PhD: Quantifying Ecosystem Services Disbenefit of Residual Mercury Contamination and Benefit of Removal in North Sea Offshore Infrastructure Decommissioning University of Aberdeen in United Kingdom

This PhD project at the University of Aberdeen investigates the net value of decommissioning offshore infrastructure in the North Sea, focusing on the ecosystem services disbenefit of residual mercury contamination and the benefit of its removal. As marine ecosystems adapt to net zero targets and energy transitions, the decommissioning of petroleum platforms and installation of wind farms present new environmental challenges. Mercury, a naturally occurring metal associated with petroleum extraction, is found in North Sea fields and can accumulate in the marine environment through cuttings piles, pipelines, and produced water. Once in the environment, mercury can be transformed into methylmercury, a potent neurotoxin that bioaccumulates in high trophic level organisms such as marine mammals and commercially important fish species, posing risks to both ecosystem and human health.

The project aims to systematically review the location and contaminant burden of North Sea cuttings piles and abandoned pipelines, conduct fieldwork to measure contaminant leaching rates using passive samplers, and quantify mercury levels in tissue samples from stranded marine mammals archived by the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS). Advanced ecosystem modelling using the Ecopath with Ecosim ‘Ecotracer’ tool will be employed to predict future contamination trends and assess the rates of mercury bioaccumulation in North Sea food webs. The outputs will be used to quantify the disbenefit of leaving infrastructure in place versus the benefits of removal, providing a scientific basis for Nature Improvement Credits (NIC) to offset decommissioning costs.

The successful candidate will join the VALMAS initiative and collaborate with industry partners, engaging in stakeholder events and interdisciplinary research. The project is ideal for students with a strong interest in marine ecology, ecotoxicology, and the socio-ecological implications of energy transitions. Applicants should have a background in marine biology, environmental science, oceanography, or related disciplines, and be enthusiastic about both field and laboratory work. Experience in chemical analysis, trace metal ecology, and working with diverse biological samples is advantageous. The project offers opportunities to develop quantitative and modelling skills, particularly in ecosystem modelling and bioaccumulation dynamics, and to learn policy-relevant socio-economic approaches such as ecosystem services and natural capital.

Funding is guaranteed for 4 years at the UKRI national rate, including a tax-free stipend of £20,780, home tuition fees, extensive research support, and an external placement of up to 6 months. Both home and international students are eligible to apply, with limited international fee waivers available. Part-time study is possible at a minimum of 50%, with funding provided pro rata. The application deadline is January 30, 2026. Interested international applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the primary supervisor before applying to discuss fee waivers and eligibility.

For more information and to apply, visit the project page or the VALMAS initiative. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable offshore management and policy development in the context of net-zero energy transitions.