Investigating the influence of particle-toxicant interactions on toxicant bioavailability and toxicity in a tropical estuarine amphipod of mangrove wetlands

About the Project

This project is part of the NERC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training, ECOWILD. For more details, and for a full list of projects offered under this programme, please visit: https://ecowild.site.hw.ac.uk/

Projects Description:

What does a student need to know about this project and why is your supervisory team best to support it?

The aquatic toxicity of substances is controlled largely by factors that influence their bioavailability and among the most important of these are interactions with particles. Toxic substances sorb and desorb to particles in the aqueous phase and undergo transformation reactions mediated by photoactivation and microbial processes. As particles with sorbed toxicants are transported to river mouths and mangrove wetlands, rapid changes in salinity can alter toxicant-particle associations and affect toxicant bioavailability. Our established tropical amphipod model Parhyale hawaiensis and purpose-built particle-toxicant dispersion test chambers enable investigations into these critically important and understudied questions of environmental toxicology. The lead supervisor has existing research projects and long-term research collaborations with colleagues working with this model organism within mangrove ecosystems, which will provide access to these sites for field investigations.

Why is the project novel?

The importance of particle-substance interactions on the bioavailability of toxicants to aquatic organisms are recognised as among the most critical and poorly understood areas of ecotoxicology. Our previous research has demonstrated the influence aqueous-phase particles on toxicant bioavailability, toxicant decomposition, and toxicant photo-induction and degradation/decomposition. This project will employ state-of-the-art techniques to enhance understanding of particle-toxicant interactions relevant to mangrove wetlands which are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. The project will inform ecological protection and identify areas of interest for international conventions such as Ramsar and UN Environment Programme for tackling pollution in mangroves.

What real-life challenge does it address?

Mangrove ecosystems face mounting threats from the triple planetary crises of pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. Particle-toxicant interactions result in complex scenarios in which toxicants are transformed and traditional ecotoxicity tests that do not include the influence of particles on toxicant bioavailability have limited ability to predict toxicity. This project will move forward understanding of particle-toxicant interactions and enhance knowledge of multiple factors that affect toxicity in a critically important relevant model organism of mangrove ecosystems. Findings will inform environmental policy, enhance risk assessment frameworks, and support conservation strategies for mangroves, critical buffers against climate impacts and biodiversity decline.

Supervisory Team:

Lead Supervisor: Theodore Henry (Institute of Life and Earth Sciences HWU)

Stakeholder Supervisor: Isabella Gosetto (Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC))

Co-Supervisor 1: Teresa Fernandes (Institute of Life and Earth Sciences HW)

Co-Supervisor 2: Alistair Boxall (University of York)

Co-Supervisor 3: Gisela Umbuzeiro (University of Campinas, Limeira, SP, Brazil)

How to Apply:

For more information on how to apply, please visit the ECOWILD website: https://ecowild.site.hw.ac.uk/2026-27-projects/

Project specific enquiries: T.Henry@hw.ac.uk

General enquiries: ecowild@hw.ac.uk

Eligibility:

This project is available to home and overseas students. International candidates may apply but if successful, will need to demonstrate that they have co-funding to cover the difference between home and international fees to be eligible. The difference in fees varies by programme. The current difference for 2025/26 academic year is approximately £20,000 per year.

Applicants typically should have a first or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters’ qualification or similar experience.

We recognise that not every talented researcher will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore will account for any particular circumstances that applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process.

English Language Requirements:

Overseas students must be able to provide proof of their ability in the English language.

We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than five years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.

Timelines:

The application deadline is 5pm BST Friday 5 June 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on 3 July 2026. Applicants must be available to start in October 2026.

Funding Notes

This is a full scholarship which will cover tuition fees for Home students and provide an annual stipend in line with UKRI recommended levels (currently £20,780 in 2025-26) for the 44 months duration of the project.

International candidates may apply but if successful, will need to demonstrate that they have co-funding to cover the difference between home and international fees to be eligible. The difference in fees varies by programme. The current difference for 2025/26 academic year is approximately £20,000 per year.