Application Deadline: 31 January 2025
Details
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive pollutants in freshwater environments, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems, agricultural systems, and food safety. As MNPs degrade and interact with contaminants in water, they develop an “eco-corona,” a dynamic layer that alters their surface properties, behaviour, and biological impacts. This PhD project explores how eco-corona formation influences the fate and ecological interactions of MNPs in freshwater environments, with a focus on understanding their potential impacts on key species and evaluating solutions for mitigating pollution.
The project offers an interdisciplinary research approach, combining expertise in sustainable materials (University of Manchester), evolutionary biology (University of Liverpool), and environmental monitoring (University of Manchester). Within this project, the successful candidate will:
- Create a library of MNPs derived from commonly used plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene, PET), tailored to reflect real-world conditions.
- Analyse how water quality, including pollution levels, shapes eco-corona formation on these particles using advanced analytical techniques, such as asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation and scanning electron microscopy.
- Investigate the biological effects of eco-corona-modified MNPs on Daphnia species, focusing on bioaccumulation, behaviour, and ecological impacts in controlled lab studies.
- Assess how eco-corona composition affects MNP reactivity to inform bioremediation strategies and optimise water treatment processes for polluted freshwater systems.
This project integrates lab-based experimentation with field sampling of diverse freshwater environments, offering comprehensive training in polymer synthesis, ecological monitoring, and advanced characterisation methods. Supported by cutting-edge facilities at the Henry Royce Institute, the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, and Reaseheath’s agricultural research facilities, the student will gain highly valuable interdisciplinary skills.
The outcomes of this research will provide critical insights into the environmental behaviour of MNPs, enabling better risk assessments for freshwater and agricultural ecosystems and informing strategies for sustainable water management.
McDonald – http://mcdonaldlab.co.uk/ https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/tom-mcdonald
Woodward – https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/jamie.woodward
Plaistow https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/stewart-plaistow https://pcwww.liv.ac.uk/~stewp123/index.html
Eligibility
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology.
International applicants
We are only able to offer a limited number of full studentships to applicants outside the UK. Therefore, full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality international candidates due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before applying. Visit our ‘Eligibility and entry requirements’ page to find out more about our English language requirements.
Before you Apply
Browse our BBSRC NWD in Bioscience projects and discover one you’re passionate about that matches your interests, ambitions and goals.
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How to Apply
All applications should be made via our specific BBSRC NWDP in Bioscience online application form. This is a separate application process specifically for all candidates for this scheme. Applications should not be made through either university’s usual online application system.
You must submit your application form along with the required supporting documents by the deadline date. You can select up to two projects on one single application, noting the title of each project from the advert and the supervisor name. This can include two projects from one institution or a project from each institution.
Before you complete your application you should prepare the following supporting documents:
· CV
· Personal statement
· Degree certificates and transcripts (if your qualification is still pending, please ensure this is clear on your application form and you can send this to us at a later date)
· Two references
· Evidence of English language qualifications (if completed)
Complete the application form: https://forms.office.com/e/HVXALrVa0P
Once you have completed your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email and you should reply to this email with all of your supporting documentation as soon as possible to: nwd-bbsrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk
Deadline: Friday, 31 January 2025, 5pm
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
If you need help with this stage of the process, or have any queries regarding your eligibility (such as if you achieved unexpectedly low degree results due to extenuating circumstances), please contact the Doctoral Admissions team for advice at fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website.
Funding Notes
These studentships are available to UK and international applicants, and provide funding for tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI rate, subject to eligibility, for four years. This does not include any costs associated with relocation. This scheme is open to both the UK and international applicants.
