2010 PhD studentships Bio-monitoring of water quality, Lancaster University
PhD Studentships-Bio monitoring of water quality: a new isotope-based method
Scholarship Name:The Lancaster Centre PhD Studentships
Introduction:
Monitoring the water quality of lakes, rivers, streams and coasts using the ecology of the organisms is a well established method used throughout the water industry. One of the most promising organisms used for biomonitoring are diatoms, siliceous unicellular algae which are ubiquitous in natural waters. Here we seek a student to develop a new method of diatom biomonitoring using a stable isotope technique as an indicator of aquatic productivity. Recent work at Lancaster has shown a strong relationship between stable carbon isotopes from diatoms contained within biofilms and traditional productivity measures. However, decoding the nature of the relationship between aquatic productivity and the organic matter within the diatom silica requires further work. Specifically, the student will analyse lake and river samples on approximately a seasonal basis from the Lake District, and evaluate estuarine samples to determine if the method can be extended to the coastal realm.
The student will be working with our CASE partner Isoprime Ltd to develop a robust, novel, mass spectrometry methodology of relevance to water monitoring agencies and consultancies. The student will be exposed to state-of-the-art instruments in newly equipped laboratories of the Lancaster Environment Centre and also spend time with Isoprime thereby gaining excellent industrial experience. Training obtained in biomonitoring and mass spectrometry will produce a very employable postgraduate, while the results should produce some excellent science. This is a first class PhD opportunity supported by an enhanced stipend.
Eligibility:
We seek a highly motivated individual with a strong commitment to doing a PhD. The candidate should have a first class or upper second class degree in Geography, Environmental Science, Biology or Chemistry or other relevant science discipline. A master’s qualification might be useful but is not essential. The student must be available to start on 1 September 2010
How to Apply:
Applications can be made online at:
http://www.postgraduate.lancs.ac.uk/Pages/default.aspx.
Details of the application process are provided here: http://www.lec.lancs.ac.uk/postgraduate/applications.php or
contact Andy Harrod, LEC
postgraduate admissions officer for details via lec.pg@lancaster.ac.uk
Important Dates:
Deadline for Applications: Sun 31 January 2010
Source:
http://www.lec.lancs.ac.uk/postgraduate/pg_news/?article_id=822
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