Identification of Potential Chemical and Biological Biohazards in Water Mix Metal Working Fluid Mists

This project aims to identify and quantify those biological and chemical constituents of ‘used’ water mix metal working fluid (MWF) mists that pose a risk for respiratory disease. Samples of unused and used MWF mist will be collected and used to develop methods to recover the biological and chemical contaminants for subsequent analysis. 16S RNA PCR will be used to identify bacteria present in the MWF mist. A combination of techniques will be used to identify the chemical contaminants namely icp-ms for trace metals, and lc-ms and gc-ms for small organics. Endotoxins and proteinaceous materials will be analysed by appropriate mass spectrometric techniques and compounds identified by comparison with protein and chemical databases. Hazards associated with each extract type will be assessed by in-vitro toxicity tests ( i.e. the human monocyte activation test (MAT ) and primary human respiratory epithelial cell cultures (Normal human bronchial epithelial cells: NHBE). These will be used to assess the potential for different mist samples to activate inflammatory responses.

The project is being carried out a a collaboration between the Biomedical Research Centre Sheffield Hallam University and the Health and Safety Laboratory, Buxton. The PhD student will spend a placement period each year working in the HSL labs.

To apply please complete the postgraduate application form that can be found on the following link - http://www.shu.ac.uk/_assets/pdf/Form-application-pack-editable.pdf and send a hard copy of this with your CV and a letter to - Marguerite Lyons, Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Sheffield, S1 1WB