Impact of organic pollutants on the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic environments (VC23034) at University of the West of Scotland on FindAPhD.com

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Dr Kiri Rodgers, Dr Yalinu Poya, Prof F Henriquez No more applications being accepted Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

Glasgow United Kingdom Analytical Chemistry Biochemistry Environmental Biology Environmental Chemistry Geochemistry Geographical Information Systems Gis Microbiology Organic Chemistry Parasitology Pharmaceutical Chemistry

About the Project

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern, associated with ~25000 deaths annually in Europe alone (1). A wealth of research is being undertaken globally, with a significant focus on antibiotics, medicinal overprescribing, or the direct effects of antibiotics on environmental and pathogenic bacteria (1–3). In recent years, it is becoming clear that the acquisition of AMR is more complex and multifaceted (4); the direct environmental impact, which is significantly underexplored, is required to gain a detailed understanding of potential prevention and control measures, which can then inform stakeholder. In particular, this includes the impact of anthropogenic pollutants such as organic contaminants and legacy pollution (5), which impact the surrounding microbiome(communities of microorganisms), and subsequent ecosystem on a multitrophic scale. Legacy pollution becomes a more prominent point of interest as climate change results in more extreme weathering events, which can result in a sedimentary turnover and pollutant liberation.

This research intends to adopt a “One Health” approach to address multiple UN Sustainable development goals. We seek to explore multiple marine environments due to their ability to represent major receptors and conveyors of pollutants and impact the microbiomes that give rise to AMR (6-9). Specifically, we aim to investigate levels of key organic pollutants (e.g., antibiotics, pharmaceuticals, Polyaromatic hydrocarbons) on the prevalence of AMR and evaluate any climate-induced changes through extensive seasonal sampling.

Project objectives:

1. To identify and measure key organic pollutants found in different aquatic environments such as rivers, estuaries, and sea waters, to map and evaluate source, location, and seasonal changes.

2. Measure levels of resistance of key microorganisms.

3. Identify geochemical drivers that could be responsible for genetic mutations and/or the acquisition of resistant genes.

4. Investigate mechanicalistic hypotheses using controlled experiments and rigorous statistical analysis.

Overall, this project will provide an exciting experience for the prospective student in a diverse range of areas; in both environmental chemistry and biology, as well as providing a platform to develop skills in an array of experimental techniques: LC-MS, ICP-AES/MS, GC-MS / TOF, Cell culture, molecular biology, microbiology, PCR, Susceptibility assays and Sequencing. Furthermore, there will be opportunities to attend and partake in national and international conferences.

Person specification:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven candidate who should have a minimum of a 2:1 or 1^st class honours degree, and ideally a Masters-level qualification.

The ideal candidate will have a background in either chemistry, organic analysis, microbiology or environmental geochemistry, with a strong interest in expanding skills through interdisciplinary research.

As the project will involve both microbiological and chemical research methods and analysis, experience in both would be preferred, though not essential.

The University and Team:

This PhD is based at the University of the West of Scotland, at both the Lanarkshire and Paisley campuses, and is funded for 3 years, through the Vice-Chancellor studentship scheme. The candidate will work with a diverse team of experts, with three members based at UWS: Dr Kiri Rodgers (Environmental Geochemist), Dr Yalinu Poya (Chemist) and Professor Fiona Henriquez (Parasitology/Protistology), as well as having a fourth supervisor from the University of Strathclyde; Dr Charlese Knapp (Environmental Microbiologist). Each supervisors’ profiles can be seen in the following links:

Dr Kiri Rodgers - https://research-portal.uws.ac.uk/en/persons/kiri-rodgers

Dr Yalinu Poya - https://research-portal.uws.ac.uk/en/persons/yalinu-poya

Professor Fiona Henriquez - https://research-portal.uws.ac.uk/en/persons/fiona-henriquez-mui

Dr Charles Knapp - https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/en/persons/charles-knapp

Before you apply:

It is recommended that candidates contact one of the lead supervisors to discuss the project before applying: Dr Kiri Rodgers ([Email Address Removed]), or Dr Yalinu Poya ([Email Address Removed])

Applicants will be asked to submit the application through the UWS online system (Apply to Study at UWS)

Application Deadline - 30/09/2023

Start Date - 01/11/2023

Funding Notes

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is seeking to attract a PhD candidate of outstanding ability and commitment to join its vibrant and growing programme of internationally excellent research. This is a fully funded PhD Studentship and includes payment of tuition fees for 3 years at the home/UK rate and an annual maintenance stipend equivalent to UKRI minimum stipend rate (£18,622 from 01/10/2023).
The successful candidate must meet the following criteria: be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or have settled status, or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or have indefinite leave to remain.

References

1. Walls HL. Wicked problems and a ‘wicked’ solution. Global Health [Internet]. 2018;14(1):34.
2. Larsson DGJ, de Pedro C, Paxeus N. Effluent from drug manufactures contains extremely high levels of pharmaceuticals. J Hazard Mater. 2007 Sep;148(3):751–5.
3. Ashbolt NJ, Amézquita A, Backhaus T, Borriello P, Brandt KK, Collignon P, et al. Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) for Environmental Development and Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance. Environ Health Perspect [Internet]. 2013;121(9):993–1001:
4. Rodgers K, McLellan I, Peshkur T, Williams R, Tonner R, Hursthouse AS, et al. Can the legacy of industrial pollution influence antimicrobial resistance in estuarine sediments? Environ Chem Lett. 2018 Oct 13;
5. Graham DW, Olivares-Rieumont S, Knapp CW, Lima L, Werner D, Bowen E. Antibiotic Resistance Gene Abundances Associated with Waste Discharges to the Almendares River near Havana, Cuba. Environ Sci Technol [Internet]. 2011;45(2):418–24.
6. Alderton I, Palmer BR, Heinemann JA, Pattis I, Weaver L, Gutiérrez-Ginés MJ, et al. The role of emerging organic contaminants in the development of antimicrobial resistance. Emerg Contam [Internet]. 2021;7:160–71:
7. Engelhard GH, Howes EL, Pinnegar JK, Le Quesne WJF. Assessing the risk of climate change to aquaculture: a national-scale case study for the Sultanate of Oman. Clim Risk Manag [Internet]. 2022;35:100416.:
8. GK R, HJ G-S, DJ M, Knowler D, Benfey T, AF G, et al. Climate change and aquaculture: considering biological response and resources . Aquac Environ Interact [Internet]. 2019;11:569–602.
9. Rodríguez-González A, Zanin M, Menasalvas-Ruiz E. Public Health and Epidemiology Informatics: Can Artificial Intelligence Help Future Global Challenges? An Overview of Antimicrobial Resistance and Impact of Climate Change in Disease Epidemiology. Yearb Med Inf. 2019;28(01):224–31.