Source attribution of atmospheric contamination using non-traditional isotopes

DICKSON_R25ARIES CASE Studentship with National Physical Laboratory

Source attribution of atmospheric contamination using non-traditional isotopes

DICKSON_R25ARIES CASE Studentship with National Physical Laboratory

Project Description

Supervisors

Professor Alex Dickson, Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London – contact me

Dr Emma Braysher, NPL

Dr Christina Manning, RHUL – Earth Sciences

Professor Martin King, RHUL – Earth Sciences

Dr Naomi Saunders, RHUL – Earth Sciences

 

Scientific background

Identifying sources of atmospheric particulate pollution is essential to inform effective mitigation strategies. Trace metal isotope ratios have the potential to fingerprint the source of particulates emitted by industrial processes but require high-precision analyses of small amounts of sample material to extract this information.

Research methodology

In this project, you will work with a team at Royal Holloway University of London and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in London to measure the lead and nickel isotope compositions of atmospheric particulates in the UK, with the intention of characterising the source of these emissions, and their spatial distributions. NPL coordinates an ongoing air quality monitoring network for heavy metals at 23 sites across the UK, and you will have access to several years’ worth of archived filtered particulate sample material. Samples will be chemically prepared and measured using multi-collector ICP-MS at the world-class trace metal laboratories at Royal Holloway with source attribution using atmospheric dispersal modelling.

Training

You will be trained in sample handling, chemical purification techniques, mass spectrometry and atmospheric modelling for source attribution. You will be based at RHUL but will spend time with the project’s CASE sponsor NPL at Teddington in West London where you will engage with the wider monitoring network in the UK and Europe to learn about the policy implications of your work. NPL is the UK’s National Measurement Institute, a world-leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate measurement standards and methods. The Air Quality and Aerosol Metrology Group at NPL develops and maintains the nation’s primary measurement standards for determining the chemical and physical properties of airborne particulate matter and operates three of the UK’s ambient air quality networks.

Person specification

We are looking for an individual who is enthusiastic about laboratory work with strong numerical skills and an appetite to contribute to environmental solutions in the UK and abroad.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, Physical Geography

References

  • Russell, B. et al. (2021), Applications of hydrogen as a collision and reaction cell gas for enhanced measurement capability applied to low level stable and radioactive isotope detection using ICP-MS/MS. Journal of Analytical and Atomic Spectroscopy 36, 2704.
  • Braysher, E., Russell, B. and Read, D. (2020), Application of plasma mass spectrometry for half-life measurement of medium and long-lived radionuclides. Journal of Physics: conference series 1643, 012207.
  • Martinkova, E. et al. (2016), Cadmium isotope fractionation of material derived from various industrial processes. Journal of Hazardous Materials 302, 114–119. Example application of trace metal isotopes to distinguish industrial pollution.
  • Saunders, N. et al. (2022), Heterogenous nickel isotope compositions of the terrestrial mantle – part 2: mafic lithologies. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 317, 349–364.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2025. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 8th January 2025.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£19,237 p.a. for 2024/25) and research funding. 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 postgradute researcher (PGRs) benefit from bespoke graduate 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.
  • 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 imigration 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 ask to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • If funded under the BBSRC-NERC DLA scheme, ARIES studentships will be 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. See https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information

Apply Now

Apply now via the  RHUL Application Portal