Hydrogen generation from wastewater, solid waste, treatment

Over recent decades, rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and economic growth have heavily relied on fossil fuels, significantly contributing to global warming. Despite its potential, biofuel technology still faces critical challenges, including the need for enhanced productivity, more efficient biomass conversion, diversification of feedstocks, improved fuel performance, and greater reductions in carbon emissions. The production of third generation biofuels using microbes grown in waste presents an exciting opportunity to increase the global biofuel outlook.

This PhD project aims to develop a novel microalgae biofilm bioreactor designed for integrated wastewater treatment and the conversion of waste biomass into biohydrogen, adopting a biorefinery approach. Microalgae, categorised as third-generation biofuels, are fast-growing microorganisms that offer several advantages: they do not compete with arable land, can thrive in both freshwater and seawater, and exhibit higher productivity compared to terrestrial plants. However, the production of biofuels from microalgae is hindered by high operational costs, substantial nutrient demands, significant water usage, and energy-intensive downstream processing. Our research group has implemented pilot scale microalgal bioreactors in developing countries and informed Northumbrian Water Ltd, our local wastewater treatment operators, on their own microalgal growth from wastewater.

Integrating microalgal biomass cultivation with municipal wastewater or organic waste treatment can mitigate these economic and environmental challenges by reducing cultivation costs while producing bioenergetic biomass. It is expected that this technology will expand in the forthcoming decade. Traditional wastewater treatment systems are often expensive, energy-intensive, and inadequate for addressing the full spectrum of wastewater contaminants. Conversely, microalgae offer a sustainable alternative for wastewater bioremediation, effectively removing nitrogen, phosphates, and a range of harmful substances, including heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues. The researcher embarking on this project will investigate the capability of microalgal strains for the dual production of hydrogen and remediation of wastes.

Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.