Investigating genetic markers and mechanisms of CO dehydrogenase regulation in response to atmospheric mercury.

HERNÁNDEZ GARCÍA_UBIO25ARIES

Investigating genetic markers and mechanisms of CO dehydrogenase regulation in response to atmospheric mercury.

HERNÁNDEZ GARCÍA_UBIO25ARIES

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Marcela Hernández García, Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia – contact me

Professor Julea Butt, UEA / BIO

Dr Paola Quatrini, University of Palermo

 

Scientific Background

Volcanic emissions are a natural source of mercury (Hg) to the atmosphere and Mt. Etna (Italy) is a major natural source of Hg to the Mediterranean region. Previous research has shown that Hg deposited on the low pH and organic-poor soils of Etna’s south-eastern flank may not be retained, but instead released to groundwater or re-emitted to the atmosphere, indicating that the deposition of volcanic Hg has clear environment impacts. The potential for Hg to disrupt local ecosystems is particularly concerning, as it may alter microbial activity, including their capability to oxidise trace gases such as carbon monoxide (highly abundant at Etna volcano). This plays a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry and climate regulation. In this proposal, you will investigate if Hg affects the microbial communities and specifically their capability of oxidising trace gases, such as carbon monoxide.

The project

You will be answering these key questions: 1) How do bacterial communities in recently formed soils from Mt Etna utilise CO, and what specific metabolic pathways are involved? and 2) Does exposure to mercury influence the expression and activity of CO-dehydrogenase enzyme in bacteria isolated from Mt. Etna soils?

To answer these questions, you will join sampling campaigns at Mt. Etna followed by soil incubations and trace-gases measurements. You will be trained in cutting-edge tools for isolation and identification of microbes, including whole genome sequencing, proteomics, metagenomics and bioinformatics.

Training

Specific training will include the cultivation of soil bacteria; quantitative PCR; amplicon-based sequencing (metagenetics); whole genome sequencing, (meta)genomic analysis and proteomics. You will present results at weekly lab meetings, departmental seminars, and at national and international conferences.

Person specification

We are looking for a pro-active, highly motivated student willing to join sampling campaigns at Etna Volcano in Italy. The successful candidate should have a strong background in Microbial, biochemistry, Soil or Environmental Sciences (Soil Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, or similar).

Acceptable first degree subjects: Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology

References

  • Hernández M, Vera-Gargallo B, Calabi-Floody M, King GM, Conrad R, Tebbe CC. 2020a. Reconstructing genomes of carbon monoxide oxidisers in volcanic deposits including members of the class Ktedonobacteria. Microorganisms. 8:1880.
  • Hernández M, Calabi M, Conrad R, Dumont M. 2020b. Analysis of the microbial communities in soils of different ages following volcanic eruptions. Pedosphere. 30: 126-134.
  • Jenner L, Butt J et al. 2022, Reaction of thiosulfate dehydrogenase with a substrate mimic induces dissociation of the cysteine heme ligand giving insight into the mechanism of oxidative catalysis J. Am. Chem. Soc. 144: 18296
  • Meyer, O. & Schlegel, H. G. 1983. Biology of aerobic carbon monoxide-oxidizing bacteria. Ann. Rev. Microbiol. 37: 277-310.
  • Hogendoorn C, Pol A, Picone N, Cremers G, van Alen TA, Gagliano AL, Jetten MSM, D'Alessandro W, Quatrini P, Op den Camp HJM. 2020. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide-utilizing Kyrpidia spormannii Species from Pantelleria island, Italy. Front Microbiol. 11: 951.

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 via the  University of East Anglia application portal