Contamination dynamics of streams and soils in rural-urban catchments, CASE Project with South-East Rivers Trust

Contamination dynamics of streams and soils in rural-urban catchments, CASE Project with South-East Rivers Trust

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Nathalie Grassineau, Royal Holloway, University of London

Dr Jonathan Paul, Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London

Professor Juergan Adam, Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London

 

Research Methodology

Soils and vegetation will be collected and analysed at different times of year to assess the influence of weather and seasonality on heavy metal concentrations.  Water samples will be also collected for microplastic and nutrient (phosphate, nitrate and ammonia) analysis. The contaminants will be used to determine bioavailability by evaluating runoff, and bio-accessibility by analysing the vegetation. The spread of contaminants will be mapped, and mitigation plans defined, building a conceptual model to assess human health risk and impacts on receptors (fauna and flora).

In addition, you will deploy multi-sensor drone surveys, aquatic surveys using ROV’s, water quality sampling (aquifer and river), hydrological tracer tests (using fluorescein dye) and analytical + numerical modelling.

 

Training

You will receive training in drone and ROV piloting at the unique RHUL Omnidrome facility, in addition to survey planning, multi-sensor data acquisition and data analysis and near-surface geophysical and hydrological survey setup and execution. You will also be trained in laboratory analyses of soil, vegetation and water samples, and micro-plastics, hydrogeological modelling (e.g. using Modflow).

 

Person Specification

We seek an enthusiastic individual who is committed to addressing issues of climate change and pollution mitigation at a local scale. Fieldwork experience, particularly involving liaising with different stakeholders, is beneficial but not essential. Similarly, prior experience with any form of remote sensing using UAV’s, geophysical or hydrological surveying is desirable.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Geology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Geosciences, or Physical Geography

 

Project code: GRASSINEAU_RHUL_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

  • Grassineau, N.V, Eldridge, L.O.V., Rossouw, S. (2024) The course of microplastics before and after UK WWTPs and their release into the environment. EGU conference, Vienna; EGU2024-19529.
  • Pudifoot, B., Cardenas, M.L., Buytaert, W., Paul, J.D., Narraway, C.L., Loiselle, S. (2021). When it rains, it pours: Integrating citizen science methods to understand resilience of urban green spaces. Frontiers in Water, 3, 654493
  • Waddell, M., Grassineau, N.V, Brakeley, J., Clemitshaw, K. 2020. Microplastics in a UK Landfill: Developing Methods and Assessing Concentrations in Leachate, Hydrogeology, and Release to the Environment. EGU conference, Vienna; EGU2020-21579
  • Paul J.D., Buytaert, W., Allen, S., Ballesteros-Canovas, J.A., Bhusal, J., Cieslik, K., Clark, J., Dugar, S., Hannah, D.M., Stoffel, M., Dewulf, A., Dhital, M.R., Liu, W., Nayaval, J.L., Neupane, B., Schiller, A., Smith, P.J., Supper, R. (2018). Citizen science for hydrological risk reduction and resilience building. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water, 5, e1262

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 the  Royal Holloway Application Portal