Three-year studentship: Tuition fees (UK/EU or International) and an annual maintenance allowance at current UK Research Council rate
Deadline for applications: 19 March 2012
Location: Streatham Campus, Exeter
Primary supervisor: Dr Diego Gomez
Secondary supervisor: Professor Charles Tyler (Biosciences, University of Exeter)
Silver particles ranging in size from 1 and 100 nm are referred to as nanoparticles (AgNP). They have important commercial applications in air filters, toothpastes, baby-products, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, textiles, wound dressings and hygienic products. The market place for AgNP is growing rapidly and their increased industrial synthesis will result in both greater releases into the environment and increased exposure of biota. Most AgNP will end up in the aquatic environment where the biota is especially sensitive to the toxic effects of silver. A major route for AgNPs into the aquatic environment is via sewage treatment works (STWs). Here, AgNP could have deleterious effects on the microbial fauna in STWs, hindering the biological degradation processes due to toxicology and/or by changing the physical properties of the activated sludges and biofilms.
This project aims to understand the impacts of AgNP in biological treatment systems and subsequent effluents through a series of integrated studies including: (a) laboratory column and reactor studies with different media (e.g. porous media, sludges, activated carbon etc) to study media effects on AgNP fate and transport; (b) laboratory studies to assess effects of AgNPs on STW microbial populations and effluent effects on fish, (c) field studies with mesocosms integrating (a) and (b) in partnership with industry; and (c) the development of modelling approaches to create predictive tools for fate, transport and effect studies on AgNPs in the environment for use by private enterprises, researchers and regulatory agencies. It is hoped that this multidisciplinary research will lay the groundwork for research into other NPs of environmental concern, other emerging contaminants (e.g. pharmaceuticals) and the potential interactions between them in the aquatic environment. This project will provide a comprehensive training in a wide range of experimental techniques for the student in a highly supportive environment.
For informal enquiries contact Dr Diego Gomez:
D.E.Gomez@exeter.ac.uk
W: 01392 723627
M: 07769 934092
Application criteria:
Students should have a good background in environmental, hydraulic or chemical engineering, biochemistry, bioengineering or other suitable fields. Computer programming skills, together with computer simulation experience are desirable. The position involves laboratory and field work. Students should have or expect to achieve at least an upper second class Honours degree, or equivalent qualifications, in a relevant engineering, applied mathematics or physics related discipline.
Please note that studentships will be awarded on the basis of merit.
How to apply:
To apply, visit www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/studentships/application and complete the online web form. You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two academic referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project.
For general enquiries please contact Liz Roberts at E.G.Roberts@exeter.ac.uk
