Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences

Micro- and nanoplastics in drinking water: tracking sources, fate, and removal

Project description

Plastic pollution is an emerging global challenge, with increasing evidence that very small plastic particles, particularly those smaller than 10 µm, can enter drinking water supplies and potentially be absorbed by the human body. Despite growing concern, there remains limited understanding of their occurrence, sources, and removal during water treatment and at the point of use.

This PhD project provides an exciting opportunity to investigate plastic contaminants (particles <10 µm) in drinking water systems across Australia and the globe. You will apply advanced analytical techniques to detect, quantify, and characterise micro- and nanoplastics in water samples. You will also explore key sources of these particles, including distribution systems and household materials.

A major component of the research will evaluate the effectiveness of water filtration systems in removing these contaminants. The outcomes will contribute to improving water quality management strategies, informing regulatory frameworks, and supporting evidence-based decision-making by water utilities and policy-makers.

This project is ideal for a motivated student interested in environmental pollution, human exposure, and cutting-edge analytical science, with opportunities to collaborate with leading national and international researchers.

Research environment

This project will be based at the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS) at The University of Queensland. QAEHS provides a world-class, multidisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art laboratories and expertise in environmental chemistry, exposure science, and public health.

You will have access to advanced analytical instrumentation, including pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), spectroscopic techniques (e.g., FTIR, Raman, and O-PTIR), and clean laboratory facilities for trace contaminant analysis. The project also offers opportunities for collaboration with leading research groups and industry partners, as well as access to diverse environmental samples and datasets. 

You will join a cohort of >30 HDR students researching human and environmental exposure to environmental contaminants. You will be given access to a centre-level travel support award scheme supporting participation at international conferences.

Scholarship

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

  • living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
  • your tuition fees covered
  • top-up of $5,000 per annum for three years.

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.

Supervisor

Preferred educational background

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

  • previous academic record
  • publication record
  • honours and awards
  • employment history.

A working knowledge of environmental science, analytical chemistry, environmental sampling, and/or laboratory-based experimental techniques would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of environmental science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related discipline and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of analytical chemistry, microplastics research, water quality, spectroscopy, or mass spectrometry techniques and knowledge of programming languages is highly desirable.

How to apply

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 2, 2027. You can start in an earlier research quarter.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by the closing date for the research quarter (RQ) you want to start in:

  • RQ 1 (January): 30 September
  • RQ 2 (April): 31 December
  • RQ 3 (July): 31 March
  • RQ 4 (October): 30 June.

Before you apply

  1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
  2. Prepare your documentation.
  3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Elvis Okoffo (e.okoffo@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the 'Scholarship/Sponsorship' section with the following details:

  1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
  2. Project: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
  3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: NANOPLASTICS-OKOFFO
  4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/micro-and-nanoplastics-drinking-water-tracking-sources-fate-and-removal

Submit an EOI