In this interdisciplinary project between the Schools of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Civil Engineering, we aim to deliver an environmental biotech solution (P-remediation with algae) through an investigative algal molecular biology approach. This will help address shortcomings in wastewater treatment which are important for the environment and also because geological P reserves for fertilizer are becoming depleted1.
Phosphorus is an essential element for life. It is deficient in ~50% of agricultural soils globally and so is typically supplemented by addition of fertiliser to optimise crop yields. However only a small proportion of applied P is taken up by plants and the remainder can leach from soils into waterbodies where it can stimulate the production of algal blooms that negatively impact water quality and biodiversity. As a result, water companies incur very significant costs in order to meet environmental discharge consents which in turn feeds through into increased bills for consumers. At the same time reserves of P rich rocks which are used to produce inorganic P fertiliser are being exploited far faster than they are replaced and this process, upon which global food security depends, is unsustainable. A neat solution is to use the ability of algae to grow on nutrient rich waste water to capture P (and also N) and then make use of the resulting biomass for purposes such as bioenergy or biofertiliser production.
In nature microalgae face an existential challenge in co-ordinating their metabolic processes and growth with an uncertain and fluctuating nutrient supply – partly due to natural cycles of boom and bust. As a result, they have developed a means of sensing and responding to nutrient availability by pausing growth and accumulating reserves in times of scarcity to support resumption of growth in times of plenty. However a robust solution to waste water treatment requires predictable uncoupling of reserve accumulation and growth with the aim of producing high yields of nutrient rich biomass and waste water with very low nutrient levels. Better knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms involved in sensing and responding to internal and external nutrient levels is required to take full advantage of this natural phenomenon for P-remediation.
In this project we will screen a collection of mutants in the algal model Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to identify genes that are important for the ability of this species to grow and accumulate nutrients on waste water. By identifying those mutant strains, which grow well and poorly compared to a standard media control and determining the affected genes, we will shed new light on those biological processes required for optimal growth and nutrient assimilation in these conditions. This will provide novel insights into the genetic, cellular and biochemical processes of nutrient assimilation and open the way for a robust algal based nutrient recovery process.
Eligibility
You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject area. A Master degree is desirable but not essential.
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Biological Sciences minimum requirements in IELTS and TOEFL tests are: • British Council IELTS - score of 6.0 overall, with no element less than 5.5 • TOEFL iBT - overall score of 87 with the listening and reading element no less than 20, writing element no less than 21 and the speaking element no less than 22.
How to apply
To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application.
- a full academic CV
- degree certificate and transcripts of marks
- Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable).
To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;
- Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study
- Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert
- For source of funding please state you are applying for a Gosden PhD scholarship
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