Nanoplastic-phytoplankton interactions under ocean warming and their multi-stressor effects, CASE project with Cefas

Nanoplastic-phytoplankton interactions under ocean warming and their multi-stressor effects, CASE project with Cefas

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Craig Dedman-Jones, School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences (SoGEES), University of Plymouth

Professor Jamie Lead, School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences (SoGEES), University of Plymouth

Dr Adam Lewis, Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)

Dr Andrew Turner, Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)

 

Scientific Background

Our seas have absorbed ~90% of the heat accumulated on Earth in the past 50 years. Consequently, sea surface temperatures and the frequency of marine heatwaves are increasing rapidly. Meanwhile, millions of tons of plastics enter the marine environment every year. Continual fragmentation has led to the occurrence of nano-scale plastic particles (nanoplastics; 1-1000 nm) which represent the majority of plastic in the ocean. The impact of nanoplastics on marine life and ecosystem function requires attention to understand the risk of these abundant pollutants in the context of other co-occurring environmental stressors. The influence of ocean warming on the biouptake of nanoplastics will be explored under simulated natural conditions in the laboratory. Marine phytoplankton, which act as the base of the marine food web and contribute to major global biogeochemical cycles, will be used as a model to understand bioaccumulation of nanoplastics and any impact of exposure on oceanic carbon cycling in the future warmed ocean.

 

Research Methodology

Palladium (Pd)-doped plastic nanoparticles (Pd NPPs) will be synthesised and characterized using a multi-method approach. Laboratory exposures with Pd NPPs will be conducted on model marine phytoplankton species under various ocean warming scenarios. Single cell- and single particle- inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SC-ICP-MS) will be used to track biouptake as affected by temperature. Proteomic analysis will be used examine mechanisms of NPP toxicity towards phytoplankton.

 

Training

The PGR will receive training in nanoparticle synthesis and characterisation. Experience will be gained in collecting and analysing mass spectrometry data using state-of-the-art approaches. Training will be provided in algal culturing and physiological monitoring, as well as in molecular biology. Through the ARIES DTP and access to the University of Plymouth Researcher Development Programme, the PGR will acquire a range of professional and transferable skills. The PGR will meet with the supervisory team regularly throughout the project to receive guidance and support.

 

Person Specification

We seek an enthusiastic and motivated individual with interests in nanotechnology and/or marine biology. Prior experience in materials characterisation or algal culturing techniques would be beneficial. Experience in mass spectrometry would be desirable.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Chemistry, Marine Biology, Biology, Environmental Science

Project code: DEDMAN-JONES_PLYM_ARIES26_CASE

All ARIES CASE studentships include a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic CASE partner during their period of study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development.

References

  • Bair E.C., Lead, J. R et al. (2024) Quantification of palladium-labelled nanoplastics algal uptake by single cell and single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Environmental Chemistry 21, EN24011. doi:10.1071/EN24011
  • Dedman C.J. et al. (2022) Cell size matters: Nano- and micro-plastics preferentially drive declines of large marine phytoplankton due to co-aggregation, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 424, Part B, doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127488.
  • Ponton, D., Lead, J.R. et al (2019). Three layered silver nanoparticles to trace dissolution and accumulation by a green alga. Nanotoxicology, 13, 1149-1160
  • Dedman C.J. et al. (2021) Environmentally relevant concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles pose negligible risk to marine microbes, Environmental Science: Nano, 8, 1236-1255. doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00883D
  • Dedman C.J. et al. (2023) The cellular response to ocean warming in Emiliania huxleyi, Frontiers in Microbiology, 14, doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1177349

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2026. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7 January 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) 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

Apply now via  University of Plymouth ARIES Doctoral Training