Large volumes of soil at many nuclear sites around the World are contaminated with a range of radionuclides, such as Sr-90 or Cs-137. Groundwater at UK nuclear sites, for example, is significantly contaminated with Sr-90 (McCord, 2009). Phytoremediation by plants is a promising technology that can reduce the concentration or movement of contaminants in soils by either attenuating radionuclides within the soil (phytostabilisation) or extracting them (phytoextraction) from the soil environment (Huang et al., 2022). Previous research has demonstrated that radionuclides such as Sr-90 are able to accumulate in plants but the mechanisms of this transfer are not fully understood. Plants growing on disturbed land, such as Buddleja, may be useful to attenuate such radionuclides. The roots of Buddleja are colonised by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Dickie et al. 2007). In natural soils, these fungi are likely to be responsible for phosphate uptake, resulting in an increase in phosphate observed in soils around Buddleja and accumulation of P in Buddleja foliage (Bellingham et al. 2005). In contaminated soils, mycorrhizally-mediated Sr-90 uptake may follow P uptake pathways.
This PhD studentship will assess the possibility of using Buddleja and associated AM fungi for phytoremediation of radionuclides, particularly Sr-90. Experimental and field samples will be utilised in controlled environment conditions, and field surveys of disturbed land for Buddleja-associated AM fungi will be carried out. Approaches will be based on those we have used in previous research projects (e.g. Davies et al. 2018; Rosas-Moreno et al. 2023).
Training will be gained in: plant growth experiments; mesocosm experiments; characterisation of mycorrhizal associations, including molecular techniques; use of radioisotopes; use of imaging and microscale analysis techniques.
This project would be suitable for a UK national with a first degree with a 2i or above and/or an MSc in Environmental Science, Ecology, or Biology related subjects.
Eligibility
Applicants should be UK nationals and have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in Environmental Science, Ecology, or Biology related subjects.
Funding
At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.
For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
How to apply
Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425
When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.
Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:
- Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
- Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
- CV
- Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
- Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
- English Language certificate (if applicable)
If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles.
