The relative importance of sources of UK energy supply is changing; to meet obligations to reduce carbon emissions, future supply will be based on a mix of thermal and renewable energy sources. New build and existing power plants need to meet stringent environmental criteria under existing legislation. The UK power industry faces a major challenge of developing energy resources in a manner consistent with environmental requirements.

Project Title: Improving Assessment of the impacts of Power Stations on estuarine and marine environments: The impacts on fish and other aquatic organisms

Thermal electricity generation stations have the potential to impact aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Direct-cooled power stations abstract large quantities of water for cooling purposes, and can effect aquatic biota in two ways. First, the intake of cooling water can affect fish, and other aquatic organisms, through entrainment and impingement. Second, the cooling water discharge can impact the receiving environment because it is warmer than the surrounding water, and often biocides are added to reduce biofouling of the screens, condenser tubes and culverts. Several studies have recorded impingement rates and much work has assessed the impact of thermal discharges. Few studies, however, have attempted to assess the significance of these impacts from a population perspective.

The aim of the PhD project is to assess the potential impact of power station cooling water induced stress on aquatic organisms, particularly fish (especially species protected under European legislation) in an attempt to define "adverse environmental impact" at population levels and to assess options for mitigation. The PhD will initially involve the search and acquisition of key data relating to a) local population size of the target species, b) spatial distribution, c) rates of impingement and entrainment, d) impacts of heated effluents, and e) associated probability of survival. Gaps in available data and understanding will be identified. Experimental approaches may be adopted to more effectively define juvenile fish response to fluid dynamics (using state-of-the-art flume facilities) to provide "rules" required by agent-based modellers to improve understanding of spatial distributions of fish relative to large-scale movements of water. Population modelling techniques will allow the impacts of power stations to be estimated at a population level based on information obtained about population size and adverse impacts.

The studentship will be approximately £13,200 per annum (subject to satisfactory progress), plus UK/EU tuition fees only. UK APPLICANTS ONLY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS FUNDING (this is because of the eligibility rules of the funding body).

Should you wish to discuss the above project informally, please contact Dr Paul Kemp (email: p.kemp@soton.ac.uk).

Eligibility: Applicants must have at least a 1st or 2.1 degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline and a high level of numeracy. Experience of modelling would be an advantage, however further training will be provided.

Applications:

Application forms must be submitted online and guidance for completion can be obtained from http://www.soton.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgstudy/howdoiapplypg.html. One A4 page outlining your approach to the project would also be welcomed.

Queries regarding the application procedure should be sent to Jacqui Holmes, PGR Programmes Coordinator (email: jh21@soton.ac.uk)

Applications Deadline: 19 March 2010

Interview Date: 23 April 2010