Synthesis of chemical sensors for detection of persistent organic pollutants

The University of Bath Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change is inviting applications for the following PhD project which is part of a joint PhD programme between the University of Bath and Monash University in Australia. 

This project is one of a number that are in competition for up to two funded studentships. 

 Home institution: Monash University

Supervisor(s) at Bath: Prof Simon Lewis

Supervisor(s) at Monash: Assoc Prof Kellie Tuck, Dr Vincent Cadarso Busto

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) pose significant risks to both human health and the environment, yetcurrent detection methods are time consuming, expensive, and often require extensive sample preparation.

This barrier hampers our ability to effectively monitor and manage these potentially hazardous substances, particularly in the context of Australia’s unique and diverse ecosystems. This project will explore a range of fluorescent and luminescent chemical sensors that will allow accurate detection of the POPs within a complex mixture by exploring a new methodological approach to the detection of analytes based on the use of arrays of non-selective or partially selective fluorescent/ luminescent lanthanide complex-based chemosensors to establish “fingerprints” for different analytes. These differential sensor arrays will be employed in combination with Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to provide a powerful approach to assaying multiple analytes within complex mixtures (Figure 1). The POPs that will be investigated include polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), (phyto)estrogens, alkylphenols, phthalate derivatives etc. Within the project a range of chemosensors will be synthesised and tested for their response to POPs. Once suitable methodology is established for multi-analyte mixtures, application to a ‘lab-on-a-chip’ device will be pursued, along with testing it on real-life environmental samples.

These sensors have the potential to contribute to sustainable and circular technologies. Integration of this technology into routine environmental monitoring programs will provided valuable insights to guide and expedite remediation, decontamination, and detoxification efforts. Additionally, development of such a sensor- array has the capacity to identify environmental hazards, to track the effectiveness of pollution control measures, and to assist with the reuse of water for irrigation or in industrial processes.

To apply:

We invite applications from Science and Engineering graduates who have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class degree and have a strong interest in Sustainable & Circular Technologies. 

You may express an interest in up to three projects in order of preference. 

Please submit your application to the Home institution of your preferred project. You should note, however, that you are applying for a joint PhD programme and applications will be processed as such.

If this is your preferred project, please fill out the Monash Expression of Interest form.

Studentship eligibility

Funding for Monash-based projects, such as the one advertised here, is available to candidates of any nationality. 

Please see the Monash website for a full list of projects where Monash is the Home institution.