Emission of greenhouse gases and volatile organic compounds from environmental plastic degradation

There is an opportunity for a motivated student to undertake a PhD in a topical area of environmental chemistry, studying the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from plastic degradation. Humans produce increasingly large amounts of plastics for food storage, textiles, construction and other purposes, but little is known on its fate and the quantity and impact of environmental plastic degradation released to the atmosphere. This research will determine the chemical composition and emission rates of GHGs and VOCs from environmental plastic degradation.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted from plastic, but its source strength from degradation of different types of polymers has not yet been measured comprehensively. Other volatile molecules such as monomers of plastics (e.g. ethylene, styrene) are emitted along with impurities or compounds used in the manufacture process, and are further oxidized in reaction with oxidants such as ozone, OH, or NO3.

The student will be based at the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology near Edinburgh (www.ceh.ac.uk) where they will be trained to carry out time-resolved measurements of VOC composition using Proton Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToFMS) and GHG measurements using laser absorption spectrometers. They will also spend time on complementary training and experiments at the University of York which will be their degree awarding University.

The student will work with experts from Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Edinburgh and the University of York on the following project objectives: (i) to conduct novel measurements of GHG, VOC and SVOC from various plastics under different experimental conditions (ii) to gain further insight into source apportionment of GHGs using VOC/SVOC as tracers and (iii) to quantify how this might change in the future.

The student will have a unique opportunity to be trained and use emerging experimental techniques, such as real-time mass spectrometry (PTR-QiTOF-MS), to understand the chemistry from plastic degradation, and environmental and health impacts from released chemicals.

Requirements
- A first or upper second class Honours degree, or a Master’s degree, or equivalent, in chemistry or a chemistry-related field such as physics, biology or environmental science.
- Interests in interdisciplinary science.
- Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, how to conduct measurements of volatile organic compounds.
- Enthusiasm and scientific curiosity.

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter stating your suitability for the project to the project supervisor at Dr P Misztal.