Vacancies
iCRAG 2 year MSc Studentship
Understanding the fate of potentially toxic elements in the hyporheic zone
Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in groundwater include geogenic metals and metalloids (As, Al, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, U, and Zn) which pose a major threat to human and environmental health across the world. In Ireland, PTEs frequently exceed World Health Organisation (WHO) drinking water guideline values in hotspots associated with Lower Paleozoic fractured bedrock environments. These thin and often vulnerable aquifers underlie over 60% of the Island of Ireland but are the least understood groundwater resource. In these systems, extended solute residence times often lead to reducing conditions and long timeframes for water-rock interactions promoting mobilisation of PTEs from geogenic sources.
The MSc will develop a hyporheic zone monitoring network in the headwaters of a first-order stream catchment (<1 km2) where PTEs (As, Al, U, Zn) are naturally elevated in groundwater and land use is dominated by intensive dairy production. The project will investigate biogeochemical mobilisation/retention of geogenic PTEs in hyporheic zone pore water in response to DOM inputs from agricultural sources. Geochemical modelling (PHREEQC) will be used to interpret water-mineral interactions and links with Fe/Mn cycling. 3D UV-vis fluorescence spectroscopy (FEEM-PARAFAC) will fingerprint key DOM components in combination with traditional carbon system parameters such as DOC, pH and bicarbonate alkalinity. The research will address a critical knowledge gap in the understanding of environmental risks posed by DOM-mediated PTE transfers from bedrock mineral sources to stream networks via the hyporheic zone.
The position will remain open until filled. Enquiries to Dr John Weatherill (john.weatherill@ucc.ie).
Full project description:
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Two year iCRAG Research Masters (MEngSc) in Civil / Geotechnical Engineering at UCC
Monitoring and modelling of mechanical behaviour of Dublin Tunnel
This project plans to deploy an innovative wireless sensor network (WSN) at Dublin Tunnel for monitoring the development of tunnel deterioration and deformation over time. The monitoring field data will evaluate long-term tunnel structural condition, aiming to save tunnel inspection and maintenance cost. In parallel, a 3D finite element (FE) analysis will be conducted to model ageing structural performance of Dublin Tunnel in the long term. The computed results from the 3D tunnel model will be tested against the tunnel behaviour obtained from WSN data analysis. The validated 3D FE model will evaluate different 3D tunnel deformation modes and predict the long-term behaviour of Dublin Tunnel for the next decades. Under the Spoke Research Programme of geohazard assessment and geotechnical engineering, this project will evaluate the effect of time-dependent ground condition on the long-term tunnel behaviour, and advance the monitoring technologies of large-scale infrastructure.
Enquiries to Dr Zili Li (zili.li@ucc.ie). Intended start date is April 2019.
Full project description: Monitoring and modelling of mechanical behaviour of Dublin Tunnel
