Last May, I returned to Glasgow from Portugal where I was working in the University of Minho for 18 months, contributing to the group studying liposome/peptide formulations using ultrasound. This followed on from my previous in Ultrasonics, which largely involved optimisation of the reactor through careful measurement of the chemical, geometric and other physical factors influencing activity in the reactor. Due to the sensitivity of these factors, this involved the creation of a number of rigs to control placement of the US source as well as equipment to map calorific and chemical activity and SOPs to ensure repeatability.
The completed research for my Ph.D. in the study of sono-chemistry at Glasgow Caledonian University, was finished before leaving for Portugal, the fragments tied together, viva finally done last November, with graduation July 2008. The focus of this was the use of ultrasound in the degradation of a model PAH pollutant. I think the work done here redressed some areas which had been either neglected or discounted.
Additionally, an extensive study was done on the degradation compounds and the behaviour of these compounds in solution with the reasons for the observed recalcitrance to US treatment attributed to their hydrophilliac nature.
This brought in the need for an additional co-process which successfully removed the remaining compounds. The work I did here was very enjoyable as it was a real multi-discipline affair. The design and engineering of the bespoke equipment, with material testing on every part, right down to the impeller on the pump made for additional but worthwhile effort. There are a few things that I would change if I did it again, and there are a couple of experiments I would love to do to clear up some small loose ends. Hopefully I will get these done through collaboration with others.