Context:
The main objectives of this PhD work are first, to study and characterize the SOA formation from residential wood stove emissions (SOA biomass burning) and from typically emitted SOA precursors but poorly document in the literature such as furans (2,4- et 2,5-dimethylfurans; SOA furans). To do so, wood combustion emissions, or pure precursors, will be aged using an oxidant flow reactor. Both, night-time (nitrate radical) and day-time chemistries (hydroxyl radical) will be studied and compared. Second, the toxicity of the primary emitted (biomass burning) and secondary formed PM (SOA biomass burning and SOA furans) will be assessed and compared using in vitro bioassays. The biological response due to the presence of dioxinlike and PAH-like compounds will be specially addressed (aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Tests will be performed on different human cells (HepG2 et A549) and biological responses will be compared to the chemical characterisation (PAHs, nitro-PAHs, oxy-PAHs). Finally, an effect directed analysis (EDA) approach will be applied on selected PM samples to identify the species involved in the observed biological response using bioassays. Selected samples will be fractioned by liquid chromatography and then, individual fractions tested in vitro. Fractions showing a biological activity will be analysed using non-target screening methods (LC and GC coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry) in order to identify the dioxin- or PAH-like molecules responsible for the observed biological activity
Profile:
- Degree in Environmental Sciences or Environmental Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry or Environmental toxicology or Ecotoxicology will be considered
- Strong lab and field work interest
- Knowledge in environmental (atmospheric) chemistry and/or analytical chemistry (GC-MS, LC/MS) and/ or environmental toxicology
- Computer knowledge and data analysis
- Autonomy, scientific rigour, adaptability, communication and writing abilities.
- Good English level
Apply at the link in the title before September 30th, 2019.
