Project description

Primary supervisor - Dr Marcela Hernández

Scientific Background

Volcanic emissions are a natural source of mercury (Hg) to the atmosphere and Mt. Etna is a major natural source of Hg to the Mediterranean region. Previous research has shown that Hg deposited on the low pH and organic-poor soils of Etna's south-eastern flank may not be retained but instead released to groundwater or re-emitted to the atmosphere, indicating that the deposition of volcanic Hg has clear environmental impacts. The potential for Hg to disrupt local ecosystems is particularly concerning, as it may alter microbial activity, including their capability to oxidise trace gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), also abundant at Etna volcano. This plays a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry and climate regulation. In this project, you will investigate if Hg affects the microbial communities and specifically their capability to oxidise trace gases, such as CO.

The project

You will be answering these key questions: 1) How do bacterial communities in recently formed soils from Mt Etna utilise CO, and what specific metabolic pathways are involved? and 2) Does exposure to mercury influence the expression and activity of the CO-dehydrogenase enzyme in bacteria isolated from Mt. Etna soils?

To answer these questions, you will join sampling campaigns at Mt. Etna followed by soil incubations and trace-gas measurements. You will be trained in cutting-edge tools for isolation of microbes, including whole genome sequencing, proteomics, and metagenomics.

Training

Specific training will include: the cultivation of soil bacteria; quantitative PCR; high-throughput sequencing and proteomics. You will present results at weekly lab meetings, departmental seminars, and at national and international conferences.

Person specification

We are looking for a pro-active, highly motivated student willing to join sampling campaigns at Etna Volcano. The candidate should have a strong background in microbiology, biochemistry, soil or environmental sciences (BSc/Masters in Soil Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, or similar).

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 3,4 or 5 February 2026.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Funding

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2025/6 stipend rate: £20,780), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

References

Hernández M, Calabi M, Conrad R, Dumont M. 2020b. Analysis of the microbial communities in soils of different ages following volcanic eruptions. Pedosphere. 30: 126-134.

Dawson, R.A., P. Aguila, T. Martin Pozas, G. King, M. Hernández. Carbon monoxide-oxidising Pseudomonadota on volcanic deposits. Environmental Microbiome 20:12.

Jenner L, Butt J et al. 2022, Reaction of thiosulfate dehydrogenase with a substrate mimic induces dissociation of the cysteine heme ligand giving insight into the mechanism of oxidative catalysis. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 144: 18296.

Meyer, O. & Schlegel, H. G. 1983. Biology of aerobic carbon monoxide-oxidizing bacteria. Ann. Rev. Microbiol. 37: 277-310.

Hogendoorn C, Pol A, Picone N, Cremers G, van Alen TA, Gagliano AL, Jetten MSM, D'Alessandro W, Quatrini P, Op den Camp HJM. 2020. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide-utilizing Kyrpidia spormannii Species from Pantelleria island, Italy. Front Microbiol. 11: 951.

Investigating genetic markers and mechanisms of CO dehydrogenase regulation in response to atmospheric mercury (HERNANDEZ GARCIA_U26DTP)

Project description

Entry requirements

Funding

References