Electrochemical sensing of the sea surface microlayer
Not stated
- Location
- Southampton, United Kingdom
- Funding
- Fully funded (UK and international); Stipend in line with UKRI standard levels, including the recent cost of living increase.
- Application deadline
- See university guidance
About the project
The sea surface microlayer (SML) is the key interface between the oceans and the atmosphere. This is where atmospheric gases enter the ocean, where atmospheric particles deposit, where byproducts of biological activity accumulate, where pollutants concentrate (e.g. microplastics), where radioactive particles deposit and where oil slicks reside.
Despite its importance, its physical and chemical properties remain poorly known because it is very difficult to probe and sample accurately. Its thickness is ill-defined with reported figures ranging from tens of nm to mm; its viscosity, conductivity, chemical composition, and biological make up are virtually unknown. Even sampling the SML is challenging, let alone monitoring the composition continuously. Hence, there is a strong need to develop new physical methods and instrumentation to probe the SML.
The project proposes to develop individually addressable microelectrode arrays to perform in situ measurements at the air-sea water interface. These microelectrodes will be used to perform:
For full project details visit the Inspire project page .
- amperometric measurements (e.g. to assess the local concentration of heavy metals or dissolved oxygen)
- impedance measurements to determine the local conductivity
- potentiometric measurements (e.g. to probe the local pH)
Supervisors
- Dr Guy Denuault (University of Southampton)
- Dr Peter Birkin (University of Southampton)
- Professor Phil Warwick (University of Southampton)
Professor Peter Birkin
- My work has centred on the phenomena of cavitation; this is both a fascinating and experimentally challenging arena but ultimately this work has led to a number of exploitable technologies.
Professor Phillip Warwick
- Professor Phillip Warwick: Associate Dean (Enterprise)
Entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent , in one of these subjects:
- any Earth or environmental science discipline
- chemistry
- oceanography
- marine science
Fees and funding
INSPIRE studentships are funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC, part of UK Research and Innovation, UKRI). The stipend is in line with UKRI standard levels, including the recent cost of living increase.
All studentships are fully funded for 3.5 years.
How to apply
To make an application, visit the how to apply section of the INSPIRE website .
Contact us
For questions about the project, contact Dr Guy Denuault.
Email: gd@soton.ac.uk
For questions about the application process, contact the graduate school office.
Email: gsnocs@soton.ac.uk