Phosphate adsorption intern

Type of project: MSc thesis/internship
Starting date: Feb or Mar. 2026, a later starting time is possible
Duration: > 6 months (could be discussed)
Location: Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
Salary: The maximum Wetsus allowance for this internship is 425 € per month. Grant holding students (i.e. Erasmus or other) receiving financial support of less than 425 € per month can apply for a top-up supplement to the maximum allowance.

Introduction:

The mechanism of phosphate adsorption on iron oxides — whether dominated by surface complexation or precipitation — remains a long-standing question. Conventional techniques (e.g., FTIR, XRD) often fail to capture the subtle bonding changes, especially when only a small fraction of Fe participates in P bonding. Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS) provides unique insights into Fe oxidation states, coordination environments, and Fe–O–P bonding, but its application in phosphate adsorption systems remains limited.

This project investigates how different environmental conditions (e.g., pH, competing ions, regeneration treatments, adsorbent types) influence the chemical bonding between Fe and P during adsorption and regeneration. The student will prepare and analyze samples suitable for Mössbauer spectroscopy to identify how phosphorus interaction alters iron’s chemical state and bonding environment.

Your tasks:

• Conduct adsorption and regeneration batch experiments under controlled conditions.
• Prepare samples for Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements (NO direct operation of the instrument required!).
• Analyze Mössbauer spectra provided by collaborating researchers and interpret Fe–P bonding mechanisms.
• Compare results with other characterization data (e.g., FT-IR, SEM-EDX) and literature.

Your profile:

• Currently enrolled in Master’s studies
• Background in environmental, chemical, physical, or material fields, whether in science or engineering disciplines
• Interest in spectroscopy and surface chemistry
• Good practical and experimental experience
• Good communication skills in English.
• Currently studying in the Netherlands or has citizenship from an EU country.