About the Project
This exciting fully-funded PhD at Bangor University will address the growing concern about the threats posed by microplastic contamination to environmental and public health. Microplastics can enter freshwater systems from a variety of pathways, however, the fluxes entering freshwater under differing climatic and hydrological regimes remains poorly quantified. The major goal of this PhD project is to quantify diffuse and point source microplastic loadings into contrasting Conwy River sub-catchments under variable hydrological conditions, to establish shifting pollutant and pathogen mobility and contamination risks during extreme weather events (e.g. flooding and drought).
You will conduct field surveys to map the sources and sinks of plastic pollution from farms, road runoff, sewage outflows, littering and atmospheric deposition. LiDAR data and drainage maps will be used to assess high-risk areas for plastic loss, based on topography and connectivity to watercourses. Field sampling across replicated sub-catchments in the Conwy Catchment Living Lab, will allow for microplastic fingerprinting (concentration, abundance, polymer type, size and shape), alongside continuous collection of weather data, soil moisture and stream flow data to characterise the hydrological regime. Plot-scale and lysimeter experimentation will allow quantification of the microplastic and pathogen leaching and run-off losses under single and combined extreme weather events (flood and drought). Using the above generated data, you will then model the potential transfers of microplastics from land to water in the Conwy Catchment Living Lab and assess whether the model can be used for predicting microplastic exports under extreme weather conditions.
You will join the dynamic research group in the Ecosystems and Environment Group within the Environment Centre Wales. You will become proficient in environmental field sampling, experimental design, analytical chemistry for characterizing microplastics, the use of sensor technologies to collect supporting hydrological data, GIS and spatial analysis for mapping contamination sources and working with stakeholders.
Natural Environment Research Council funded RED ALERT Centre for Doctoral Training will provide training in water-based early warning systems for environmental and public health protection focused around 4 UK and 3 international Living Labs aimed to provide the in-depth knowledge and enable a step-change in managing environmental and public health.
The student stipend is £19,237 per annum, with all fees and other costs covered.
Application criteria
Give details of academic background/experience required A BSc (1st or 2.1) or MSc in hydrology, biogeochemistry and/or a related environmental science (essential).
Prior expertise in spatial data analysis and software e.g. ArcGIS (desirable).
Prior analytical or environmental sampling experience (e.g. soils/rivers/pollutant quantification/microplastic sampling and analysis) (desirable).
The ability to undertake quantitative analysis and have strong research methods and analysis skills (essential).
Proficient in English (speaking and writing; Bangor University requires an IELTS score of 6.5. https://www.bangor.ac.uk/international/future/englishlanguage) (essential).
A driving licence is required to travel to field sites (essential).
This project is co-sponsored by Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water, and is one of several projects that will be based in the Conwy Catchment “Living Lab” as part of the RED-ALERT Centre of Doctoral Training.
To apply visit our online application portal: https://apps.bangor.ac.uk/apply/account/login/
Natural Environment Research Council funded RED ALERT Centre for Doctoral Training will provide training in water-based early warning systems for environmental and public health protection focused around 4 UK and 3 international Living Labs aimed to provide the in-depth knowledge and enable a step-change in managing environmental and public health.
