PRE2023-Influence of land uses and extreme hydrologic events on APOM dynamics in fluvial ecosystems (PID2022-143112NB-I00)

The PhD thesis will be focused on the analysis of patterns and drivers of transport, deposition and trophic transfer of Anthropogenic Particulate Organic Matter (APOM) in Mediterranean streams. With this research the student will be trained to merge concepts from fluvial ecology, biofilms, solute and particle dynamics to face plastic pollution from a novel perspective. The student will also gain skills on developing field methodologies and laboratory techniques (e.g., measurement of APOM retention at different observational scales), and conducting experimental research in mesocosms to increase our knowledge on sources, controls and fate of plastic pollution in fluvial ecosystems. Research training will be complemented with trans-disciplinary training offered at the UdG Doctoral School (first-second year), assistance to national and international conferences (2nd-3rd year), social engagement through citizen science activities in schools, a research stage (minimum 3 months) abroad, and transfer of results to water managers. The PhD student will also benefit from the expertise of the international members of APOM-cycling who are well known referees on the study subjects of this proposal. The experimental part of the PhD is planned to be completed by year 2.5 of the predoctoral contract and the rest of the contracted time (up to 4 years) will be invested to wrap up data analysis, submit the articles and finalize the PhD Thesis