Marine oil snow (MOS) formation and its role in the microbial biodegradation of crude oil

Oil spills at sea are one of the most disastrous of anthropogenic pollution events. With oil exploration moving further into deeper waters (>1000 m depth), this raises concern because of the unpredictability and current lack of experience and know-how in dealing with a deep-sea spill. A distinctive feature of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill was the formation of unprecedented quantities of Marine Oil Snow (MOS). MOS of macroscopic cm-size dimensions can be described as a mucilaginous floating organic matter containing entrained crude oil within its amorphous matrix. The genesis and factors influencing its formation are not yet well resolved, but based on events from the DWH spill, MOS forms primarily in surface waters in the presence of crude oil and then rapidly sinks to the ocean floor. It has been suggested that increasing the residence time of MOS in the water column enhances the biodegradation of its entrained oil by the community of attached/associated microorganisms, thus reducing the amount of oil reaching the seabed and potentially also that would impact benthic ecosystems.

This PhD project will focus on understanding MOS formation in coastal waters of the North-East Atlantic, particularly in regions where oil exploration is prevalent such as in the North Sea. The project objectives are to: 1) determine the conditions leading to MOS formation at different coastal sites; 2) investigate the diversity and abundance of oil-degrading microbial communities associated with MOS aggregates formed in different waters; and 3) measure crude oil biodegradation rates associated with MOS.

This work is expected to provide new information on whether, like during the DWH oil spill, MOS could be formed during a major spill in the NE Atlantic, the conditions influencing this, and what role MOS plays in the transport of crude oil hydrocarbons to the sea floor. The information gained could also feed into models that account for biological controls influencing the fate of oil in marine environments, and in-turn feed into optimising bioremediation/oil-spill response contingency plans.

This PhD is fully funded (stipend and fees covered) for 3.5 years.
To be eligible to apply, you must be a UK citizen or have lived in the UK for at least the past 3 years.

To apply, please send the following to Dr. Tony Gutierrez ([Email Address Removed]): a cover letter, an updated copy of your CV, and the names and contact details of at least two referees who can provide a letter of recommendation on your behalf.