Importance. Urban trees deliver many vital ecosystem services, including mitigation of air pollution and urban heat island effect, carbon storage, and improved health and wellbeing. The importance of urban trees is recognised in the IPCC2021 and through international and national tree planting programs. However, increasing urban tree cover might have unintended negative consequences on air quality. Urban green spaces are subject to high levels of anthropogenic pollution and higher temperatures. In urban environments with elevated nitrogen oxides, biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emitted by trees, can undergo photochemical reactions leading to the formation of ozone and secondary organic aerosol that have adverse effects on human health and ecosystems. Assessing how urban tree BVOCs will respond to changes in urban and climate drivers and the further implications for future air pollution is therefore crucial to the UK Clean Air Strategy and Net Zero policies.
Objectives. These interactions will be addressed through a combination of measurements and numerical modelling. In phase1, the student will undertake BVOCs measurements in the Sheffield Urban Tree Observatory using state-of-the-art GC-MS and analyse with existing tree health data. In phase2, the student will use these data with MEGAN and a regionally refined atmospheric chemistry transport model (MUSICA) to simulate effects on air quality and estimate the consequences of large-scale urban tree planting initiatives in future climates in the UK.
Further details. The post suits a highly motivated student with interests in air pollution, ecosystems and atmosphere-biosphere-climate interactions. They will gain excellent training with cutting-edge transferrable skills in measuring and modelling atmospheric pollutants in the context of climate change issues.
The successful candidate will be embedded within vibrant research groups at Sheffield and UKCEH (Edinburgh), with outstanding facilities and expertise, and will also work closely with Defra. Informal enquires are welcome to Val-Martin ([Email Address Removed]) and Drewer ([Email Address Removed])
Start date: 1st October 2023
This PhD project is part of the NERC funded Doctoral Training Partnership “ACCE” (Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment. ACCE is a partnership between the Universities of Sheffield, Liverpool, York, CEH, and NHM, for more information about ACCE and how to apply please visit the website: https://accedtp.ac.uk/
The ACCE DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith or religious belief, pregnancy or maternity, parental or caring responsibilities or career pathway to date. We understand that a student’s potential can be shown in many ways and we strive to recruit students from all backgrounds, and support them on their scientific journey.
We have designed our application systems to identify candidates who are likely to be successful in research regardless of what opportunities may have been available to them prior to their application.
How to apply:
All applicants to ACCE must complete the ACCE personal statement proforma. This is instead of a normal personal/supporting statement/cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. The proforma and more information on the ACCE application process can be found here: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/
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