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University of Birmingham
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PhD Studentship: CENTA 2027-B10 A Multi-Scale Quantitative Investigation of Micro- and Nanoplastic Disruptions in Algal Physiology, Trophic Dynamics, and Carbon Sequestration University of Birmingham in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Jan 6, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Birmingham
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About this position
This PhD studentship will investigate how micro- and nanoplastics disrupt algal physiology, plankton community structure, trophic transfer, and carbon sequestration in aquatic ecosystems. The project addresses an urgent gap in understanding how plastic particles influence the organisms that underpin marine food webs and the biological carbon pump.
The student will combine field surveys from UK coastal waters with laboratory experiments and advanced analytical approaches. Work will include quantifying micro- and nanoplastic types, sizes, and concentrations in water and plankton samples, then relating those measurements to plankton community metrics. The project also uses innovative labelling and state-of-the-art techniques to study species-specific uptake in representative algae and to link particle properties to cellular physiology and nutrient assimilation.
Further experimental work will trace trophic transfer into zooplankton and higher consumers through controlled feeding studies, generating quantitative coefficients for ecological risk models. These data will then be integrated into a predictive framework to assess how plastic pollution alters plankton dynamics and the efficiency of the biological carbon pump. The training environment is explicitly interdisciplinary, spanning environmental nanoscience, plankton ecology, analytical chemistry, and ecological modelling, with outcomes relevant to environmental agencies, fisheries managers, and international policy.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants need at least a 2:1 at UK BSc level or a pass at UK MSc level, or an equivalent qualification. International applicants must meet the University of Birmingham's international student entry requirements, including English language requirements. International students are eligible for studentships up to a maximum of 30% of the cohort.
How to apply
Read the project page for further information and follow the application instructions on the CENTA apply page. Use the project link for details specific to this studentship and the CENTA website for general application guidance.
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