麻豆社

Nuclear energy has underpinned the UKs transition to becoming a net zero energy sector by 2050. However, challenging solid and liquid waste streams are produced as part of the energy generation process. Much of this legacy waste resides at the Sellafield site in the North West of England in containment fuel storage ponds. These ponds face sludge management challenges, with algal blooms affecting visibility and operations. Sellafield Ltd's ongoing trials using nanobubbles for algal control, which involves preventing eutrophication by oxidizing inorganic nutrients and algal cell lysis through hydroxyl free radical release, have shown promise in improving pond conditions for Remotely Operated Vehicles and divers.

Sellafield Ltd's ongoing trials using nanobubbles for algal control, which involves preventing eutrophication by oxidizing inorganic nutrients and algal cell lysis through hydroxyl free radical release, have shown promise in improving pond conditions for remotely operated vehicles and divers. This research aims to investigate the role of nanobubbles in breaking down the inorganic-organic matrix within sludge, potentially improving the settling rates and the consolidation of complex and difficult to handle sludge. Applicants should note that they will not be exposed to radioactive waste during the research – we will utilise well established surrogates for simulating these waste streams. 

This will potentially result in faster dewatering of the sludge from these ponds, reducing operational costs and risks as well as reduce the number of waste packages required for both temporary storage and in a geological disposal facility. Additionally, this investigation will be examining the transition of sludge beds from anaerobic to aerobic conditions through nanobubble aeration, focusing on how this shift can breakdown extracellular polymeric substances, biofilms and mitigate methane production, a key safety concern. furthermore, understanding the biological degradation products is key for getting buy in from both regulators and the geological disposal facility stakeholders.

This research is an exciting collaboration between Cranfield and Sellafield Ltd.  Sellafield is the UKs designated nuclear waste management site for civil power generation and experimental fuels and is a significant national industrial challenge. With a focus on cleaning-up the country’s highest nuclear risks and hazards to safeguarding nuclear fuel, materials and waste, their work is nationally important. During the PhD, you will have the opportunity to visit this extensive facility. The successful applicant will also make use of the analytical and pilot plant facilities available at 麻豆社 to translate the results from the laboratory to full-scale.

Being part of a CDT provides students with an immediate network of peers and experts, extensive technical and personal development training, and dissemination opportunities from which the successful applicant can build a platform of excellence. 

At the end of the project the successful applicant will be very well positioned to have a highly successful career in the water and waste management sectors 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.