Nature Based Solutions for Wastewater Treatment

Constructed wetlands are critical for wastewater treatment but are a significant contributor to UK greenhouse gas emissions, including nitrous oxide and methane. As part of national net-zero targets, UK water utility companies are committed to mitigating emissions by 2030. However, designing resilient systems and mitigating emissions from current designs, requires a detailed understanding of how different components drive emissions, and how each component will respond to climate change. This PhD will develop nature based solutions (constructed wetlands) for wastewater treatment and net carbon sequestration supported by a multi-disciplinary supervisory team. Conducting a series of laboratory studies and undertaking fieldwork to assess constructed wetland ecosystem functions, with a focus on quantifying net greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide).