PhD position in Transport modelling of microplastics in road runoff

Project description
Almost 10 % of the annual production of plastics ends up in our oceans. As a result, microplastics (MP) have been detected in organisms at all levels of the marine food chain. It is estimated that 70–80 % of marine MP originates from land-based sources, transported mainly via rivers. Studies on MP in freshwater are just starting to emerge, and observations of MP are alarming as we are dependent on freshwaters for drinking water and food production. An inventory of MP sources in the Swedish environment identified surface runoff from urban areas as a major pathway. The major contributors to MP in urban runoff are traffic-related. However, there are very few reports on MP in road runoff and in stormwater systems.

This project aims at closing the knowledge gap on the occurrence and characteristics of MP in road runoff, and on the fate of MP in stormwater systems and transport to receiving waters using experimental and modelling approaches. You will sample MP in road runoff, dust and sediments to determine which particle types (e.g. polymer, size, shape) are most abundant in road environments, and the most important sources to these particles. In-depth analysis of surface characteristics of MP gives an understanding of fouling and its effect on density and settling behaviour.

By comparing MP in road dust, runoff water and sediments, conclusions are drawn on which road-related MP, in terms of size, density, polymer type, etc., are immobilized/transported. Experimental data is used to simulate the fate and transport of MP in the stormwater system. ANSYS Fluent (builds on computational fluid dynamics) is used for detailed mathematical modelling of individual parts of the stormwater system, e.g. drains and wash-off on roads, to provide information concerning residence times and transport of MP through the stormwater system. In the Eulerian-Lagrange model, the fluid phase is treated as a continuum, while each particle is tracked individually. The motion of the particles is described by calculating the trajectory of each particle as a function of the forces acting on it. The derived mathematical models, describing the processes that govern MP transport, are coupled to the CFD model. Additional computer software packages may be used, such as MIKE Urban (for modelling the urban drainage system) and MIKE 3 FM (MP fate and transport in receiving waters).

You will work at the division of Water Environment Technology (WET) at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology. WET brings together scientists with expertise in water engineering, hydraulics, environment, and sustainability. Research is performed in a number of research fields, including stormwater, drinking water and wastewater engineering. Ýou will also work in close cooperation with the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI).

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student you are expected to work independently; have the ability to plan and organise your work; to be able to work in close collaboration with other group members and partners; and to be able to communicate scientific results, both orally and in written form in English. Knowledge of Swedish is advantageous due to close collaboration with Swedish stakeholders.

You are expected to participate in teaching Bachelor and Master level courses in the field of civil and environmental engineering. Bachelor courses are taught in Swedish, and applicants that do not have Swedish as a native language should be able to teach in Swedish within two years of employment. Chalmers offers courses in Swedish language.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=8503

Application deadline: 14 May, 2020

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***