Context
In a context of climate change that intensifies challenges related to managing the water use cycle (also known as the short water cycle) in cities, this PhD project is part of the REPOLISH project (Removal of Emerging POLlutants In the SHort water cycle). This project proposes innovative solutions to treat and safely reuse urban water, focusing on the Rennes Basin.
The thesis aims to address crucial environmental and health issues by studying and implementing innovative water treatment processes, particularly hollow fiber nanofiltration. The research will assess their performance using advanced non-targeted pollutant analysis techniques to improve water quality in both drinking water production and the reuse of treated wastewater.
The main pollutants of concern are organic micropollutants and microplastics. The project targets two major challenges:
1. Safe reuse of treated wastewater for applications such as green space irrigation, agricultural irrigation, or replenishing surface water resources (e.g., ponds).
2. Ensuring high-quality drinking water supply during drought periods.
The study will be conducted in Rennes Métropole, working closely with local water managers (Eau du Bassin Rennais), with the goal of demonstrating scalable solutions for other cities in France, in collaboration with the company Inovaya.
Objectives and Methods
- Qualitative and quantitative assessment of the removal of a wide variety of chemical contaminants in different urban water sources, focusing on the most problematic pollutants today, using innovative nanofiltration membranes (hollow fiber technology).
- Scaling up the membrane treatment process from lab-scale to pilot-scale, in collaboration with Inovaya, which will deploy the technology on-site, ensuring longterm membrane performance and optimizing operational conditions.
- Monitoring the geochemical composition of wastewater using HPLC-MS² and UPLC-QTOF/MS, with support from involved research teams.
- Developing robust protocols for microplastic analysis using FTIR microscopy and/or Pyr-GC/MS.
Desired Profile
- Master's degree or engineering diploma in environmental chemistry or process
- engineering.
- Strong interest in analytical chemistry, with prior experience in non-targeted organic contaminant analysis appreciated.
- Enthusiasm for laboratory work.
- Experience in process engineering.
- Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
- Strong writing and communication skills.
- Mobility required, as the PhD will be based between Paris (METIS) and Aix-en- Provence (M2P2), with potential travel to **Lyon (Inovaya) and Rennes
Application Requirements
CV, Cover letter, 1 to 2 letters of recommendation
Application deadline: March 20, 2025, Funding not yet secured, selection through GRNE Doctoral School competition in early June
Contacts :
Thomas Thiebault, Assistant Professor, thomas.thiebault@ephe.psl.eu
UMR 7619 METIS
Sorbonne Université
4 Place Jussieu; 75252 PARIS Cedex 05
Mathias Monnot, Assistant Professor, mathias.monnot@univ-amu.fr
UMR 7340 M2P2
Aix-Marseille Université
Europôle de l'Arbois-Pavillon Laënnec BP80 ; 13545 Aix en Provence Cedex 4
