Developing Novel and Efficient Sorbents for Removing of PFAS from soils

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of highly persistent chemicals that are linked to a number of human diseases, however existing approaches for removal of PFAS are highly inefficient. This project aims to develop and evaluate novel, reusable polymer sorbents for effective PFAS removal. The polymer sorbents will enable efficient, selective and continuous sorption of PFAS, while maintaining excellent environmental stability for long-term implementation in practical devices. The project will develop novel polymer sorbents to revolutionize the remediation of PFAS with high technical, economic and environmental feasibility, creating a pathway to a PFASfree world, and ultimately protecting the natural environment.

The project is to be conducted as a collaboration between the AIBN and QAEHS within UQ, creating an outstanding intellectual and infrastructural environment to support the project. To support the proposed research, AIBN has, within world-class laboratories, a range of advanced synthesis and characterisation facilities for preparing new sorbents and determining the properties. QAEHS is a leading institution in the field of ultra-trace analysis of organic pollutants in Australia. QAEHS is crucial to this project as it provides trace analytical laboratories (ISO 5 and 6 equivalence) and has state-of-the-art capabilities in PFAS analysis. QAEHS maintains an analytical facility using extensive mass spectrometry infrastructure, including SCIEX LC-MS triple quadrupoles (e.g. 7500, 6500+ QTrap). Standard US EPA methods for the analysis of a wide range of PFAS in water have been established. This proposal strongly aligns with a number of identified research strengths at UQ (5/5, well above world standard in the 2018 ERA assessment exercise), including Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry and Environmental Science and Management. UQ has made major investments in these fields to enable cutting-edge research and technological innovations.

This is an Earmarked scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $35,000 per annum tax free (2024 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Earmarked scholarship.

You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.

Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of polymer chemistry and environmental engineering would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of chemistry and environmental science and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of chemistry, water and soil science is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 1, 2025. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 September, 2024 30 June, 2024.

You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. Contact Dr Pradeep Dewapriya (p.dewapriya@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• My higher degree is not collaborative
• I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
• UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.

Apply now