PhD Environmental Life Science - The Influence of soil flooding and salinization on the biogeochemistry and bioavailability of mercury in contaminated soils.

Department

Department of Food, Agriculture, Environment and Animal sciences – University of Udine

Main research activities/topics/projects

Mercury (Hg) contamination of soils is a concerning issue worldwide. Source of contamination, chemical form and environmental conditions affect its mobility and bioavailability in soils and sediments.  Contaminated coastal soils could potentially become hotspots of Hg re-mobilisation, because of flooding and salinization caused by the sea level rise expected as a consequence of climate change. The aim of this project is to understand the mechanism and the factors that affect mercury solubility in soils subjected to flooding and to salinization, in order to prevent the potential risk of plant uptake and consequent food contamination. The work will be performed in benchtop microcosms. Plant experiments are also planned to assess mercury bio-availability.

Working language

Italian/English

Special entry requirements

Basic experience in chemical and biochemical laboratories

Capacity to use main statistical tools: R, excel, or Sigmaplot.

 Duration in months (min-max)

PhD sandwich: 6-12