Available research topics:
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The use of aquatic microorganisms remove microplastics from aquatic environment. Opportunities and limitations
Supervisor: dr hab. Agnieszka Pajdak-Stós (agnieszka.pajdak-stos@uj.edu.pl)
Institute of Environmental Sciences
Background information:
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing problems of the modern world. More than 300 million tons of plastic waste are produced each year. About 90% of the plastics produced worldwide are not recyclable. Biological, chemical and physical factors lead to the breakdown of plastic into smaller particles. The smallest fraction (<5 mm) is called microplastic (MP). The most troublesome are plastic microparticles with a size of one to several micrometers, which are dispersed in water and can penetrate plant and animal tissues. Up to date there is no efficient way of microplastics and nanoplastics removal from water. In a frame of the PhD research the ability of aquatic microorganisms to cope with microplastics will be investigated. The unique ability of some rotifers to ingest biofilm with embedded microplastic particles will be tested as a biological tool to extract dispersed MP from water.
The main question to be addressed in the project:
Could aquatic microorganisms be applied as a tool for separation of microplastics dispersed in the water?
Information on the methods/description of work:
The research will be based mainly on laboratory experiments with the usage of the range of high-quality microscopes equipped with fluorescence, digital camera and image analysis systems. In the first stage, the effect of fluorescently labeled different types of microplastics of different sizes on a few species of aquatic microorganisms in an environment enriched with biofilm, will be examined. The results will be compared to the control without biofilm. In the next stage, the ability to reduce the amount of microplastic particles by different activated sludge microorganisms’ community with and without the addition of L. inermis rotifers will be tested. The tests will be carried out using activated sludge from a municipal sewage treatment plants. At the end of the experiments, the concentration of microplastic particles in the supernatant (effluent) between the treatment and the control will be compared. The ability of the microplastics to aggregate, biosorb and adsorb onto the flocks and particles of the activated sludge will also be investigated. During the experiment, sludge samples will also be taken, and photos of the flocs will be taken using fluorescence, which will help in the interpretation of the results and visualization of the "fate" of microplastic particles in the activated sludge wastewater treatment process.
Additional information (e.g Special requirements from the student):
Msc in biology (or related), experience in laboratory experiments with aquatic microorganisms, experience in data analysis (Statistics), high proficiency in spoken and written English
Place/name of potential foreign collaborator:
University of Potsdam / Claudia Drago
References:
[1] Barros, J., & Seena, S. (2021). Plastisphere in freshwaters: An emerging concern. Environmental Pollution, 290, 118123.
[2] Bellasi, A., Binda, G., Pozzi, A., Galafassi, S., Volta, P., & Bettinetti, R. (2020). Microplastic contamination in freshwater environments: A review, focusing on interactions with sediments and benthic organisms. Environments, 7(4), 30.
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PhD Programme in Biology
Admission to the PhD Programme in Biology
in the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences
language of education: English
The PhD Programme in Biology is carried out in English, in a full-time, eight-semester system.
This PhD programme covers courses representing various areas of biological sciences, including training in modern methodology and mastering skills useful in professional academic and non-academic careers. Choice of facultative classes and the possibility of gaining credits for courses offered outside of the University ensures flexibility and helps to adjust participation in courses to the individual research plan of the student.
For everyone who will be accepted for the PhD programme in Biology, a scholarship is guaranteed.
PhD students are recruited for the specific research topics offered by the faculty members. We kindly ask you to follow the recruitment rules described in each competition.
Each year, PhD students and their advisors/promotors write an individual research plan for a given year. Until the end of four semesters, students’ achievements are evaluated (mid-term evaluation) by the committee.
Doctoral dissertations are prepared under the supervision of a scientific staff of the Faculty of Biology (members of the Institute of Botany, Institute of Environmental Sciences or Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research). PhD programme in Biology leads to the scientific Doctoral title in the discipline of biology. More information about the programme can be found here.
See also:
Faculty of Biology website.
A subpage dedicated to this education programme.
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Nested Portlets
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How to apply?
- Check the admissions schedule.
- Read the rules and detailed conditions of admission.
- Collect the required documents.
- Apply in the Online Application System (IRK).
- see instructions on how to apply in IRK,
- please note: registration will start on 21st May, before this date no enrolments for our School are displayed in the IRK system.
- Take the exam.
- Make an enrolment in the Doctoral School.
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Admission schedule
for PhD Programme in Biology education programme
1st round
- 21. May 2024 – Opening of registration in IRK System
- 23. June 2024 – Closing of registration in IRK System
- 28. June- 4 lipca 2024 – Entrance exams
- 4. July 2024 – Committee meeting
- 8. July 2024 – Announcement of results
- 9-30. July 2024 – Enrollment to the Doctoral School*
- 31. July 2024 – Enrolment in the Doctoral School from the reserve list*
*enrollment possible during working hours of Secretariats of the Education Programmes
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Admission limits
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1st round – 10 doctoral students
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Contact
Secretariat of the Education Programme
mgr inż. Anna Stec
tel.: (0048) 12 664 6752
e-mail: wb.doktoranci@uj.edu.pl
Head of the Education Programme
dr hab. Joanna Kapusta, prof. UJ
tel.: (0048) 12 664 5206
e-mail: joanna.kapusta@uj.edu.pl
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The information presented on this subpage applies to admission for the academic year 2024/25. Documents such as admission rules, list of required documents, education programme and others may change in the next admission. Most documents differ for each education programme. Always check the documents on the sub-page of the programme to which you are applying.