Tools for assessing microbial risks of groundwater heating, CASE project with The Environment Agency

Tools for assessing microbial risks of groundwater heating, CASE project with The Environment Agency

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Simon Gregory, Decarbonisation and Resource Management, British Geological Survey

Dr Matt Bailey-Ross, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Plymouth

Dr Mike Spence, British Geological Survey

Dr Sian Loveless, Environment Agency

 

Scientific Background

We invite applications for an exciting project that will explore how microbes interact with aquifer energy systems, a crucial technology in the decarbonisation of our built environment. The project will involve field and laboratory investigations to understand how temperature changes associated with ground source heating and cooling will affect the microbiology in groundwater. Changes to microbial community diversity and number (including pathogens); precipitation/dissolution/biofilm formation; organic matter degradation; redox status of groundwater and production of toxic products; and decomposition and mobilisation of contaminants have been identified as potential consequences of increased groundwater temperatures in the Environment Agency Ground Source Heating and Cooling systems map (https://kumu.io/csgnz/environment-agency-gshc-systems-map-2024 ). All these impacts are identified as having “complex/uncertain” interactions indicating the need for further research.

 

Training

You will be based within the geomicrobiology group at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham with short periods of time spent at University of Plymouth. Training will be provided in analysis of microbial communities and processes (DNA based techniques, microscopy, microbial culture and water chemical analysis), hydrochemistry, experimental design and fieldwork. The project will require fieldwork to be carried out at the UKGEOS site in Cheshire and other UK sites. Field sampling and monitoring will be combined with programme of laboratory experiments to determine microbial responses to temperature change.

 

Research Methodology

During the project, you will identify a suite of tests, based on literature review, that could be used as a toolkit to assess microbial risks associated with warming groundwater. These will then be tested in the laboratory and field to help quantify risk. The project will focus on developing tests that could easily be used in real world situations and will also make use of DNA sequencing technologies to better understand the effects on microbial communities.

 

Person Specification

Applicant should have enthusiasm for decarbonisation, environmental sciences and applied research. While full training can be provided, the successful applicant is highly likely to have experience in relevant laboratory or field work, microbiology or molecular biology (particularly related to environmental microbiology).

Acceptable first degree subjects: Biology (especially environmental biology/ecology), Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Geography, Earth Sciences/Geology.

Project code: GREGORY_BGS_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

  • Barnett, M., J. Farr, G., Shen, J. and Gregory, S., 2023. Groundwater microbiology of an urban open‐loop ground source heat pump with high methane. Groundwater, 61(2), pp.274-287.
  • Monaghan, Alison A.; Bateson, Luke; Boyce, Adrian J.; Burnside, Neil M.; Chambers, Rebecca; de Rezende, Julia R.; Dunnet, Eilidh; Everett, Paul A.; Gilfillan, Stuart M. V.; Jibrin, Muhammad S.; Johnson, Gareth; Luckett, Richard; MacAllister, Donald John ; MacDonald, Alan M. ; Moreau, John W.; Newsome, Laura; Novellino, Alessandro; Palumbo-Roe, Barbara; Pereira, Ryan; Smith, Douglas; Spence, Mike J.; Starcher, Vanessa; Taylor-Curran, Helen; Vane, Christopher H. ; Wagner, Thomas; Walls, David B. (2022). Time Zero for Net Zero: A Coal Mine Baseline for Decarbonising Heat. Earth Science, Systems and Society, 2, 10054.
  • Bailey, M. T., Gandy C. J., Watson, I. A., Wyatt, L. W. and Jarvis, A. P., (2016). ‘Heat Recovery Potential of Mine Water Treatment Systems in Great Britain’, International Journal of Coal Geology 164, 77-84 Elsevier.
  • Bailey, M. T., Moorhouse, A. M. L. and Watson, I. A., (2013). Heat extraction from hypersaline mine water at the Dawdon mine water treatment site. Proceedings of the Eighth International Seminar on Mine Closure, Cornwall, UK. 559-570. Australian Centre for Geomechanics.
  • Spence, M.J., Bottrell, S.H., Thornton, S.F., Richnow, H.H., Spence, K.H. (2005): Hydrochemical and isotopic effects associated with petroleum fuel biodegradation pathways in a chalk aquifer. J. Contam. Hydrol. 79 (1-2), 67 - 88

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