iCRAG PhD studentship GW3.2.P1
An investigation of arsenic sources, speciation and mobilization processes in
selected Irish aquifers
This PhD project will investigate the occurrence, speciation and geochemical processes
responsible for the mobilisation of geogenic arsenic in selected Irish groundwaters.
Geological environments similar to those in which high levels of dissolved arsenic occur
elsewhere (e.g. sulphide bearing volcano-sedimentary sequences, unconsolidated glacial,
fluvioglacial and alluvial deposits) are common in Ireland, yet reliable ppb-level As data for
Irish groundwaters are sparse. Reconnaissance studies of groundwaters from Ordovician
volcanics, glacial tills, fluvioglacial sediments, the Longford-Down massif and the Dalradian
Supergroup have revealed elevated arsenic concentrations that locally exceed WHO limits.
Data generated in this PhD project will offer new scientific insights into the ‘arsenic problem’
that are applicable globally.
Applications for this PhD project are invited from graduates holding a 1st or Upper Second
class Honours Degree in Geology, Earth Science or a Masters in Hydrogeology. Field
experience in hydrogeology will be a distinct advantage. This 4 year PhD studentship will
commence on 1st September 2015 and it carries an annual stipend of €18,000. PhD fees
will be paid by the project. Applicants should send their CV to Professor Frank McDermott
(frank.mcdermott@ucd.ie), UCD School of Geological Sciences (www.ucd.ie/geology/)
before Friday 17th April 2015. The successful candidate will join a large applied geoscience
research centre, iCRAG, in the UCD School of Geological Sciences at University College
Dublin: iCRAG is national research centre with a presence in all of the Irish research
institutions involved in Geosciences. iCRAG is funded under the SFI Research Centres
Programme and is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund.