ENVEAST Doctoral Training Partnership
Investigating the biogeochemistry of trace metals in ship plumes in the marine environment
Plymouth UniversitySupervisors: Dr Simon Ussher ()
Dr Malcolm Nimmo()
University of East Anglia Supervisor:Dr Alex Baker ()
PML Supervisor: Dr Tom Bell ()
Background: The biogeochemistry of the surface ocean and lower atmosphere are connected by transport pathways that have profound effects on the Earth’s climate and biosphere.Airborne particles are often natural in origin (e.g. sea salt, dust) but there is concern that modern anthropogenic aerosols have significant effects on sensitive marine ecosystems. A major contributor to atmospheric pollutants in the marine environment is shipping traffic, which is continually increasing due to expanding populations and global trade.
In this project you will determine trace elements in modern ship emissions and aerosol/rainwater samples collected onboard ships and at coastal and open ocean sampling sites. Laboratory simulations will be used to study the dissolution of aerosol associated trace elements into seawater, using established trace techniques. Using these data, the project will address the critical impact that anthropogenic emissions associated with maritime shipping can have on open ocean ecosystems either by deposition of nutrient-type trace elements (P, N, Fe) or harmful toxic heavy metals, (e.g. Cu and Sn). The final goal will be to use the results to help inform the shipping industry and governments of best practice and the impact of changing the quantity and chemistry of aerosols and gases released from ships.
Research methods and training: You will become an expert in cutting-edge techniques to sample and analyse marine aerosols and rainwaters. You will conduct fieldwork on ships, at a coastal atmospheric observatory (Penlee Point, Cornwall) and collect remote open ocean samples deposited in the North Atlantic Ocean (Bermuda). You will learn how to use advanced chemical analytical techniques and meteorological models to identify the origin of aerosols and assess their impact on the surface ocean.
Training opportunities will be offered in marine atmospheric fieldwork at established study sites in Cornwall (UK) and Bermuda You will also receive comprehensive, hands-on training in advanced analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray techniques (XRF and SEM-EDX).
Supervision and person specification:You will benefit from a team of experienced and friendly supervisors from Plymouth University, University or East Anglia (UEA), and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the scientific networks and career opportunities associated with these institutes.It will also be possible to link your workto a larger, broader scope project that considers atmospheric chemistry and climate (ACSIS;
We are looking for a student with a 1st class or 2:1 BSc or Masters level degree in Environmental Science, Marine Science or Chemistry (or similar courses) with a genuine passion for marine and atmospheric science.Candidates are encouraged to contact any of the supervisors with any scientific enquiries.For further information about the application process, please visit
References:
(i) Ussher, S.J. et al.(2013) Impact of atmospheric deposition on the contrasting iron biogeochemistry of the North and South Atlantic Ocean, P.J. Worsfold, Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 27(1), 1096–1107, doi:10.1002/gbc.20056.
(ii) Baker, A. R. et al. (2016) Soluble trace metals in aerosols over the tropical south-east Pacific offshore of Peru, Biogeosciences, 13, 817-825, 10.5194/bg-13-817-2016.