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Type of project: BSc/MSc Thesis/internship
Anticipated start: from March or April, 2025 (could be discussed)
Duration: >5 months (could be discussed)
Location: Wetsus, European center of excellence for sustainable water technology, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands & NieuWater bv, Emmen, the Netherlands
Allowance: The maximum Wetsus allowance for this internship is 425 € per month. Grant holding students (i.e. Erasmus or others) receiving financial support of less than 425 € per month can apply for a top-up supplement to the maximum allowance.
Project description:
Micropollutants (MPs), including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, are widely detected in surface waters globally in concentrations ranging from pg/L to µg/L [1]. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is a primary sink for MPs, which pass through the effluent into surface water due to inadequate removal by conventional systems. Recognizing the environmental risks of MPs, the European Union has updated the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, enforcing stricter MP removal from WWTPs. This highlights the need for sustainable, efficient quaternary treatment technologies.
Biological activated carbon (BAC) filter is a promising technology to remove MPs from WWTP effluent. The MP removal results from a synergy between sorption and biodegradation on the BAC surface (Fig.1). MPs can be temporarily retained through sorption by both activated carbon and biofilms, prolonging their availability for biodegradation. As biodegradation progresses, it frees up sorption sites, thereby regenerating the BAC´s capacity, and extending BAC filters longevity.
This project aims to investigate the temporal dynamics of key MPs in the WWTP effluent and effluent of a full-scale BAC filter plant. The study will focus on how weather conditions (wet vs. dry periods) and daily operational cycles (morning/evening peaks) impact MP occurrence and peak loads. Furthermore, based on these peak loads, we can deduce that the transformation products can be generated in these effluents. The collected data will contribute to understanding MP behavior during BAC treatment and support the development of more robust MP removal strategies.
Candidate Tasks:
• Develop and execute a structured sampling plan (regularly cycle sampling, event-based sampling during raining weather, etc.).
• Collect influent and effluent samples at the full-scale NieuWater bv BODAC® pure water plant.
• Perform sample preparation and laboratory LC–MS analysis for target MPs.
• Maintain accurate sampling logs, weather records, and operational notes.
• Process and analyse data to identify temporal trends and MP peak events.
• Communicate sampling results to the research team and contribute to internal reports
Offers & Benefits:
• Collaborative interaction within a dynamic, multidisciplinary and multinationals research team between Wetsus and Wageningen University & Research (WUR).
• You would be part of a dynamic team with industrial partners where you have the chance to expand your network and improve your skills.
• Hands-on experience with full-scale advanced wastewater treatment monitoring and sampling.
• Training in advanced analytical techniques
• Opportunity to contribute to research aligned with EU regulations on micropollutant removal.
• Flexible working hours adapted to sampling needs.
Your Profile:
• Background in Environmental/Chemical/Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or equivalent.
• Preferably hold a driver’s license valid for driving in the Netherlands (EU)
• Fluent in English and good English writing skills.
• Established hands-on laboratory and instrument analytical experience would be a plus.
• EU citizen, or non-EU citizen already enrolled in a Dutch university and living in the Netherlands.
How to apply:
• Please upload your cv (max 2 pages, A4), motivation letter (max. 1 page, A4) and a list of the attended courses and the equivalent ECTS via the application form provided (in English).
• Feel free to contact Chenxiao Xu (chenxiao.xu@wetsus.nl) if you have further questions or need more information.
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