Master thesis topics:

Forestry effect on the dynamics of peatlands sequestration of toxic mercury

Background:

Peatlands represent one of the most important mercury (Hg) sinks in the circumpolar boreal region, which discharges large quantities of Hg to the boreal aquatic ecosystem that threatens human health. Peatland forestry, such as the drainage of peatland and turning it into peatland forest has been widely adopted to boost the forest industry. However, how this will influence Hg sequestration by peatlands is unknown. In a very recent project, we are aiming to constrain the Hg flux at natural and drained peatlands. The project utilizes a set of cross-disciplinary approaches to establish a total budget of Hg and track the processes that controlled the flow of Hg flux.

We are offering several master thesis opportunities:

Vegetation uptake drives Hg deposition at natural and drained-forested peatlands
Mercury accumulation and storage in natural and drained-forest peatlands
Dynamics of atmospheric Hg in peatland forest

The master students are expected to engage in the big-picture project and encouraged to develop their own ideas. The student will perform/join field campaigns, collect field samples, and conduct laboratory chemical analysis.

For more information, please contact Wei Zhu (wei.zhu@slu.se)

We look forward to meeting and working with you!