Evaluating the heavy metal tolerance of aromatic crops and their potential for the remediation of contaminated agricultural land

Applications are sought for a PhD studentship within the Centre for Agroecology, Water Applications are sought for a PhD studentship within the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR), at Coventry University. An enthusiastic candidate with relevant background and experience in plant or soil science or closely related discipline is required for a project which will evaluate the heavy metal tolerance of aromatic crops and their potential for the remediation of contaminated agricultural land.

As a solution to dealing with contaminated land phytoremediation has much promise. When compared to more traditional engineering solutions, phytoremediation is less destructive to ecosystems, and is both more sustainable and cost effective. However, whilst there have been successful field scale trials, the application of phytoremediation has been limited by a number of key constraints. For agricultural sites contaminated by heavy metals, two key issues prevent wider adoption of the techniques. These are a lack of tolerant food crops with useful agronomic properties and a lack of final use for the contaminated biomass extracted in the process. Non-food crops, such as fibre, energy or aromatic crops are potential alternatives. The application of aromatic crops in phytoremediation is currently under researched. This project will evaluate their potential in a series of investigations that will include greenhouse and field trials. The trials will evaluate plant tolerance and bioaccumulation potential, examine the underlying processes involved in the application and evaluate management strategies to optimize plant performance and remediation. The wider application of the methods will also be considered, including practical application of methods in agricultural systems and potential barriers to wider adoption.

CAWR is driving innovative, transdisciplinary research on the understanding and development of resilient food and water systems internationally. The Centre’s research develops and integrates new knowledge in social, agroecological, hydrological and environmental processes, as well as the pivotal role that communities play in developing resilience. Unique to this Centre is the incorporation of citizen-generated knowledge - the participation of farmers, water users and other citizens in transdisciplinary research, using holistic approaches which cross many disciplinary boundaries. CAWR also aims to advance resilience science through creative work on the governance of food systems, hydrological change, urban water, river processes, water quality and emerging pollutants.