Department of Soil Science
School of Human and Environmental Sciences
A University PhD studentship is offered for the following research topic. Applications are invited from students with an upper second class honours degree or above in environmental science, or a related discipline. The closing date for applications is 16 April 2008.
- Fate and transport of zero valent iron nanoparticles in the environment (Dr C D Collins, Dr E J Shaw and Prof G Mitchell (CfAM), Golders (External partner)
Email: c.d.collins@reading.ac.uk Tel. 0118 378 8910.
Due to restrictions on the funding only applications from UK and EU applicants can be accepted. Tuition fees and a stipend will be paid for three years. For further details, or for an informal discussion, please contact the project supervisor named above.
The Department of Soil Science is internationally respected, obtaining a grade 5 in the last RAE. www.reading.ac.uk/soilscience/pg-research
Project Outline
Nanoparticles offer a chance to create exciting new applications for existing materials as their small size changes their reactivity and properties, because of these novel properties there is concern that their environmental impact may be different to that of the larger sized particles. The combination of potential novel properties and associated environmental concerns has resulted high levels of interest in the industrial, environmental regulation and research communities. The project will enable us to characterise nanoparticles in aquifer materials during their application for remediation of groundwaters. This is a pertinent because in this application nanoparticles are purposefully discharged directly into the environment so creating the potential for negative impacts on biota. The interaction with aquifer materials will enable us to predict the potential of the materials to remain in an active state post remediation.
Training
The student will receive training in a broad range of techniques: organic chemical analysis (GC-FID and GC-MS), microbiology for toxicity assessment, and transmission electron microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy. An initial emphasis will be placed upon training in experimental design and statistics to ensure the student develops a rigorous experimental programme.
Training in more generic skills will also be given e.g. hypotheses testing, experimental design, and oral and poster presentations via the Faculty of Science postgraduate programme. The student will work at the frontier of the discipline and to report their findings in high quality journals. At the end of their PhD training, the student will be well-placed for a career in academia or in environmental consultancy.
Industrial Partnership
Golder Associates are supporting the project because they are interested in using nanoparticles for the remediation of groundwaters. Golders will provide an opportunity to gain valuable industrial experience as well as provide an extra £2000 per annum to the stipend.
Application Procedure
Application forms and full project description(s) are available from: Elizabeth Wyeth, Research Administrator, School of Human Environmental Sciences, Email: m.e.wyeth@reading.ac.uk
Application forms can be also be downloaded from: http://www.reading.ac.uk/Study/study-pg.asp .
Reading lies in a purpose built campus on the M4 corridor with excellent transport links to London (50 mins) and Heathrow airport (40 mins).
- Subject Areas:
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- Physical Sciences
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- Geology
- Other Physical Sciences
- Environment
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- Environmental Science
- Other Environment
