About the Project
Microplastics pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. 
Bubbly flows—widely used in flotation and water treatment processes—offer a 
promising solution for their removal. However, the complex interactions between 
bubbles, particles, and contaminants present challenges in optimising these 
processes for real-world applications.

This PhD project, in collaboration with Prof. Kristian Waters (McGill University, 
Canada), will explore bubble-particle dynamics to enhance the efficiency of 
flotation-based separation methods. While froth flotation has been widely used in 
mineral processing, its potential for environmental applications—such as 
microplastic removal, battery recycling, and microalgae harvesting—remains 
underexplored. Through a combination of experimental visualisation, interfacial 
property measurements, CFD modelling and data-science, this research will pave the 
way for more sustainable and resource-efficient flotation technologies.

Key Research Areas
 - Bubble-Particle Interactions: Investigating how bubbles interact with 
microplastics and other particles in multi-phase systems.
 - Experimental Analysis: Using high-speed imaging, PIV (Particle Image 
Velocimetry), and PEPT (Positron Emission Particle Tracking) to capture and 
analyse bubble and particle trajectories.
 - Computational Modelling: Developing and refining 3D CFD simulations (using 
OpenFOAM or Basilisk) to model bubbly flows with particles, incorporating 
surfactant dynamics and non-Newtonian effects.
 - Sustainable Surfactants & Energy Efficiency: Evaluating the role of plant-based 
surfactants and polymers; and optimising flotation processes to minimise water, 
chemical, and energy usage.
 - Multi-Scale Approach: Bridging small-scale experimental and modelling insights 
with large-scale numerical models to guide the design of more effective flotation 
systems.

Why Join This Project?
 - Interdisciplinary & Collaborative Research: Work at the intersection of fluid 
dynamics, environmental engineering, and computational modelling.
International Collaboration: Conduct research in partnership with Prof. Kristian 
Waters at McGill University, Canada, with the opportunity for a research placement 
in his lab.
 - Cutting-Edge Techniques: Gain expertise in advanced experimental methods and 
computational fluid dynamics, using open-source tools like OpenFOAM and Basilisk.
Impact-Driven Research: Contribute to tackling global environmental challenges, 
from microplastic pollution to resource-efficient recycling and water 
purification.
 - Supportive Research Community: the School of Chemical Engineering runs the 
Centre for Doctoral Training in Formulation Engineering, and the project will 
build on the EPSRC PREMIERE programme grant, a leading programme in numerical 
modelling and data-driven methods with researchers from the University of 
Birmingham, University College London and Imperial College.


Applicant: Applicants should have a first-class degree or good 2:1 (or equivalent) 
in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computing, Mathematics, or 
related areas. We welcome applications from candidates with a strong background in 
engineering, physics, fluid mechanics, computational modeling, or related fields. 
Experience with CFD, experimental fluid mechanics, or interfacial science is 
beneficial but not essential. A passion for sustainability and problem-solving is 
key!

Due to funding restraints, the position is only open to UK rate students. To be 
eligible for a fully funded UK home studentship you must be a UK national resident 
in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for the last three years. Candidates 
with settled status (having lived in the UK for five years) and pre-settled status 
(having lived in the UK/EEA/Gibraltar/Switzerland for a minimum of three years) 
are eligible for funding. Candidates with indefinite leave to remain or enter are 
also eligible for funding. Self-funded students are also welcome to apply.


Deadline: The position will be filled as soon as a suitable person has been found; 
hence you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible (by email to 
t.abadie@bham.ac.uk or online 
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/subjects/chemical-engineering-
courses/chemical-engineering-phd).