Environmental Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry

Dynamics of novel bioaccumulative pollutants in Lake Geneva; A sampling campaign aided by manned submarine. Project Description. Located at the crossroads of industrialized Europe, Lake Geneva is a large, deep lake that endures diverse pollutant inputs from industry, wastewater, agriculture, and atmospheric deposition. Due to it's depth, geographic situation, and geochemical heterogeneity, the physical and chemical structure of the lake is complex, and it is not possible to easily apply conventional models of chemical transport and fate. As part of a larger study of chemical processes in Lake Geneva, we will launch an unconventional field campaign led by sampling of sediments and the water column using the Mir submarine. The PhD project will focus on analysis and modeling of the distribution, fluxes, transport, and chemistry of persistent organic pollutants in the lake. Target pollutants include several novel bioaccumulative compounds that have been recently hypothesized but not yet searched for in the environment. Available analysis technologies will include Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography - Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS), Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and other cutting edge facilities at EPFL. Necessary background. The ideal candidate would have knowledge in several of the following areas: environmental chemistry, mathematical modeling, trace analysis, organic chemistry, gas chromatography, limnology, and a spirit of adventure. A Bachelor or Masters level degree is required. Fluency in English is required. Start date. September 1, 2010, or as soon as possible. The expected duration of the project is 3 to 4 years. Salary. The post is fully funded, with remuneration similar to $50k/year. Contact. Please send a CV, statement of interest, and list of three references to Prof. Samuel Arey, samuel.arey@epfl.ch. Environmental Chemistry Modeling Laboratory, EPFL Lausanne, Switzerland http://lmce.epfl.ch