HWU
Investigating the influence of particle-toxicant interactions on toxicant bioavailability and toxicity in a tropical estuarine amphipod of mangrove wetlands
✓ Fully Funded
⏰ Closing Soon
🎓 Analytical Chemistry
🎓 Ecology
🎓 Ecotoxicology
🎓 Environmental Biology
🎓 Environmental Chemistry
🎓 Hydrology
🎓 Marine Sciences
🎓 Molecular Biology
🎓 Pollution
🎓 behavioral biology
Analytical Chemistry
Behavioural Biology Ecology Ecotoxicology
Environmental Biology Environmental Chemistry
Hydrology
Marine Sciences
Molecular Biology
Pollution
Mangrove ecosystems face mounting threats from the triple planetary crises of pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. Particle-toxicant interactions result in complex scenarios in which toxicants are transformed and traditional ecotoxicity tests that do not include the influence of particles on toxicant bioavailability have limited ability to predict toxicity. This project will move forward understanding of particle-toxicant interactions and enhance knowledge of multiple factors that affect toxicity in a critically important relevant model organism of mangrove ecosystems. Findings will inform environmental policy, enhance risk assessment frameworks, and support conservation strategies for mangroves, critical buffers against climate impacts and biodiversity decline.
Project Description
The aquatic toxicity of substances is controlled largely by factors that influence their bioavailability and among the most important of these are interactions with particles. Toxic substances sorb and desorb to particles in the aqueous phase and undergo transformation reactions mediated by photoactivation and microbial processes. As particles with absorbed toxicants are transported to river mouths and mangrove wetlands, rapid changes in salinity can alter toxicant-particle associations and affect toxicant bioavailability. Our established tropical amphipod model Parhyale hawaiensis and purpose-built particle-toxicant dispersion test chambers enable investigations into these critically important and understudied questions of environmental toxicology. The lead supervisor has existing research projects and long-term research collaborations with colleagues working with this model organism within mangrove ecosystems, which will provide access to these sites for field investigations.
Entry Requirements
Applicants typically should have a first or upper second-class honors degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters’ qualification or similar experience.
We recognize that not every talented researcher will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore will account for any particular circumstances that applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process.
English Language Requirements;
Overseas students must be able to provide proof of their ability in the English language.
We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than five years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.
We recognize that not every talented researcher will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore will account for any particular circumstances that applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process.
English Language Requirements;
Overseas students must be able to provide proof of their ability in the English language.
We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than five years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.
How to Apply
Visit the official application page to apply:
https://ecowild.site.hw.ac.uk/
Follow the instructions under the ECOWILD doctoral training program and submit your application before the deadline.
https://ecowild.site.hw.ac.uk/
Follow the instructions under the ECOWILD doctoral training program and submit your application before the deadline.
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
TH
Theodore Henry
Heriot-Watt University, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
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