Overview
We are looking for a motivated candidate to lead a research project on pollution transport around coastal vegetation. The research project comprises an experimental study where pollution transport around vegetation is modelled in a large-scale experimental facility. A collection of measurement devices will be used for this study. The study aims to correlate water quality and quantity effects, identifying the contributions from different hydrodynamic conditions on mixing characteristics. This project will enhance the current understanding of pollution transport mechanisms, enabling effective wastewater treatment practices, disaster management strategies, and environmental conservation plans.
Pollutants enter the nearshore region from both seaward and shoreward boundaries. The nearshore zone has a high amenity value, and the demand for water quality is high due to environmental and recreational factors. Pollution mixing in the nearshore region is being affected by several physical processes: turbulence from breaking wave activity, oscillatory flow over the bed, and shear dispersion due to currents.
Coastal vegetation, such as seagrass, grows abundantly in the nearshore regions due to the availability of light. Coastal vegetation provides numerous ecosystem services and shields the coastlines, reinforcing the hard (engineered) coastal defences to reduce coastal erosion and other associated effects of extreme waves and rising sea levels. Submerged coastal vegetation such as seagrass modifies the nearshore hydrodynamics by dissipating wave energy and creating a velocity shear due to vegetation-induced drag. The presence of coastal vegetation in the nearshore region further affects the mixing processes by introducing several other physical processes, such as stem wake turbulence and shear dispersion. Previously, efforts have been made to quantify the diffusivity around submerged vegetation in the presence of open channel flows (Odara & Pearson, 2023). The applicability of the solute mixing models to accurately predict the mixing of buoyant microplastics around open channel flows with submerged vegetation has also been studied (Stride et al., 2023).
The aim of the project is to conduct a detailed experimental investigation to evaluate how different physical processes affect the mixing in the nearshore region in the presence of submerged coastal vegetation, with a special focus on the effect of wave obliquity on transverse mixing. Based on the dominant physical processes, the applicability of existing numerical models to accurately quantify mixing in the nearshore region around coastal vegetation will be further explored.
The Queen’s Marine Lab consists of a wave basin that can be used for accurately modelling shoreline hydrodynamics, and there is a collection of equipment facilitating numerous measurements. There is a possibility for a successful applicant to be given an opportunity to redefine and reform the project based on their skills, creativity, and independent scientific thinking. A strong sense of research ethics and integrity is generally expected from all PhD researchers. The PhD researcher will have access to numerous opportunities for continuous professional development, and guidance and supervision will be provided to reach their potential.
REFERENCES
1. Odara, MGN & Pearson, J 2023, ‘Longitudinal mixing in flows with submerged rigid aquatic canopies’, Water, vol. 15, no. 17, 3021. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15173021
2. Stride, B, Abolfathi, S, Odara, MGN, Bending, GD & Pearson, J 2023, ‘Modeling microplastic and solute transport in vegetated flows’, Water Resources Research, vol. 59, no. 5, e2023WR034653. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023WR034653
ESSENTIAL BACKGROUND OF CANDIDATES
We are seeking candidates who have obtained (or are in the final stage of completion) a first-class or an upper second-class (2.1) honours degree or an equivalent Master’s level qualification in civil and environmental engineering (or a related subject). Interest in coastal engineering-related topics within the context of civil engineering is expected from a passionate candidate. Experience with experimental modelling is desired but not essential as training will be provided. Experience in (or willingness to learn) writing scripts for data analysis (e.g., MATLAB) is desired.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL – INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS
Please note that applicants are not required to upload a research proposal as part of the application. Instead, interested candidates should upload a copy of their CV and a cover letter outlining their motivation to undertake a PhD on this theme and describing any relevant experience in coastal/environmental engineering, experimental modelling and data analysis using MATLAB/Python scripts. Also, demonstrate your ability to conduct independent research.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
• To apply, visit https://go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply (link to the QUB Direct Application Portal)
• Apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in ‘Civil Engineering’ at Queen’s University Belfast, School of Natural and Built Environment.
• State name of lead supervisor on application form ‘Dr Nipuni Odara Merenchi Galappaththige’.
• State the intended SOURCE OF FUNDING on your application as ‘DfE PhD Studentship’.
• Include a copy of your CV and covering letter.
Funding Information
This funded studentship is open to UK and ROI candidates. The value of an award includes the cost of approved fees and maintenance support (stipend). The stipend rate for 2024/2025 is currently £19,237. This will be specified in the terms and conditions of the relevant funding body.
