Master's Thesis - Removal of antimicrobial resistance (AMRs) in tertiary wastewater effluent through sulfate radical oxidation using a catalyst

05.08.2024, Studentische Hilfskräfte, Praktikantenstellen, Studienarbeiten

Background

With ever-increasing concern over the presence and spread of Trace Organic Chemicals (TOrCS) and anti-microbial resistance genes (ARGs) in the wastewater matrix, investigations into quartenary treatment stage in wastewater treatment plant has become a necessity. The spread of TOrCs and ARGs constitute an impact for agriculture and also pose health hazards for humans and animals alike. Conventional treatment steps such as Ozonation, UV/H2O2, and biodegradation steps are researched and employed as a treatment step. Further advanced oxidation processes involve the use of radicals to target TOrCs and remove them, however, there are drawbacks or insufficient selectivity between radicals, and alternative and economic technologies are required to remove these targets. Bein, Yecheskel et al. (2023) developed a sulfate radical oxidation system through a packed column, which presented promising results in selective removal of TOrCs. This was used as a proof of concept for a follow-up project and requires further development, analysis and optimization, before it can be scaled up and benchmarked against existing quaternary-stage treatment systems. (Bein, Seiwert, et al., 2023; Bein, Yecheskel, et al., 2023)

The goal

This master’s thesis focuses on the selecting target ARGs (or representative surrogates) for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), developing and testing in-house PCR protocols to quantify gene counts. This will be used to determine the disinfection capabilities of the catalytic filtration system pending data validation.

Tasks
• Research relevant antimicrobial resistance genes (and representatives) found in wastewater effluent.
• Investigate and validate quantification protocols (Standard or long-amplicon PCR) for ARGs.
• Conduct an experimental design for measuring the system’s disinfection capabilities.
• Evaluate obtained data and validate the study.
• Compare data against disinfection data in existing literature.

Skillset
• Background in Microbiology/Biosciences/Environmental Engineering.
• Experience in microbial lab tasks ((q/d/-)-PCR, primer design, etc.) and so are a plus. Note: please mention this in your cover letter as well.
• Knowledge in statistical analysis, and programming language skills are an added bonus.
• Independent working capabilities.
• Capable of conducting in-depth research and compiling literature studies.

Timeline and application

The master’s thesis can be initiated once the initial system has been assembled and will last for 6 months, constituting for 900 working hours (including data analysis and writing) as per TUM regulations.

If you are interested, please contact me with the following documentation by 30th August 2024:
1. Curriculum Vitae,
2. Cover letter detailing your motivation and how you fit into this role, and a
3. Grade Report.

Kontakt: shehryaar.khan@tum.de