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Dr Benjamin Jackson

Research student

Research overview

Interested in the effects of anthropogenic activities upon flow and water quality. Focused upon the use of models, primarily utilising geographic information systems (GIS) but also has substantial experience using hydraulic models and some experience with hydrologic models.

Current research focuses upon the fate of personal care products and pharmaceuticals from wastewater outlets in a Chinese catchment. A key achievement from this research project, was the parameterisation of a model within a data barren environment.

Current Research

My research focuses upon the modelling of "down-the-drain" chemicals in China. I use the GIS based GREAT-ER model (Geography-referenced Regional Exposure Assessment Tool for European Rivers) for this purpose. The model is stochastic and is composed of a river network split into numerous "stretches" connected to sewage treatment plants. Each stretch contains statistical information about the range of low flows that may occur. The GREAT-ER model can be used for the purpose of chemical risk assessment and has a large potential to be used within the EU REACH program as high-tier model. However, the model itself is very simple and once a catchment is generated by a model, has a very low data requirement.

The first aim of my research is to determine whether the GREAT-ER model can be adapted for  use in China. There are two barriers: data availability and the uncertainty of wastewater connectivity.

The second aim of my research is to focus upon the risk of down-the-drain chemicals to a catchments in the present and in the future. The future element involves the simulation of a number of scenarios which focus upon population and wastewater infrastructure change.

Contact me

Office number: +44 1524593597

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