Tags/Categories
Environment University of Reading Polluted sites Bioaccessibility PhD Europe Organic contaminants January 2013 Sustainable

Currently there is no commercially available method suitable for determining the bioaccessibility of persistent organic pollutants (POPS). POPs are prevalent in UK soils, in urban areas they are often at concentrations above the derived generic assessment criteria (GAC) for residential land use. This research sets out to develop a regime to assess the mobility or organic contaminants, the relationship of this mobility to the conditions in the human gastrointestinal tract and how we make accurate measurements of this in terms of organics bioaccessibility. This will influence a more accurate assessment of the risks associated with this class of pollutants and could also help to avoid remediation costs thereby providing reliable, robust, safe and sustainable approach to dealing with the ever increasing pressure to re-use Brownfield land.

It is expected that the launch of this robust technology will follow field trials with two of our participating environmental consultancies, thus proving both cost and CO2 savings against current practice.

We are seeking self-motivated, ambitious applicants with a background in soil science, environmental chemistry or equivalent. Applicants must possess an MSc in a related area or a good degree (2:1 or higher). You will need to be a good communicator with a drive to deliver the quality doctoral level research within an organisation whose staff are recognised as the world’s leading experts.

This four-year studentship will be based at BGS’ headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham. Attendance will also be required at the University of Reading. National travel to UK sites will be part of the role.

Please note there are eligibility requirements for more details refer to the EPSRC web site http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/PostgraduateTraining/StudentEligibility.htm

* 31 January 2013

http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/PostgraduateTraining/StudentEligibility.htm
http://www.reading.ac.uk/study/apply/
http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/postgraduatetraining/centres/idcs.htm
http://www.reading.ac.uk/tsbe

References:

Further information on the TSBE Centre can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/tsbe and at the EPSRC website http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/postgraduatetraining/centres/idcs.htm

Applications

Applications should be made online through our website at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/study/apply/
You also need to submit a full CV and Personal Statement to e.e.hawkins@reading.ac.uk by 31 January 2013.
Proposed start date April 2013.