Postgraduate Opportunities
Newcastle University
Supervisor(s): Dr Jon Lee and Dr Gary Caldwell
Institute(s): School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials and School of Marine Science and Technology
Provider: EPSRC
Duration: 3 years
Project start date: 1st October 2008
The use of fresh water and marine algae to produce oil for conversion to transport fuel has attracted growing interest over the last thirty years. This interest has intensified over the last five years with the realisation that algal biofuels represent a low carbon and sustainable source of transport fuels that will not compete with food crops.
Besides finding the most appropriate species of algae for culture and understanding how to cultivate them on a large scale, one of the major bottlenecks in the process is harvesting the algae from the growth medium. A volume reduction of between 10 and 100 fold is required to yield a product that is suitable for oil extraction. Whilst this is achievable using current technology the cost of doing so is prohibitive. A cheaper way of separating the algae from the growth medium is to allow them to form floccs. Floccs are aggregations of individual algae that due to their large size settle quickly from the medium. This makes the separation of the algae from the medium straightforward and cheap. This process, called bio-flocculation remains poorly understood.
This joint project between the School of Marine Science and Technology and the School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials at Newcastle University aims to investigate the process of bio-flocculation in the context of algal culture for biofuel production. The investigation will be in two parts:
• An Investigation of the Mechanisms of Bio-flocculation
Experimental work will use a system where the collision rate between algal cells is well defined. Laser-Doppler anemometry will be used to determine how the size of the algal aggregates changes over time. This information will allow the effects of temperature, nutrient conditions and pH to be investigated and for proposed mechanisms of bio-flocculation to be tested.
• The Effect of Chemical Additives and Other Organisms on Bio-flocculation
In an attempt to speed up/control the process of bio-flocculation, the methods and understanding developed in the first part of the project will be used to screen chemical additives and other microorganisms for their ability to enhance flocculation rate.
Value of the Award and Eligibility
Due to funding criteria, this studentship is only available to UK and EU students. The studentship covers fees at the UK/EU rate and, subject to eligibility, an annual stipend of £12,940. There is also a small allowance for equipment.
Person Specification
You should hold, or expect to achieve, a minimum of an upper-second-class Honours degree in a relevant biological subject. A Master’s degree is desirable but not essential.
How to Apply
You should complete the University’s Postgraduate Application Form (www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply), selecting ‘PhD School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials (full time) – Chemical Engineering’ as your programme of study, and quoting the reference number CE009 and the title of the studentship. You should attach a copy of your CV and covering letter to the application form.
In addition, you should also send a copy of your CV and covering letter to Dr Jon Lee, j.g.m.lee@ncl.ac.uk, and Dr Gary Caldwell, gary.caldwell@ncl.ac.uk
Closing Date: 13 June 2008
Further Information
If you would like more details about this studentship, please contact Dr Jon Lee, j.g.m.lee@ncl.ac.uk, or Dr Gary Caldwell, gary.caldwell@ncl.ac.uk
Funding information
- Funding applies to:
- EU applicants (including UK)
