Description

Topic: One-third of the world’s population uses non-sewered sanitation. To protect human and environmental health, the fecal sludge accumulating inside needs to be adequately managed and treated. Unfortunately, many existing treatment technologies require a large footprint or high energy input. Dewatering (solid-liquid separation) of fecal sludge is an essential step in the treatment process, and using conditioners can increase treatment efficiency and the potential for resource recovery. However, commonly applied conditioners often depend on non-renewable sources and could potentially have a negative effect on the environment. Therefore, previous research at Sandec has evaluated the potential of various bio-based conditioners for use in fecal sludge dewatering. These are made from organic (waste) sources, for example chitosan from shrimp shells and modified cellulose from corncobs. Yet, it is still unclear if these bio-based conditioners can be produced sustainably on a larger scale, with limited resources, and which bio-based conditioner performs best.

This 6-month internship project aims to produce and field-test three bio-based conditioners for fecal sludge dewatering, and compare their production, performance and scalability for use in resource-limited settings.

Objectives & responsibilities

  • Produce three bio-based conditioners in the Eawag laboratory, based on previous Sandec research. Optimize production processes, if needed
  • Coordinating/collaborating with local stakeholders
  • Source and prepare raw materials for conditioner production
  • Field-test the production and application of bio-based conditioners in collaboration with local research partners (location to be determined)
  • Write a standard operating procedure for producing a chitosan conditioner for fecal sludge dewatering
  • Document research findings in a report

Candidates for this internship should have the following qualifications

  • Holds a BSc in chemical engineering, chemistry or similar. Candidate will need to have at least a basic understanding of extraction and synthesis processes
  • Enrolled in a university as a MSc student for the entire duration of the internship
  • Ability to work in Switzerland (i.e. B/C/L permit, or nationality)
  • An interest in wastewater treatment
  • Experience with laboratory analysis
  • Ability to work independently, manage own time, and take own initiative
  • Fluency in English (spoken and written)
  • Willingness to travel abroad for 2-4 months (exact time period and destination to be determined)

Internship duration, reimbursement, place of work
Total six months, starting date in March 2024, based on mutual agreement. Sandec will provide an intern salary. 2-4 months at Eawag in Dübendorf, Switzerland, and 2-4 months at a partner institute in another country (location to be determined).

Supervision
Dr Linda Strande (Programme Manager), Ms Nienke Andriessen (Project Officer). For questions, please contact Nienke Andriessen by Email (nienke.andriessen@eawag.ch).

Applications must be submitted via this link: https://apply.refline.ch/673277/1129/pub/1/index.html by 31 January and should include a cover letter and CV.