About the Project
A 3-year fully funded PhD studentship available to start 1st September 2017 under the supervision of Dr Nicholle Bell, Dr Mat Heal, School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh and Dr Margaret Graham, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh.
Project background:
Peatlands are organic matter rich soils that provide countless benefits and ecological services. They represent a major carbon store, containing twice as much carbon as the entire forest biomass on this planet. When fully functioning, peatlands remove carbon from atmosphere, contributing to our efforts to reverse the effects of climate change. Peatlands are important to flood management and water filtration; over 70% of UK drinking water runs from upland peatland catchments. They are a home for a diverse range of flora and fauna and represent an archive of our past.
Peatlands at the same time are fragile systems and as a result of human activities such as afforestation as well as climate change a large fraction of global peatlands are damaged; around 80% of UK’s peatlands alone fall into this category. (2)
Rewetting of peatlands is a widespread method for their restoration. By raising the water table conditions for the return of peat forming vegetation are reintroduced. However, recent studies suggest that rewetting does not restore peatlands back to full health in terms of biodiversity, water dynamics and carbon sequestration capacity. (3-6) In order to rationalise these findings, we need to understand the process of peat decomposition, degradation and restoration at the molecular level. We need to ask fundamental questions: what is the peat organic matter made of? If peat is losing carbon, what are the molecules that are most affected? What happens to different molecular classes when we try to restore the peat? Such new, currently absent, knowledge needs to be combined with traditional parameters, such as vegetation surveys, gas emissions, hydrology and bulk peat characteristics. The overall aim of our research is to uncover causative relationships that govern these complicated processes.
The Bell group, in collaboration with researchers across Scotland, and as part of the UK Soil Security Programme, is examining changes to peatlands on the molecular level using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT ICR MS). (7) These two techniques are classed as the most important for the characterisation of the molecular composition of organic matter and we are the only UK School of Chemistry that is equipped with an 800 MHz NMR spectrometer and a 12T FT ICR mass spectrometer, providing a unique research and training opportunities. (8) In order to assess the status of peatlands, the most advanced NMR and MS method are required from spectral editing to specially designed 3D/4D NMR experiments on chemically modified samples.
The major emphasis of the proposed PhD project is on combining the bulk and molecular level information to explore key indicators for assessing the peatland status, predicting its fate and helping to inform peat restoration strategies. This research will involve sampling of gas, soil, pore water and vegetation from sites across Scotland, including the world biggest blanket bog situated in the Flow Country, Thurso. Solid state NMR, 210Pb dating, and gas flux analysis will take place in collaborating laboratories across Scotland. The peat samples will be analysed via variety of techniques including state-of-the-art solid and liquid state spectroscopy. Each individual technique will produce different data, therefore procedures to combine and analyse them using statistical methods will be investigated to create a peatland assessment tool. In order to achieve the goals of the project we are seeking to recruit a highly motivated PhD student with skills in either analytical chemistry, statistical analysis, or environmental sciences to join our research team.
Funding Notes
Application process: You can apply for studentship by 31st May 2017.
In the first instance, informal enquiries (accompanied by a CV) should be directed to Dr Nicholle Bell ([Email Address Removed]).
Formal applications are made through the University’s EUCLID system, as outlined here:
http://www.chem.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate-research/applications-and-entry-requirements
References
Requirements
This award suits a candidate with background and aptitude for chemistry, statistical analysis or environmental science. The position is open to those with informatics, mathematics, and analytical, synthetic or environmental chemistry or ecology degrees and can be tailored to suit exceptional candidates. This is a 36 month fully funded PhD studentship available to UK/EU citizens (no UK residency requirement). The successful candidate should have or expect to obtain a 1st class or upper 2nd class degree. Some knowledge of programming is essential for handling large data sets. Prior knowledge of statistical methods is desired but not essential at this stage. Courses in statistics for large environmental data sets will be available via the IIES (University of Eastern Finland). The candidate will become part of the Soil Security programme and thus will be able to attend meetings and courses run by this programme. The project offers ample opportunities to become an expert in an array of techniques useful for a wide range of scientific career pathways.
References: (1) Natural England, Mapping values: vital nature of our uplands-an atlas liking environment and people, Natural England Report, 2009. (2) R. Lindsay et al., Peatbogs and carbon: a critical synthesis to inform policy development in oceanic peat bog conservation and restoration in the context of climate change, RSPB Report, 2010 (3) S. Kareksela et al., Sci. Tot. Environ. 537, 268-276, 2015; (4) T. Haapalento et al., J. Hydrol., 519, 1493-1505, 2014; (5) M. Peacock et al., Soil Use Manage. 31, 67-76, 2015; (6) J. Holden, et al., J. Hydrol., 402, 103-114, 2011 (7) N.G.A. Bell, Molecular metrics for assessing the status of peatlands, Soil Security Fellowship, 2016; N.G.A. Bell et al., Chem. Commun. 50, 1694-1697, 2014; N.G.A. Bell, et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 54, 8382 –8385, 2015. (8) N. Hertkorn et al., Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 389, 1311–1327, 2007.