Low-Cost Sustainable Materials to Mitigate the Impact of Taste and Odour Compounds from Algal Blooms

In recent years, Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland, has experienced severe algal bloom outbreaks caused mainly by nutrient pollution particularly phosphorus and nitrogen runoff from agricultural activities, wastewater discharge and inadequately managed septic systems.

These blooms release a range of harmful substances including cyanotoxins and taste and odour compounds such as microcystins, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol which pose serious risks to public health and aquatic life.

Traditional water treatment technologies often show limited effectiveness in removing these harmful compounds, necessitating the development of improved, sustainable and cost-effective treatment options.

Adsorption is a promising approach for removing algal contaminants with activated carbon widely recognized for its high adsorption capacity and adaptability in treatment systems. However, the relatively high cost of activated carbon limits its application, particularly in resource-constrained regions.

Low-cost alternative adsorbents derived from agricultural or industrial by-products (e.g. sawdust, seaweed, biochar, clay minerals, modified zeolites) are gaining attention as viable substitutes and have been shown to be effective for the removal of some pharmaceuticals and metals in water.

These materials offer economic and environmental advantages but require systematic evaluation of their performance and adsorption mechanisms under bloom conditions.

Objectives of the research:

This MRes project aims to assess the adsorption efficiency of low-cost adsorbents for the removal of taste and odour compounds from water.

This will involve setting up methods for the analysis of selected taste and odour compounds; characterising the properties of selected low-cost adsorbents (e.g. seaweed, sawdust and other lignocellulosic materials) and evaluating their performance under controlled and natural scenarios compared to activated carbon.

Methods to be used:

This project investigates the adsorption efficiency of low-cost adsorbents for removing taste and odour compounds from water - contributing to more sustainable and affordable water treatment solutions.

Project will involve:

* Setting up and developing analytical methods for selected taste and odour compounds (microcystins, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol) using High Perfomance Liquid Chromatography, UV-VIS spectroscopy and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.
* Characterising properties of low-cost adsorbents (seaweed, sawdust and other lignocellulosic materials) using Infrared Spectrometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, BET Surface area analyser and Particle size analyser.
* Evaluating performance under controlled and natural conditions using batch reactors for adsorption of the selected taste and odour compounds in water.
* Benchmarking against activated carbon.

Skills required of applicant:

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First, Upper Second Class or Lower Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. A degree in Science or Engineering (e.g. Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Environmental Science, Geography, Marine Science, Biomedical Sciences, Chemical/Environmental/Biomedical Engineering) with an interest in environmental issues would be preferable.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

This opportunity is open to all applicants.

The tuition fee for international and EU (excluding ROI) candidates is £19,040 for 2026/27.

Studentship funding is available to UK and ROI applicants, as follows:

• MRes studentships will be available to top ranked candidates to cover tuition fees and a Research Training Support Grant of £900.
• All applicants to the project will be considered automatically for an MRes studentship.
• Applicants who do not receive a studentship but meet admission requirements may be offered admission on a self-funded basis.
• Applicants who already hold an MRes or a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of an MRes or doctoral degree are NOT eligible to apply for funding.
• Applicants who hold or who are registered on a taught Master’s degree are eligible to apply.

Recommended reading

Abudu, L. A., Bhosale, R., Arnscheidt, J., Tretsiakova-McNally, S., O'Hagan, B., Adeyemi, D., Oluseyi, T., Luqman Adams, L., & Coleman, H. M. (2025). Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: A Sustainable Method for the Removal of Antibiotics from Water. Antibiotics, 14(3), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14030324

BBC News Northern Ireland, ‘Perfect Storm’ at Lough Neagh for blue-green algae, 19 August 2025. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1kzgwm87npo Accessed 10/3/26.

Onyekachukwu, E., Nesbitt, H., Tretsiakova-McNally, S., & Coleman, H. M. (2025). Low-Cost Adsorbents for the Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Surface Waters. Water, 17(17), 1-28. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172619

Pivokonsky, M., Kopecka, I., Cermakova, L., Fialova, K., Novotna, K., Cajthaml, T., Henderson, R.K. & Pivokonska, L. (2021). Current knowledge in the field of algal organic matter adsorption onto activated carbon in drinking water treatment, Science of The Total Environment, Volume 799, 149455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149455

World Health Organization (2020). Cyanobacterial toxins: Microcystins. WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality and Guidelines for safe recreational water environments. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/wash-documents/wash-chemicals/microcystins-background-201223.pdf?sfvrsn=6d60aa6d_3 Accessed 10/3/26.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland, Blue-Green Algae. Available at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/blue-green-algae-daera Accessed 10/3/26.