Microplastics and Chemical Additives from Food Grade Baby Feeding Products: Leachability, Toxicity, and the Role of Feeding Behaviour

This PhD project investigates the release of microplastics and chemical additives from food-grade baby feeding products and their potential impacts on infant health. The research focuses on products such as plastic bottles and food pouches, which may release contaminants during repeated heating, washing, and sterilisation. The project is organised into three work packages: behavioural study of consumer washing, warming, and sterilisation practices comparative analysis of leachability from baby bottles and plastic food pouches toxicity studies on neuronal development using zebrafish embryos and human neuronal cell lines This is a Coventry–Deakin cotutelle PhD. The successful candidate will graduate with two PhDs, one from Coventry University and one from Deakin University.

Must meet admission and scholarship criteria for both Coventry University and Deakin University
Strong academic performance, typically within the top 15% of undergraduate cohort
Relevant Bachelor’s degree with research component or Master’s degree with significant research component
IELTS 7.0 overall with minimum 6.5 in each component
MSc or BSc in Chemistry, Life and Environmental Sciences, Toxicology, Environmental Chemistry, or related field
Experience in laboratory work and instrumental analysis such as FTIR, Raman, LC-MS, or GC-MS
Knowledge of statistics and data analysis
Ability to work independently and in a team

To learn more, contact ad2855@coventry.ac.uk. Applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, and a 2000-word statement demonstrating the relevance of the applicant’s expertise and interests to the project.