Pathogen Aerosolization and Detection in Building Wastewater System Fluid Dynamics – Heriot-Watt University

The development of high-rise buildings is now at an unprecedented rate, with their number and scale rapidly and dramatically changing the landscape of global cities. The creation of these complex vertical communities poses major operational challenges for the systems relied upon for occupant safety and the responsible management of wastewater resources. The growing need for vertical population distribution is pushing the limits of air and water management systems (AWMS) within tall building drainage systems (BDS) to the point where current design codes and system components are no longer suitable. The impact of this design-related strain is the increased risk of ingress of aerosolized pathogens into the interior of the building and an increased risk of disease spread. This mechanism was identified during the COVID-19 pandemic as a mode of virus transmission and a contributor to community prevalence of the disease.

In this project, we propose to investigate the interaction between tall building air and water management in BDS and the production and propagation of aerosolized pathogens within the system. The work will involve investigation of the fundamental fluid dynamic mechanisms associated with air and water flow in BDS of buildings with special emphasis on areas of turbulent flow where aerosolization can occur. We will investigate other phenomena such as the impact of detergents and water chemistry on the aerosolization process. The work will also focus on the potential impact of these processes on wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) and will include evaluation and development of our patented passive aerosol and droplet sampler (PAADS) device. The project will benefit from access to two custom-designed test sites: one at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, and the other, a 100 m tall test-tower located in Northampton. The research will also avail of our recently acquired aerodynamic particle sizer (APS 3321) funded by EPSRC.

You will join a team of dynamic and successful research group in Public Health and Environmental Engineering within the Institute of Sustainable Environment (ISBE). The group will foster a team spirit, which will afford significant support in addition to the multi-disciplinary supervisory team.

We welcome applicants with a background in Built Environment Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering. A knowledge of laboratory- based measurement of wastewater aerosolization processes would be advantageous.

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to all students, whether home, EU or overseas.

The successful candidate should have a strong interest in applied research and possess, at minimum, a 2:1-honours degree in engineering or physics. Formally, four years of university study including a relevant research dissertation are required. Masters level qualification is desirable.

How to Apply

To apply you must complete our online application form.

Please select PhD Construction as the programme and include the full project title, reference number and supervisor name on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.

Once have entered your personal details, click submit. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; provide a supporting statement (1-2 A4 pages) documenting your reasons for applying to this particular project, outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project. You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form. Please also include a digital copy of your most recent research dissertation.

You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than two years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.

Please contact Prof Michael Gormley (M.Gormley@hw.ac.uk) for further information or an informal discussion.

Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.

Timeline:

The closing date for applications is 30 April 2024 and applicants must be available to start by October 2024.