Investigating the occurrence and biological effects of emerging contaminants in the environment
This project aims to investigate the fundamental processes that determine the environmental fate and biological effects of emerging contaminants such as per‐ and poly‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Research Opportunities
Summary
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a diverse group of synthetic organo-fluorinated compounds with a wide range of applications in firefighting foams, cosmetics, textile industry, polymer manufacturing, surfactants etc. These have entered the environment via a wide range of sources and uses, and some can further partially transform into species that are recalcitrant in the environment. Hence, they persist in the environment and are sometimes referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ that are not easily removed via typical pollution treatment facilities such as wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). These chemicals can therefore be detected in water bodies via effluent discharges, impacting water quality and organisms in water bodies.
The potential for long range transport, persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity of these PFAS have caused these chemicals to be designated as being of emerging concern, and restrictions were imposed on the use of some PFAS. They can impact on important biochemical pathways and can reach concentrations known to cause biological effects in exposed organisms. Negative reproductive and developmental effects have been linked to exposure to these chemicals and links with specific diseases (e.g. cancer and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)) have been identified at epidemiological level. Furthermore, due to their diversity, nature and chemical properties, their analysis in environmental media is challenging. However, techniques that are mostly based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) have recently allowed for their detection at the typically low levels (ng/L) found in the environment. The sources, distribution, and risks of PFAS within a catchment are not yet fully understood, and in particular data are limited across Scotland.
Gaps still exist on the influence and significance of source pathways (e.g., landfill leachate and industrial waste), structural and physico-chemical properties of these compounds on their environmental fate and toxicity, which this project aims to investigate. Moreover, most monitoring programmes have focused on traditional grab sampling, which unfortunately does not provide information on the more environmentally relevant freely dissolved concentrations which delivers information on the bioavailability of these chemicals. Such time- weighted average concentration can be obtained when passive sampling approaches e.g., ChemCatcher or the polar organic chemical integrated sampler (POCIS) are integrated into sampling regimes. Spatial and temporal monitoring e.g., within a specific catchment, will also aid in the identification of the sources, levels and distribution of PFAS chemicals. Further, the biological effects of these compounds will be investigated in a whole organism to understand their biological effects and mode of action. Improved monitoring and understanding of biological effects can aid to further focus PFAS reduction efforts and identify potential risks to and receptors as well as contribute towards the development of appropriate environmental quality standards and monitoring strategies for emerging chemicals within a water regulatory framework.
Supervisors
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Research Themes
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About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
If you need any further support prior to applying, please email researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,720 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,712 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £18,700 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,220 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,350 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
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