Pollution in A Warming World: Emerging Contaminants and Heatwaves in Estuarine Ecosystems

Project Code: COLE_PLYM_ARIES27

Pollution in A Warming World: Emerging Contaminants and Heatwaves in Estuarine Ecosystems

Project Code: COLE_PLYM_ARIES27

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Matthew Cole, Plymouth Marine Laboratory – contact me 

Dr Michael Collins, University of Plymouth

Dr Becca Millard, Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Professor Pennie Lindeque, Plymouth Marine Laboratory

 

This exciting, multidisciplinary PhD offers the opportunity to use cutting-edge ecotoxicology and molecular approaches to investigate how climate change and emerging pollutants interact to impact estuarine ecosystems.

Scientific Background

Estuaries are among the most productive and valuable ecosystems on Earth, supporting biodiverse habitats, fisheries, and internationally significant bird populations. Within these transitional waters, invertebrates play critical ecological roles as biofilters, ecosystem engineers and prey for higher trophic levels. However, estuarine ecosystems face increasing pressures from climate change and pollution. Estuaries receive contaminants from terrestrial, freshwater and marine sources, with many pollutants accumulating in sediments where they can persist and interact with biological communities. At the same time, estuaries are also being challenged by increased frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves, driving increased organism stress and exacerbating the uptake and toxicity of pollutants. Despite growing concern, the combined effects of emerging contaminants and warming temperatures on estuarine ecosystems remain poorly understood.

 

Research Methodology

This PhD will investigate how emerging pollutants affect ecologically important estuarine invertebrates under ambient and extreme temperatures. Working closely with the supervisory team, you will co-develop laboratory-based multi-stressor ecotoxicology experiments to assess pollutant responses of estuarine invertebrates exposed to emerging contaminants (e.g. tyre-wear particles, pharmaceuticals) and heatwaves. The project will combine controlled exposure studies with molecular and organism-level assessments to identify mechanisms of toxicity and ecological consequences. Research outputs will improve understanding of risks posed by pollutants to estuarine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in a changing climate.

 

Training

Based at Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the University of Plymouth, you will receive training in experimental design, ecotoxicology, molecular biology, data analysis, bioinformatics, statistics and science communication. You will have access to world-class laboratory facilities and benefit from the extensive training, networking and professional development opportunities provided through the host institutes and the ARIES Doctoral Training Partnership.

 

Person Specification

We seek an enthusiastic and motivated individual with a strong interest in marine ecology, environmental science and ecotoxicology. Experience in laboratory research would be advantageous, although full training will be provided.

Acceptable first degree subject(s): Biological sciences; Biology; Ecology; Marine Biology; Environmental Science; Geography; Natural Science

References

  • The Impact of Polystyrene Microplastics on Feeding, Function and Fecundity in the Marine Copepod Calanus helgolandicus M Cole, P Lindeque, E Fileman, C Halsband, TS Galloway Environmental science & technology 49 (2), 1130-1137
  • Environmental concentrations of antifouling paint particles are toxic to sediment-dwelling invertebrates C Muller-Karanassos, W Arundel, PK Lindeque, T Vance, A Turner, M Cole Environmental Pollution 268, 115754
  • Gene‐to‐Population Level Responses to Multiple Stressors on the Rocky Shore, R Wilson, K Driver, J Orr, M Truebano, M Collins, M Jackson, Ecology and Evolution 16 (4), e73368
  • The environmental cellular stress response: the intertidal as a multistressor model, M Collins, MS Clark, M Truebano, Cell Stress and Chaperones 28 (5), 467-475
  • Impact of polyester and cotton microfibers on growth and sublethal biomarkers in juvenile mussels C Walkinshaw, TJ Tolhurst, PK Lindeque, RC Thompson, M Cole Microplastics and Nanoplastics 3 (1), 5

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2027. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 16 December 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

For further information on the application process for this studentship, please visit the  University of Plymouth's Research Degrees webpage.