Soil pollution has increased over the last decades, mainly as a result of human activities, and may pose a risk for human and ecological health. Urbanization is typically associated with soil degradation and soil pollution. The main risk associated with urban soils is the presence of heavy metals deriving from human activities, such as industry, waste disposal, and road traffic. Pollutants, such as heavy metals, may alter soil biota, and also be absorbed by plants and can be eventually passed on to the food chain, posing a risk to biota, including humans. This is particularly important given the growing trend of developing urban gardens for growing sustainable foods, with an important role for biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services.
Project Aims and Methods
This project aims to investigate the role of soil pollution on soil microorganisms, plant growth and performance, and the risks posed to biota (including humans) by accumulation of pollutants in plant tissues. The research will involve sampling urban field sites, but also glasshouse and laboratory work. The geological component of this multidisciplinary project will determine metal levels in the soil, along with the geochemistry and mobility of the metal/s and the physiologically based extraction test (PBET) will be applied to soil from contaminated land sites to assess the environmental risk to human health. The PBET is an in vitro digestion assay composed of the sequential digestion of gastric and intestinal phase fluids to predict the bioavailability of inorganic substances. Ecotoxicological bioassays will be carried out to estimate the effects of metal-contaminated soil by growing common crops and measuring seed germination, plant growth and performance (i.e., chlorophyll content, height, biomass). In addition, chemical analysis will be carried out to determine the accumulation and distribution of metal/s in the different parts of those plants (i.e., roots and leaves). Metabarcoding will be used to characterize soil microorganisms associated to plant roots. Main pollutants considered will be heavy metals (such as lead, cadmium, copper), but there is also scope to test other important pollutants, such as microplastics. The effect of multiple stressors (e.g., heavy metal combinations, resource deficit, etc.) can also be considered. Focus of the specific aims can be discussed, and additional questions can also be incorporated to the project based on the student’s interest.
Candidate requirements
The candidate should be motivated and keen, ideally with research experience in plant sciences. Candidates must have a positive attitude for fieldwork and glasshouse work (e.g., growing and looking after plants), but also willing to spend time developing laboratory and statistical skills. Ideally, some experience of ecology would be helpful.
Candidates must meet the Cardiff University PhD entry requirements - click on 'Institution Website' for details.
Project partners
This project benefits from a multidisciplinary team with expertise in plant ecology (JSV), toxicity and environmental health (Kelly BéruBé), chemistry (Tim Jones and Ben Rees), conservation (Regan Early) and geotechnological and environmental practice (Ben Rees).The project will be supported by Regan Early from Exeter University and by Ben Rees, Geotechnology Ltd (CASE partner). Dr R. Early is a lecturer in Conservation Biology at the Univ. of Exeter. Her research is focused on the effects of human activity on wildlife around the world, using both modelling and experimental approaches. She will provide supervision on stats modelling and will provide expertise in the area of conservation. Ben Rees from Geotechnology has extensive practical experience in the field of geotechnology and environmental practice, offering technical expertise to a range of clients, including governmental organisations, consulting engineers, industrial corporations and commercial developers. In particular, this may include the determination of site-specific development criteria for the protection of human health and the behaviour of contaminants in soil and groundwater. Therefore, the student will benefit from these opportunities to interact with such range of clients, and also from the technical background and training provided by the CASE partner.
Training
During the project the student will have the opportunity to develop skills in (i) plant ecology and eco-physiological techniques, (ii) heavy metal pollution and characterisation, including bioavailability and toxicity (iii) metabarcoding, (iv) experimental design and advanced statistics, all under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team from CU and Exeter. Some specific techniques include inductively-coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), soil leachate tests, PBET, germination assays, plant growth and physiology analysis (e.g., SPAD meter, chlorophyll fluorescence), plant histology, glasshouse and outdoor garden plot experiments. Skills development and training will be available through Cardiff’s Doctoral Academy Program, which offers an integrated research and professional skills program including more than 200 topics delivered via workshops, online materials, and events (e.g., Public Engagement Showcase, Speaking of Science Student Conference, Three Minute Thesis Competition). The student will also have the opportunity to attend the Divisional Research Seminar Series conducted by the Organisms and Environment (OnE) division at Cardiff University. In addition, the student will also be trained in specialised geotechnical and environmental practices in collaboration with the CASE partner.
How to Apply
The start date of this studentship is October 2022. To submit a formal application via Cardiff University’s online application service, click the 'Institution Website' button on this advert; in the ‘Apply’ box at the top-right of the page, select Qualification (Doctor of Philosophy), Mode of Study (Full Time) and Start Date (October 2022). This will take you to the application portal.
Candidates must submit the following:
• Supporting statement
• CV
• Qualification certificates
• Proof of English language (if applicable)
In the research proposal section of the application, specify the project title and supervisors of the project. In the funding section, select “I will be applying for a scholarship/grant” and specify advertised funding from NERC GW4. If you are applying for more than one Cardiff University project, please note this in the research proposal section as the form only allows you to enter one title.
The application deadline is Monday 10 January 2022 at 2359 GMT. Interviews will take place from 23rd February to 9 March 2022. For more information about the NERC GW4+ Doctoral Training Partnership please visit https://www.nercgw4plus.ac.uk.
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