PhD Studentship
Geochemical and microbial controls on the fate of depleted uranium insoil

Recent conflicts in Iraq and the former Yugoslavia have polluted thesoil with munitions containing depleted uranium. These corrode to givea variety of soluble U species which sorb onto mineral surfaces. At thesame time, soils contain microorganisms that may biomineralizedissolved uranium or release chelating agents that desorb uranium frommineral surfaces. The importance of soil microbes to the fate andtransport of uranium is unknown. The post is part of a NERC-fundedproject.

PhD Studentship
The studentship will explore the fate of U in complex soil systemscontaining active microbial communities. Using measurements of Umovement through soils coupled to measurements of U sorption onto soilsurfaces using simulation modelling, we will investigate the importanceof biotic and abiotic controls on the fate of uranium.

PhD Studentship
Geochemical and microbial controls on the fate of depleted uranium insoil

Recent conflicts in Iraq and the former Yugoslavia have polluted thesoil with munitions containing depleted uranium. These corrode to givea variety of soluble U species which sorb onto mineral surfaces. At thesame time, soils contain microorganisms that may biomineralizedissolved uranium or release chelating agents that desorb uranium frommineral surfaces. The importance of soil microbes to the fate andtransport of uranium is unknown. The post is part of a NERC-fundedproject.

PhD Studentship
The studentship will explore the fate of U in complex soil systemscontaining active microbial communities. Using measurements of Umovement through soils coupled to measurements of U sorption onto soilsurfaces using simulation modelling, we will investigate the importanceof biotic and abiotic controls on the fate of uranium.

This is an ideal opportunity to get training in advanced laboratory,analytical and modelling techniques in soil science and environmentalchemistry.Supervisors: Profs Guy Kirk (NSRI, Cranfield), Dave Sherman (EarthSciences, Bristol), Karl Ritz (NSRI, Cranfield), Jim Harris (IWE,Cranfield)Location: National Soil Resources Institute, Cranfield University,Silsoe, Beds Stipend: NERC tied studentship, currently £12,000 perannumDuration: 3 years from January 2005

Further details and informal inquires:
Prof. Guy Kirk,g.kirk@cranfield.ac.uk,
tel 01525 863294
Application form:
Student Enquiries, Cranfield University,
Silsoe,Bedford MK45 4DT,
StudentEnquiries.silsoe@cranfield.ac.uk,
tel 01525863319,
fax 01525 863399
Deadline for applications: 17 December 2004

URL Link: PhD Studentship