My project is about the effects of metal pollution on aquatic ecosystems. The long-term effects of heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems are a major environmental concern due to their potential persistence in the environment and bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms and the food chain. Despite significant historic and current issues associated with metal pollution, there have been comparatively few contemporary studies examining the long-term legacy and effect of heavy metals on aquatic ecosystems in post-industrial areas. Therefore, I am looking at heavy metal concentrations present in river water, sediment and organism samples: their bioaccumulation along with the remediation techniques. I chose Loughborough University because it was a perfect match for me in terms of my research area and supervisors.
My interest for undertaking PhD in this area occurred while I was doing my master’s degree. My dissertation was based on the measurement of lead contamination from river water and sediments from the River Ecclesbourne, Derbyshire. High concentrations of lead were detected in sediment which may cause serious effects on aquatic species. However, an in-depth study on what portion of the available metal ions in the environment is available for intestinal absorption was not investigated. The challenge and possibility of removing this gap coupled with the prospects of carrying out a detailed study motivated me the most.