PhD Studentship: Investigating Genetic Markers and Mechanisms of CO Dehydrogenase Regulation in Response to Atmospheric Mercury

Primary supervisor - Dr Marcela Hernández García

Background

Volcanic emissions are a natural source of mercury (Hg) to the atmosphere and Mt. Etna (Italy) is a major natural source of Hg to the Mediterranean region. Previous research has shown that Hg deposited on the low pH and organic-poor soils of Etna's south-eastern flank may not be retained, but instead released to groundwater or re-emitted to the atmosphere, indicating that the deposition of volcanic Hg has clear environment impacts. The potential for Hg to disrupt local ecosystems is particularly concerning, as it may alter microbial activity, including their capability to oxidise trace gases such as carbon monoxide (highly abundant at Etna volcano). This plays a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry and climate regulation. In this proposal, you will investigate if Hg affects the microbial communities and specifically their capability of oxidising trace gases, such as carbon monoxide. 

The project

You will be answering theses key questions: 1) How do bacterial communities in recently formed soils from Mt Etna utilise CO, and what specific metabolic pathways are involved? and 2) Does exposure to mercury influence the expression and activity of CO-dehydrogenase enzyme in bacteria isolated from Mt. Etna soils? 

To answer these questions, you will join sampling campaigns at Mt. Etna followed by soil incubations and trace-gases measurements. You will be trained in cutting-edge tools for isolation and identification of microbes, including whole genome sequencing, proteomics, metagenomics and bioinformatics.

Specific training will include the cultivation of soil bacteria; quantitative PCR; amplicon-based sequencing (metagenetics); whole genome sequencing, (meta)genomic analysis and proteomics. 

Person specification

We are looking for a pro-active, highly motivated student willing to join sampling campaigns at Etna Volcano in Italy. The successful candidate should have a strong background in Microbial, biochemistry, Soil or Environmental Sciences (BSc/Masters in Soil Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, or similar).

Entry requirements

The successful candidate will have a strong background in Microbial, Soil Microbiology, Environmental Sciences or similar, with a minimum entry requirement 2:1 in a Bachelor’s degree.  

Start date: 1 October 2025

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237 (for a maximum 3 years). 

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