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Trace Metal Chemistry in Aerosol: Interactions with the Ocean

Information

  • Start date: October 2013
  • Programme: PhD
  • Mode of Study: Full Time
  • Studentship Length: 3 years

How to Apply

  • Deadline: 17 May 2013. We have several selection rounds. If you wish to be considered in our January selection meeting, please apply by 30 November. If you wish to be considered in our March meeting please apply by 31 January. Applications received by 31 Mar will be considered in May.
  • Apply online

Fees & Funding

  • Funding Status: Competition Funded Project (EU Students Only)
    Further Details
  • Funding Conditions:

    Funding is available to EU students. If funding is awarded for this project it will cover tuition fees and stipend for UK students. EU students may be eligible for full funding, or tuition fees only, depending on the funding source.

  • Fees: Fees Information (Opens in new window)

Entry Requirements

  • Acceptable First Degree:

    Chemistry, Marine Science, Environmental Science, Analytical or Forensic Science or similar

  • Minimum Entry Standard: The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1

Project Description

The transport of atmospheric aerosols can be an important source of trace metals to the surface waters of the remote ocean. This represents one of the fundamental and least understood major biogeochemical linkages within the Earth System. In recent years a great deal of work has focussed on aerosol iron (both the quantities transported and the factors that control its solubility in seawater), driven by the recognition that iron is an important nutrient for phytoplankton growth which is often in short supply (Jickells et al., 2005; Baker & Croot, 2010). It is now becoming increasingly clear that a number of other trace metals also have significant physiological roles (e.g. Zn, Cd, Co, Ni, Cu) or are potentially toxic (e.g. Cu) – see http://www.geotraces.org/ (Morel & Price, 2003).

This studentship seeks to examine the chemistry of these bioactive trace metals in aerosol, with the aim of better understanding their atmospheric supply to the global ocean. These aims are closely linked to those of the international SOLAS and GEOTRACES programmes. The student will have access to a unique set of samples collected over the remote Atlantic Ocean (http://www.uea.ac.uk/~e042/transects.htm), providing opportunities to quantify trace metal inputs to the Atlantic basin and study the factors that control trace metal dissolution. Opportunities to participate in field sampling at sea may also be available.

The student will join a lively, world-class environmental biogeochemical research group involved in working across traditional boundaries, particularly the air-sea boundary. They will receive a first class training in environmental sampling, environmental analytical chemistry using state of the art instrumentation as well as in data synthesis and interpretation. The UEA graduate programme will provide additional transferable skills courses leading to excellent subsequent employment opportunities.

References

Jickells et al., (2005) Science 308, 67-71.

Baker & Croot, (2010)  Marine Chemistry, 120, 4-13.

Morel & Price, (2003) Science 300, 944-947.
 



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