Assessing faecal sludge treatment technologies suitable for communities in the Pacific

Summary

This applied PhD research aims to assess the quality and quantity of faecal sludge and recommend suitable treatment technologies for select Pacific Island Countries. The research will involve fieldwork research in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Research Area:听

environmental engineering, chemical engineering, sanitary engineering

Supervisor

Research location

Synopsis

On-site sanitation systems are used by most households in rural and peri-urban communities in Pacific Island Countries (PIC). One of the challenges with these systems is that faecal sludge requires periodic removal and safe treatment. However, there is a lack of faecal sludge treatment facilities to service these communities, which leads to full systems either being left in place or faecal sludge being unsafely dumped into the environment. Many PIC governments recognise the need to build faecal sludge treatment systems which allow for resource recovery and safe biosolid production. However, appropriate technology selection is limited by a lack of accurate data on the quality and quantity of faecal sludge to be treated.

Additional information

Offering:

A scholarship for 3.5 years at the RTP stipend rate (currently $41,753 in 2025). International applicants will have their tuition fees covered.

This is supported by the GHD Foundation PhD Scholarship.

Successful candidates must:

Have a Bachelors degree (1st class honours or equivalent) or a Masters degree
Demonstrated interest in the topic area and international development
Ability and willingness to undertake fieldwork in the identified countries

Eligibility:

Candidates must be citizens of either Fiji, Papua New Guinea or the Philippines. GHD has country offices in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, and hence, they are seeking eligible PhD candidates from these countries.

Methods:

The PhD is based at the University of Sydney and will involve fieldwork visits to Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The research methods will include site sludge sampling and testing, along with modelling and assessment of treatment technologies.听

How to apply:

To apply, please complete the form at听听

Applications close 2 March听2025.

For more information:

Please email Dr Jacqueline Thomas (jacqueline.thomas@sydney.edu.au)

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3604

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