PhD Study : Sensitivity of aquatic ecosystems to human pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs)

Summary

Global pharmaceutical use has grown by ~3% per year since 2000 and is predicted to increase further as human populations grow (Van Boeckel et al., 2010). The removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) via wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is inefficient, leading to the constant release of a range of compounds such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g. ibuprofen), antimicrobial compounds (e.g. triclosan, and trimethoprim) and drugs used in chemotherapy (e.g. tamoxifen) into inland waterways, estuaries and coastal seas (e.g. Álvarez-Muñoz et al., 2015; Thomas and Hilton, 2004).

As such, aquatic ecosystems are particularly sensitive to PPCP contamination, with potential impacts for microbial and faunal communities leading to changes in the functioning of these ecosystems (Maranjo et al., 2015; Rosi-Marshall et al., 2013). As such, PPCPs have the potential to disrupt ecosystem services provided by aquatic ecosystems including climate regulation (carbon sequestration), nutrient recycling and support for fisheries and aquaculture.

Aims

The aim of this project is to investigate how a range of pharmaceuticals contaminants affect both microbial and faunal colonisation of artificial substrata within an aquatic system. The study well then investigate the ecophysiological responses of these microbial and faunal assemblages, to a range of environmental stressors such as waming events and sedimentation.

Methods

Microbial biofilms and macrofaunal assemblages will be cultured within the Bann estuary using the Contaminant Exposure Subtrata (CES) method developed by Costello et al. (2015). Ecophysiological responses will be tested under controlled laboratory conditions within an environmental chamber, using microbial primary production and, microbial and faunal respiration as proxies.

References

Álvarez-Muñoz et al., 2015. Env Res. 143, 56-64.

Costello et al., 2015. Fresh Biol. DOI: 10.1111/fwb.12641.

Maranjo et al., 2015. Ecotox Environ Safety. 118, 27–36.

Rosi-Marshall et al., 2013, Ecol App. 23, 583–593 Thomas & Hilton, 2004. Mar Poll Bull. 49, 436-444.

Van Boeckel et al., 2010. Lancet Infect Dis 14, 742-750

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Funding and eligibility