Master's thesis: Detection of microplastics from packaging materials in process water from the recycling processes
3 days ago
RISE is the Swedish Research Institute and innovation partner. In international collaboration with industry, academia and the public sector, we ensure the competitiveness of the business community and contribute to a sustainable society. Our 2,800 employees support and promote all manner of innovative processes. RISE is an independent, state-owned research institute that offers unique expertise and about 100 testbeds and demonstration facilities, instrumental in future-proofing technologies, products and services.
Background
Barrier coated paper and board provide an alternative to plastic films in food packaging to create a barrier against e.g. oxygen and moisture. The main arguments for replacing plastic packaging with coated fiber substrates are that paper and cardboard are recycled to a greater extent and contribute less to the use of fossil-based components and microplastics compared to plastic packaging. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how these barrier coatings contribute to water quality and the release of microplastics during e.g. the recirculation process in a recycling mill.
RISE has been working with recyclability tests for some time and this methodology will form the basis for how the material is mechanically processed before the process water is taken out for further processing and analysis. The thesis project will build knowledge about how the process water is best treated and processed before analysis of microplastics can be performed. The work is an important part in the holistic perspective around fiber-based packaging materials and their recyclability.
Aim
The aim of the thesis project is to develop a preparation method for the reprocessing of microplastics in diluted systems. This includes finding strategies to prepare samples so that the amount of microplastics becomes detectable in e.g. raman spectroscopy and FTIR. The work also includes attempts to fractionate these microplastics in different orders of magnitude and size analysis.
What skills will you develop during the degree project
Practical and theoretical knowledge of fiber-based packaging materials and how they are recycled. Knowledge of how microplastics are formed and accumulate in water and how these should be identified. Experience from working in a research environment focused on biomaterials and industrial research in the field of packaging.
Who are you?
We are looking for a master's student in chemical engineering or equivalent who can complete their degree project in the spring of 2026. It is important that you are interested in practical laboratory work and that you can link laboratory results to theoretical reasoning.
Activities:
The work includes both practical and theoretical elements and will be carried out at RISE laboratories in Stockholm. The work will include the following activities:
- Lab Scale Packaging reslushing
- Performing different filtration methods on process water from the reslushing process
- Analyses for size distribution of particles in water (DLS/Matersizer) and composition (Raman/FTIR).
Terms
Scope: 30 ECTS (20 weeks, full-time).
Location: RISE, Stockholm Drottning Kristinas väg 61.
Start: According to agreement, at latest Jan 22
Compensation: SEK after thesis has been approved
Supervisors: Pernilla Karlsson, RISE , Anna Sjöstedt, RISE, , Peter Rättö, RISE,
Application deadline: November 17, Applications will be processed on an ongoing basis.
Welcome with your application
-
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB Full time 45,000 - 75,000 per yearCellulose fibers have long been used in packaging applications, hygiene products, and printed media. Today, there is strong interest in expanding their use to new areas where they can replace plastics—such as in 3D-shaped products like trays.The versatility of cellulose fibers comes from their ability to form strong networks. To create these networks, the...
-
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden RISE Research Institutes of Sweden Full time 45,000 - 55,000 per yearMaster's thesis:Cracking of fibre-based packaging during conversionRISE is the Swedish Research Institute and innovation partner. In international collaboration with industry, academia and the public sector, we ensure the competitiveness of the business community and contribute to a sustainable society. Our 2,800 employees support and promote all manner of...
-
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB Full time 270,000 - 420,000 per yearThesis subject/assignmentThe goal of this project is to develop a compression dynamics model for corrugates boards in flexo post-printing processes, based on commercial FEM platforms. This work will combine FEM modelling with experimental measurements. Purpose of the projectCorrugated board is a commonly used packaging material for transport goods and...
-
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB Full time 45,000 - 55,000 per yearRISE is the Swedish Research Institute and innovation partner. In international collaboration with industry, academia and the public sector, we ensure the competitiveness of the business community and contribute to a sustainable society. Our 2,800 employees support and promote all manner of innovative processes. RISE is an independent, state-owned research...
-
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB Full time 40,000 - 60,000 per yearMaster's thesis; Machine learning (ML) models that can estimate the percentage of each fibre type contribution in a paper boardBackground The thesis forms part of the VINNOVA financed project "AI-Tomo: Accelerated materials characterisation by AI and X-ray tomography" ). The goal of AI-TOMO is to develop AI algorithms for fast, effective segmentation and...
-
Tracab Master Thesis Intern
3 days ago
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden EA SPORTS Full time 400,000 - 600,000 per yearDescription & RequirementsElectronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.Master's...
-
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Full time 40,000 - 80,000 per yearBackgroundNitrogen removal, reduced emissions, and climate neutrality are central goals for modern wastewater treatment plants. Stricter discharge requirements from the EU and Swedish authorities are placing increasing demands on efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment processes. The project Kall-PN (funded by FORMAS and several municipal water and...
-
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet Full time 40,000 - 60,000 per yearBackgroundNitrogen removal, reduced emissions, and climate neutrality are central goals for modern wastewater treatment plants. Stricter discharge requirements from the EU and Swedish authorities are placing increasing demands on efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment processes. The project Kall-PN (funded by FORMAS and several municipal water and...
-
Master Thesis Proposal
3 days ago
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden Syntronic Full time 280,000 - 420,000 per yearDo you want to explore the intersection of computer vision, AI, and edge computing?In this thesis, we invite one or two students to develop methods for automatic defect detection on printed circuit boards (PCBs) using machine learning and exciting dataset. The project combines inference on both a resource constrained edge device and a powerful workstation,...
-
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden Stockholm Vatten och Avfall Full time 300,000 - 450,000 per yearOm arbetsplatsenRemoval of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from municipal wastewater has previously not been required, since the concentrations are low and treatment with existing methods are extremely costly. The regulatory limits on PFAS concentrations in drinking water, environmental quality standards in surface waters, and guideline values for...
