Single-Particle-ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma -mass spectrometry) characterization of Nano&Microparticles extracted from the environment

5 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Institut des Sciences Analytiques / Université de LYON

Research Field

Chemistry
Environmental science » Ecology
Technology » Materials technology

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Leading Researcher (R4)
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

France

Application Deadline

20 Mar 2024 - 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

2 Sep 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Abstract: Single-Particle-ICP-MS characterization of Nano&Microparticles extracted from the environment

The fast growth in the production and use of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) increases also environment exposure to these new pollutants. New analytical methods are required to follow this new environment issue. Nano materials, due to their unique properties are employed in many applications including medicine, remediation, cosmetics and foods additives. For example, TiO2 and ZnO in Nano form are extensively used in current sunscreens and their wide use spreads the nano-particles in our environment. With the increased incorporation into everyday products, release of NPs into the environment is growing, while, the environmental and health risk associated with these materials is still not well understood.

In the field of particle analysis, the challenge is to obtain the simultaneous determination of size, distribution and composition of a single micro to nano size object. Single-particle analysis is therefore a growing research field. The proposed method to characterize nano pollutants is «Single-particle Inductively Coupled Mass Spectroscopy» (SP ICP-MS). This method is a new field of investigation for elemental plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP MS) using fast transient signal acquisition. A screening of main metals present as particles in the aquatic environment will be the main objective of the study. Elemental contamination of the Rhône (France) has been extensively evaluated; the characterization of the nature (dissolved or particulate) pollution is still unknown.

The research will deal with instrumentation optimization and method development in plasma mass spectroscopy. To understand the fate, distribution and transport of Nanoparticles on our environment and especially in aquatic environment, it is also necessary to develop reliable extraction protocols. The extraction step will be evaluated according to the target element. A selection of reactive and non-reactive particle will be made during the PhD, as it is essential to evaluate both case in the environment. Our group has experience in extraction and preparation protocols for different targets and both chemical and non-chemical method will be employed in this view 1,2 .

The smaller particles are most dangerous ones for living organisms and the size detection limit obtained in SP ICP MS for some elements is still too high (i.e. in the 10 to 100 nm) this value is mainly depending on element properties and main spectral interferences. Investigation in this field are one of the main part of the research3 . The concentration detection limit (in particle mL-1 ) requires also to be improved to be relevant with environmental needs.

Data mining to extract relevant information from the large volume of signal produced by SP ICP MS is also an essential part of the work. The manufacturer NPsoftwares are sophisticated but improvement using laboratory built programs are under evaluation and will be employed in this work.

The Institute of Analytical Chemistry hosts world-leading research group in the spectroscopy field. The candidate will benefit from the excellent working conditions provided by the Institute with an access to most recent ICP-MS instrumentations of the group (single quad, MS/MS and High Resolution devices), with different configurations i.e. a High Resolution ICP-SF-MS, ICP-MS/MS with various gas for reaction and collisions. The candidate is expected to have a minimum background in analytical chemistry and will benefit from supervision of the research staff of the group.

Skills to be acquired during the project: Expertise in plasma mass spectroscopy and analytical inorganic mass spectrometry in the field of environment.

Funding category: Autre financement public
Université de Lyon et China Scholarship Council
PHD title: chimie analytique, physique, environnment et procédés
PHD Country: France

Requirements
Specific Requirements

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA related to acquired funding

Be a citizen or permanent resident of the People's Republic of China;

Hold (or future holder) a master's degree or equivalent that proves your aptitude for research

CRITERIA related to the subject

A Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry or Environmental Chemistry with strong skills in analytical chemistry is requested. A master's degree in physics related to instrumentation is also possible.

Interest in spectroscopy experimentation and data analysis is desirable

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Institut des Sciences Analytiques / Université de LYON

Country

France

City

Lyon

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.abg.asso.fr/fr/candidatOffres/show/id_offre/120839

Contact

Website

https://www.isa-lyon.fr/

STATUS: EXPIRED