Novel autonomous techniques to understand a volatile problem: Biological controls on seawater sulfur (BELL_UPML25ARIES)

Primary supervisor – Professor Thomas Bell

The oceans release huge quantities of the gas dimethylsulfide (DMS) and this contributes to the formation and growth of atmospheric particles and clouds, reflecting solar radiation. DMS therefore is a key influence on Earth’s climate, similar in size (but opposite in sign) to the global warming caused by human CO2 emissions. 

DMS in seawater is produced when phytoplankton die and break apart, or by bacteria as they feed on the substances plankton excrete. Seawater DMS levels can vary dramatically over small spatial and temporal scales, with intense DMS production often linked to blooms of certain plankton types. However, previous technical capabilities and sampling campaigns have not measured the variations in great detail or fully understood the plankton community dynamics that lead to elevated concentrations. Current models are unable to accurately reproduce DMS observations, and future predictions of plankton and DMS are very uncertain. 

Project Aim: Unravel the drivers of seawater DMS to better understand and improve global emission predictions. 

You will develop and use cutting-edge instrumentation such as a miniature gas chromatograph to measure seawater DMS. You will link this with PML’s autonomous technologies to improve sampling capability, and compare results with established methods (e.g. gas chromatography, mass spectrometry). Seasonal DMS at the Western Channel Observatory will be assessed along with phytoplankton community dynamics, including data from the novel Automated, in situ Plankton Imaging Classification System (APICS). 

You will also participate in an exciting, large-scale Atlantic research campaign focussed on understanding the drivers of multiple volatile gases. You will compare your data and other PML Air-Sea Exchange data with output from the European Regional Seas Marine Ecosystem Model to assess the predictive capability of the model. You will gain sea-going field experience and be trained in a range of state-of-the-art instruments and novel techniques in ISO accredited labs. You will learn programming skills (including Python) to analyse, interpret and present your data, and valuable transferable career skills (e.g. writing and communication, good laboratory practice, quality assurance and safety procedures). You will be strongly encouraged to participate in a summer school, and to attend relevant international workshops and meetings.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Chemical, Marine and/or Atmospheric Sciences (or similar).

Start date

1 October 2025

Mode of study

Full or part-time