BSc/MSc internship/thesis PFAS-removal from water using a novel adsorbent

• Start: preferably as soon as possible, can be discussed
• Duration: 4 – 6 months
• Location: Wetsus, European centre of excellence for sustainable water technology, Leeuwarden, NL.

Project description

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have attracted significant interest due to their widespread occurrence in water bodies and their toxicity to humans. Adsorption and ion exchange are considered as effective treatment methods for meeting the stringent environmental and health standards related to PFAS. While various adsorbents and ion exchange resins demonstrate promising performance, there are several challenges that need to be addressed before large-scale implementation, including the use of organic solvents during regeneration, low adsorption selectivity towards other background organic contaminants, limiting the available adsorption sites.

Recently, the Zuilhof group of the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry of Wageningen University (WUR) developed an adsorbent with high and specific affinity for PFAS. The adsorbent showed a high affinity for PFOA and PFOS and can be regenerated more than ten times. We would like to further test the performance of this adsorbent by performing tests to study its performance (kinetics, real-life [PFAS] reduction in dependence of the technology used, scope of captured PFAS, regenerability) and compare these with other adsorbents such as activated carbon and ion exchange materials such as anion exchange resins.

This project is part of the thesis project of a PhD student of WUR and Wetsus, Jesse Goed.

Profile:

• Background in Environmental/Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent.
• Great interest in environmental issues.
• Inquisitive mind-set and team-oriented approach to results
• Fluent in English and good English writing skills.
• Established hands-on laboratory and instrument analytical experience would be a plus.
• Currently studying in the Netherlands or has citizenship from an EU country.

Benefits:

• Collaborative interaction within a dynamic, multidisciplinary and multinationals research team between Wetsus and Wageningen University.
• Contribute to solutions that are crucial to our society, namely to remove contaminants from water.
• The allowance for students is €425,-- per month.
• Students can apply for Erasmus grant at the university; (if the Erasmus grant is less than €425, the student can apply for a supplement).