Master’s thesis proposal, Spring 2021: Microplastic removal in stormwater by membrane filtration
Background
Population growth and related economic activities stress water resources across Europe (EU) and the globe, with water demand forecast to increase by more than 50% by 2050, while freshwater availability decreases due to pollution and climate change.
The European Project REWAISE “Resilient Water Innovation for Smart Economy” will create a new “smart water ecosystem”, mobilising all relevant stakeholders to make society embrace the true value of water, reducing freshwater and energy use, resulting in a carbon-free, sustainable hydrological cycle, to transition into a resilient circular economy.
By incorporating paradigm shifts from a linear Roman heritage to a new circular, water-smart economy, REWAISE reveals the full Value of Water for Europe, considering 3 key components of the economic and societal value generated by integral water cycles:
- Value in Water
- Value from Water
- Value through Water
Objective
One of the objectives within the framework of the REWAISE is to treat rain- and stormwater runoff through membrane filtration to produce water for different non-potable uses.
This thesis project is framed as part of the main REWAISE project and aims to design and construct the laboratory-scale membrane treatment setup and test different types of UF membrane with regards to removal efficiency of micropollutants with focus on microplastics.
The student(s) working with this thesis project are expected to collect stormwater runoff from different urban surfaces, analyze runoff quality and treat it through the laboratory-scale setup using membranes and configurations. The laboratory work is performed at the chemical engineering department at Lund University.
Who should apply?
Students with a background in Environmental Engineering or Civil Engineering with knowledge in environmental sciences, water management and water treatment processes are encouraged to apply.
Interested to perform this Master´s thesis?
Send an e-mail with a few words about yourself, your educational background, and why you are interested in this Master´s thesis project to one of the supervisors of the project:
Mina Takil, PhD student, (mina.takil@chemeng.lth.se)
Frank Lipnizki, Professor, (frank.lipnizki@chemeng.lth.se)
Salar Haghighatafshar, Researcher, (salar.haghighatafshar@chemeng.lth.se)