PhD student (M/F) to research and develop a process for producing biochar and biofertiliser from sargassum

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The thesis forms part of the CharAlg project, funded by the ANR, which comprises several partners: academic partners: GEPEA, US2B, ICARE; industrial partner: HOLDEX ENVIRONNEMENT (https://anr.fr/Projet-ANR-25-SAR3-0001). The aim of the PhD thesis is to find a use for the Sargassum seaweed that washes up on the Caribbean coast, causing public health problems. The CharAlg process offers a solution for the agronomic and energy-related utilisation of Sargassum seaweed through the production of biochar following the removal of micropollutants, in particular arsenic (As). The physical and chemical properties of the biochar produced must comply with agricultural soil amendment standards and enable the biochar to be used as a substrate for microalgal biofilms. The thesis work will focus primarily on researching and optimising the pyrolysis process with a view to producing biochars that meet environmental requirements. This process must also be suitable for operation in a semi-industrial facility. In parallel, this PhD research will focus on investigating and optimising the process for removing arsenic from effluent, including through flocculation. Consequently, this PhD research requires expertise in process engineering, a strong aptitude for understanding the unit operations to be studied, a strong experimental capacity to develop reaction units, and, finally, the ability to tackle multiple scientific topics.

Your Work Environment

The research topics are: pyrolysis, treatments for the removal of pollutants (As) from effluents, thermochemical conversion, and solution chemistry. Sargassum poses an environmental problem along the Caribbean coast. The scientific aim is therefore to provide a solution for the management of this organic waste. The focus of this PhD thesis is the study of the pyrolysis of this plant material contaminated with arsenic. A deeper understanding of this material and the chemical reactions involved in pyrolysis is required to comprehend the transformation of Sargassum. To this end, a pyrolysis reactor will be prototyped at the ICARE laboratory. Prior to pyrolysis, a treatment process will be investigated to remove arsenic. The experimental aspect of this work is yet to be developed. To develop a process and operating procedure compatible with a semi-industrial biochar production facility that complies with environmental standards, primarily for soil amendment applications. This study will also explore the use of this biochar as a substrate for microalgae cultivation. The results should lead to the establishment of a material and energy balance compatible with industrial-scale operation.The PhD student will be supervised by a thesis supervisor and a co-supervisor and will engage in regular discussions with members of the CharAlg project to ensure the research is properly guided and progresses smoothly. Regular progress meetings will be held to assess scientific progress, set short-term objectives and identify any difficulties. The PhD student's training will be supplemented by cross-disciplinary and subject-specific modules in accordance with the doctoral school's requirements. The results obtained will be presented regularly at seminars, project meetings or conferences. An annual review will enable the research programme to be adjusted and progress towards the thesis objectives to be assessed. Qualification of a pyrolyser. Analytical qualification of arsenic determination. Experimental implementation of a flocculation treatment. Safety: working with arsenic, working at high temperatures, working with pressurised gas.The PhD student's research is intended to be disseminated to the scientific community, in particular through presentations at conferences and the publication of articles in specialist journals. However, any publication must take into account confidentiality requirements relating to partnerships, sensitive data or the strategic interests of the organisations involved, particularly as this thesis is confidential. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to be involved in a multidisciplinary project covering water treatment and pollution control processes (coagulation-flocculation or biological processes, etc.), thermochemical biomass recovery and materials characterisation. The candidate must hold a Master's degree or an engineering degree in process engineering and the utilisation of renewable resources.Knowledge of pyrolysis, biochar, microalgae, process modelling and plant sizing would be an advantage. Experience in experimental research, particularly the use of pyrolysers, instrumented autoclaves, absorption columns and gas analysers, would be an advantage. It is also desirable that the candidate demonstrates a passion for Research and Development, an ability to work as part of a team, and that they show initiative and creativity. A good command of French and English is essential.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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