43), 16372-16385.
Supervisors
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Research Themes
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div class="read-more-button">Health & WellbeingAbout our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
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Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,720 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,712 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £18,700 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,220 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,350 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
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