PhD studentship: Fate, reactivity and environmental impact of using
iron nanoparticles for site clean-up
Summary:
Targeted under NERC's Water theme, this PhD studentship is aimed at determining the fate, reactivity and environmental risk of deploying nanoscale iron particles (INP) for the cleanup of polluted sites and groundwaters around the UK. The project is CASE supported by URS/Scott Wilson and Chemtest Ltd with advisory input from DEFRA and CL:AIRE.
Much of the current uncertainty about the use of INP in the environment stems from a significant lack of detailed site-specific research. The current studentship proposes to bridge the gaps in our current understanding and provide valuable site-derived data relating to the lifecycle of INP in the environment.
Over the period of the project, the student will perform both laboratory and field-based investigations using INP of different sizes and types (wet-formed, dry-formed, annealed, surfactant coated) to evaluate their relative performance for contaminant remediation in natural waters of complex geochemistry. The project will also seek to better understand specific fundamental lifecycle aspects of INP injected into pore-water systems, namely the factors that control transport, transformation, contaminant-INP reactivity and microbial impact. These data will help refine hydrogeochemical models used to predict INP behaviour.
Of specific value to the project, URS/Scott Wilson will provide access to contaminated sites within the UK and/or overseas where the student, under supervision of the CASE supervisor, will participate in the planning, deployment and monitoring of a remediation project using INP.
This is a truly multidisciplinary research project, encompassing materials and geological sciences in both a laboratory and field setting. Based at the University of Bristol, the student will address issues critical in the field, with access to a wider range of technology, facilities and expertise than a standard PhD. The student will be engaged in a 4-6 month internship with the CASE partner and gain first-hand exposure to working in the land remediation industry. Upon completion, the student will be very well prepared for a career in industry or academia.
Candidate requirements:
Interested EU/UK candidates should have a first or upper second (2.1) class honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate scientific discipline. They should have strong interest in the project and be able to demonstrate an aptitude for undertaking this type of research. A background in geology, geosciences, geochemistry, physics or engineering is required for this project.
Funding:
The project is CASE supported by URS Scott Wilson with advisory input from DEFRA and CL:AIRE. A tax-free stipend (£13,590 for 2011/2012) will be available for the successful (and eligible) candidate. 'Home' tuition fees will also be covered. Standard EPSRC studentship eligibility rules apply - http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/PostgraduateTraining/StudentEligibility.htm.
For further information:
For further details regarding the research project, applicants are invited to contact Dr TB Scott (0117 331 1176; t.b.scott@bristol.ac.uk; http://www.bris.ac.uk/iac).
Application process:
You can now apply online for our postgraduate programmes. Full details are available from http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/2012/apply.html. We will accept paper applications, if you are unable to apply online, sent to:
Interface Analysis Centre
Oldbury House
121 St Michael's Hill
Bristol BS2 8BS
Subject Areas:
Physical and Environmental Sciences
Chemistry; Geology, Physics; Environmental Sciences; Materials Science
Closing date for applications (minimum of 2 weeks from publication date):
09 December 2011
Contact details for queries regarding this request:
Dr Keith R Hallam
tel no: x11173
email: k.r.hallam@bristol.ac.uk
