About the Project
Scientific background and significance
The biogeochemistry of the surface ocean and atmosphere are connected by transport pathways that have profound effects on the Earth’s climate and biosphere. Airborne particles are often natural in origin (e.g. sea salt, dust) but there is concern that modern anthropogenic aerosols have significant effects on sensitive marine ecosystems. A major contributor to atmospheric pollutants in the marine environment is shipping traffic, which is continually increasing due to expanding populations and global trade.
In this project you will determine trace elements in modern ship emissions and aerosol/rainwater samples collected onboard ships and at coastal and open ocean sampling sites. Laboratory simulations will be used to study the dissolution of aerosol associated trace elements into seawater, using established trace techniques. Using these data, the project will address the critical impact that anthropogenic emissions associated with maritime shipping can have on open ocean ecosystems either by deposition of nutrient-type trace elements (P, N, Fe) or harmful toxic heavy metals, (e.g. Cu and Sn). The final goal will be to use the results to help inform the shipping industry and governments of best practice and the impact of changing the quantity and chemistry of aerosols and gases released from ships.
Research methods, training and supervision
You will become an expert in cutting-edge techniques to sample and analyse marine aerosols and rainwaters. You will conduct fieldwork on ships, at a coastal atmospheric observatory (Penlee Point, Cornwall) and collect remote open ocean samples deposited in the North Atlantic Ocean (Bermuda). You will learn how to use advanced chemical analytical techniques and meteorological models to identify the origin of aerosols and assess their impact on the surface ocean.
Training opportunities will be offered in marine atmospheric fieldwork at established study sites in Cornwall (UK) http://www.westernchannelobservatory.org.uk/penlee and Bermuda http://www.bios.edu/research/projects/tudor-hill-marine-atmospheric-observatory. You will also receive comprehensive, hands-on training in advanced analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray techniques (XRF and SEM-EDX).
You will benefit from a team of experienced and friendly supervisors from University of Plymouth (UoP), University or East Anglia (UEA), and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the scientific networks and career opportunities associated with these institutes.
Secondary supervisors: Professor Alex Baker (UEA), Dr Thomas Bell (Plymouth Marine Laboratory), Dr Malcolm Nimmo (Plymouth University).
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the EnvEast NERC Doctoral Training Partnership, comprising the Universities of East Anglia, Essex and Kent, with over twenty other research partners. Undertaking a PhD with the EnvEast DTP will involve attendance at mandatory training events throughout the course of the PhD.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 12/13 February 2018.
For further information, please visit www.enveast.ac.uk/apply
For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/simon-ussher
Type of programme: PhD
Start date of project: October 2018
Mode of study: Full time or part time
Length of studentship: 3.5 years
Acceptable first degree: We are looking for a graduate with a BSc or Masters level degree in Environmental Science, Marine Science or Chemistry (or similar courses) with a genuine passion for marine and atmospheric science.
EnvEast welcomes applicants from quantitative disciplines who may have limited background in environmental sciences. Excellent candidates will be considered for an award of an additional 3-month stipend to take appropriate advanced-level courses in the subject area.
Standard minimum entry requirement: 2:1 or equivalent.
Funding Notes
Successful candidates who meet RCUK’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a NERC studentship - in 2017/18, the stipend is £14,553. In most cases, UK and EU nationals who have been resident in the UK for 3 years are eligible for a stipend. For non-UK EU-resident applicants NERC funding can be used to cover fees, RTSG and training costs, but not any part of the stipend. Individual institutes may, however, elect to provide a stipend from their own resources.
References
(i) Ussher, S.J, Achterberg, E.P., Powell, C., Baker, A.R. Jickells, T.D., Torres, R., Impact of atmospheric deposition on the contrasting iron biogeochemistry of the North and South Atlantic Ocean, P.J. Worsfold, Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 27(1), (2013), 1096–1107, doi:10.1002/gbc.20056.
(ii) Fishwick, M. P., P. N. Sedwick, M. C. Lohan, P. J. Worsfold, K. N. Buck, T. M. Church, and S. J. Ussher (2014), The impact of changing surface ocean conditions on the dissolution of aerosol iron, Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 28, 1235–1250, doi:10.1002/2014GB004921.
(iii) Powell, C. F., Baker, A. R., Jickells, T. D., Bange, H. W., Chance, R., and Yodle, C.: Estimation of the atmospheric flux of nutrients and trace metals to the eastern tropical North Atlantic Ocean, Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, 72, 4029-4045, 10.1175/JAS-D-15-0011.1, 2015.
(iv) Baker, A. R., Thomas, M., Bange, H. W., and Plasencia Sánchez, E.: Soluble trace metals in aerosols over the tropical south-east Pacific offshore of Peru, Biogeosciences, 13, 817-825, 10.5194/bg-13-817-2016, 2016.
(v) Bell, T.G., Poulton, A. and Malin, G. (2010) Strong links between phytoplankton community physiology and dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) concentrations in the sub-tropical/tropical Atlantic. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 24, art. no.-GB3009. doi:10.1029/2009GB003617.
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