Mechanical effects in the surf zone - in situ electrochemical sensing

About the project

The pollution of the natural environment with plastics and their subsequent role in the ecosystems, is of concern. Plastics are ubiquitous materials which by design are extremely chemically stable and physically robust. However, understanding their lifecycle in the oceans is part of a wider effort to assess their impact. The breakdown of plastic in the ocean is different depending on the location.

For example, mechanical effects are thought to be significantly increased in breaking waves in the surf zone where plastics are known to concentrate. The aim of this project is to study the effect of particle (sand) impact in the surf zone on surfaces including common plastics with the aim of understanding the conditions necessary to age and cause damage to these materials. This will involve both lab systems and sensors deployed in the surf zone to characterize the conditions within this environment.

For full project details visit the Inspire project page .

Supervisors

• Dr Peter Birkin (University of Southampton)
• Dr Guy Denuault (University of Southampton)
• Dr Hachem Kassem (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.

Dr Hachem Kassem PhD, MSc, FHEA

• Nearshore hydrodynamics and coastal sediment dynamics
• Coastal and ocean engineering and flow-structure-seabed-biota interactions
• Adaptive, nature-inclusive solutions to climate-mediated geohazards, including flooding, erosion and habitat degradation

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent , in one of these subjects:

• any Earth or environmental science discipline
• chemistry
• engineering
• oceanography
• marine science
• physics

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 Peter Birkin.

Email: prb2@soton.ac.uk

For questions about the application process, contact the graduate school office.

Email: gsnocs@soton.ac.uk

Research areas