22/01/2024
There is an MSc thesis topic available in Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) on dissolved organic water. The study aims to identify linkages between organic matter characteristics and greenhouse gas emissions from riverine environments. Take a look at the announcement.
MSc thesis topic in GTK: Linkages between organic matter characteristics and greenhouse gas production in river system
Background
Climate change will affect the short and long-term fluctuations on carbon flow in rivers and associated recharge areas. The effects of climate change to the origin of the organic matter in riverine system, and the fate of organic carbon needs further studies. Biogeochemical processing of dissolved organic matter can be traced using the“optical fingerprint”of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), that consists of optically active organic molecules and can therefore be detected using optical measurements.
Information of the dynamic processes, such as CO2 and CH4 fluxes is important in understanding the mineralization of DOM to CO2 and CH4.
Objectives
This study aims to identify linkages between organic matter characteristics and greenhouse gas emissions from riverine environments in Kokemäenjoki river catchment. Fort this purpose, a novel incubation system will be developed for measuring carbon dioxide and methane production using LI-COR Trace Gas Analyzer. These analyzers use optical feedback-cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy to measure CO2 and CH4and allow observation of organic carbon remineralization. In addition, CDOM will be measured to provide an optical fingerprint, which will be used to characterize riverine organic matter. Ultimately, linking greenhouse gas production and organic matter characteristics will provide essential information about the carbon cycling in the Kokemäenjoki river system.
Description of work
The student will participate in field campaigns for collecting water samples from river,streams and ground water in the Kokemäenioki catchment area. Trace gas flux experiments using LI-COR equipment are designed in the laboratory for the measurement of carbon mineralization potential of different types of water samples. CDOM characteristics (optical fingerprint) in different types of water will be determined using spectrophotometry and spectrofluorometry.
Qualifications
The student should have background in aquatic biology, biogeochemistry, chemistry, or related fields. The student should possess a driver’s license. The student should be able to do fieldwork and collect the water samples independently after training. Prior experience with the topics of the project, laboratory work and basic R skills are considered assets.
Training and learning outcomes
The student will learn to plan and implement a field sampling campaign and to carry out experimental research. The student will learn how to measure trace gas fluxes and optical fingerprinting of DOM in aquatic environmental research, interpretation of data and scientific writing.
A 1500 eur reward will be paid after successfully handing in the Master’s thesis.
Contact and application
Lotta Purkamo, Geological Survey of Finland, [email protected]
Eero Asmala, Geological Survey of Finland, [email protected]
Jukka Pumpanen, University of Eastern Finland, [email protected]
Research will be conducted in Geological Survey of Finland (Espoo, Kuopio) Applications (in English) consisting of a brief letter of motivation and CV are to be sent to Lotta Purkamo ([email protected])
