Starting date: Flexible, between November 2026 and March 2027
Duration: Preferably 6 months or longer (negotiable)
Introduction
Iron oxide adsorbents are promising materials for removing phosphorus from wastewater. However, understanding how phosphate moves and accumulates inside individual adsorbent granules remains an important challenge for improving their performance.
In this project, you will combine experimental data from scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) with mathematical modelling to investigate phosphate transport and adsorption within granular iron oxide materials. The project offers an opportunity to connect microscopic observations with adsorption behavior and gain experience in environmental process modelling.
Your tasks
- Analyse existing SEM-EDX data and phosphate adsorption experiments.
- Develop and apply a mathematical model to describe phosphate transport and adsorption within adsorbent granules.
- Compare model predictions with experimental observations.
- Interpret the results and contribute to scientific reporting.
Your profile
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s programme in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or a related field.
- Interest in mathematical modelling, mass transfer, or adsorption processes.
- Experience with Python, MATLAB, COMSOL, or similar modelling tools is an advantage.
- Ability to work independently and communicate effectively in English.
- Currently studying in the Netherlands or has citizenship from an EU country.
Feel free to contact Yuwei Huang (< email deleted for security reasons >) if you have further questions or need more information. Please upload your CV (max 2 pages, A4) and motivation letter (max. 1 page, A4) and a list of the relevant courses attended and the equivalent ECTS via the application form provided (in English) on the Wetsus Website.
