Master Thesis - Investigation of the impact of ATES systems on local groundwater microbiome
Topic: Investigation of the impact of ATES systems on local groundwater microbiome and associated biotransformation of contaminants
The job
Underground thermal energy storage in aquifers (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage, ATES) is able to make an important contribution to seasonal heat management in urban areas. However, in cities, especially shallow aquifers are often contaminated with pollutants and cannot be used for drinking water supply. The effects of ATES systems on groundwater microbiome composition and activity and interaction with local aquifer contamination have been scarcely studied. The thesis will be embedded within the BMBF-funded collaborative project KONATES, in which the cyclic operation of an ATES system in contaminated aquifers is to be investigated in order to combine thermal management with possible groundwater (bio)remediation. These relationships will be investigated and quantified by model laboratory microcosm experiments with groundwater and sediment from different contaminated field sites with the focus on chlorinated organic compounds.The starting date is flexible. A previous internship is generally possible.
Incoming applications will be reviewed immediately.
Place of work
LeipzigWorking time
100%Contract limitations
limited contract / 6 monthsContact
Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Dr. Ivonne Nijenhuis (ivonne.nijenhuis@ufz.de)
Dr. Carsten Vogt (carsten.vogt@ufz.de)
The UFZ
The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.
The job
Underground thermal energy storage in aquifers (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage, ATES) is able to make an important contribution to seasonal heat management in urban areas. However, in cities, especially shallow aquifers are often contaminated with pollutants and cannot be used for drinking water supply. The effects of ATES systems on groundwater microbiome composition and activity and interaction with local aquifer contamination have been scarcely studied. The thesis will be embedded within the BMBF-funded collaborative project KONATES, in which the cyclic operation of an ATES system in contaminated aquifers is to be investigated in order to combine thermal management with possible groundwater (bio)remediation. These relationships will be investigated and quantified by model laboratory microcosm experiments with groundwater and sediment from different contaminated field sites with the focus on chlorinated organic compounds.
The starting date is flexible. A previous internship is generally possible.
Incoming applications will be reviewed immediately.
Your tasks
- Preparation and execution of groundwater sampling at the field sites (Leipzig, Saxony and Bitterfeld, Saxony-Anhalt)
- Planning and conducting laboratory microcosm experiments on the effect of temperature on contaminant transformation reactions of groundwater microbiome
- Microbiological, molecular biological and chemical-analytical sample processing in the laboratory (determination of total cell count and microbial diversity, analysis of groundwater-relevant contaminants and transformation products, anions und isotope signatures)
We offer
- Great insights into work of a leading research institute
- Individual supervision with the possibility to work independently
- A topic with high chances of future scientific outcomes
- Work in international teams in a well-equipped institute
Your profile
- Study in the field of biology, microbiology, geosciences or comparable/related environmental science studies/fields
- Experience with field work and/or microbiological, molecular biological or chemical-analytical work techniques is an advantage
- Good English language skills are an advantage
- High motivation and reliability