Dr Christian Dunn
Senior Lecturer in Zoology
–
• Director of Marketing and Recruitment (SNS)
• Director of Marketing and Recruitment (CoESE)
• c.dunn@bangor.ac.uk
• 4th Floor Brambell Building
• +44 (0) 1248 382098
• Google Scholar | ResearchGate | LinkedIn
Being the Associate Director of the Bangor Wetlands Group, Dr Christian Dunn, is an active researcher and lecturer in wetland science - in particular wetland ecology, peatland biogeochemistry, carbon sequestration and the use of constructed treatment wetlands. He is also the director of the Plastic Research Centre of Wales and has ongoing research projects looking at plastic and microplastic pollution.
Dr Christian Dunn is an award-winning environmental campaigner and public speaker. He has given three TEDx talks and regularly appears on local and national TV, radio and press publications talking about environmental and climate issues. Being a former journalist he has written for a range of leading newspapers and magazines.
Overview
As the Associate Director of the Bangor Wetlands Group I research and teach on all aspects of wetland science. This includes wetland ecology, zoology, peatland biogeochemistry and carbon sequestration, and Constructed Treatment Wetlands (CTWs).
Another area of my research is plastic and microplastic pollution. In particular microplastic pollution in inland water systems and its potential removal using CTWs. Some of my research recieved international coverage when it was revealed, for the first time, that microplastics were present in all UK inland waters. I am the director of the recently launched Plastic Research Centre of Wales.
I am the Director of Marketing and Recruitment for the School of Natural Sciences and the College of Environmental Science and Engineering. As a former journalist I still write regularly for a number of national publications and frequently appear on TV and radio news and current affair programmes.
Teaching and Supervision
In 2013 I established the Wetland Science and Conservation MSc – the only one of its kind in the UK. I now lecture on a variety of undergraduate modules, covering a wide range of topics from climate change science and statistical analysis to plant identification and writing for the press. I am the course director for Zoology with Climate Change Studies and module organiser of Life in Wetlands, Principles of Life 1 and Science and Employability Skills.
Every year I supervise around 15 undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD student projects.
Research Interests
I conduct research across a wide range of wetland science topics with a particular interest in wetland biogeochemical cycles, especially in-terms of how these can affect ecosystems, the wider environment and climate; wetland management and conservation practises, wetlands and climate change, and Constructed Treatment Wetlands (CTWs).
Another area of my research is plastic and microplastic pollution, with a particular emphasis on microplastics in inland water systems and the use of wetlands to remove them.
Postgraduate Project Opportunities
Publications
2020
- PublishedA Potential Approach for Enhancing Carbon Sequestration During Peatland Restoration Using Low-Cost, Phenolic-Rich Biomass Supplements
Alshehri, A., Dunn, C., Freeman, C., Hugron, S., Jones, T. & Rochefort, L., 12 May 2020, In : Frontiers in Environmental Science. 8
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedAn affordable methodology for quantifying waterborne microplastics - an emerging contaminant in inland-waters
Dunn, C., Owens, J., Fears, L., Nunnerley, L., Kirby, J., Armstrong, O., Thomas, P. J., Aberg, D., Gilder, W., Green, D., Antwis, R. & Freeman, C., Feb 2020, In : Journal of Limnology. 79, 1, p. 92-95 4 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - Accepted/In pressWater table fluctuation in peatlands facilitates fungal proliferation, impedes Sphagnum growth and accelerates decomposition
Kim, J., Rochefort, L., Hugron, S., Alqulaiti, Z., Dunn, C., Pouliot, R., Jones, T., Freeman, C. & Kang, H., 18 Dec 2020, (Accepted/In press) In : Frontiers Earth Science.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2019
- PublishedPeatland Catchments and Natural Flood Management
Allott, T., Auñón, J., Dunn, C., Evans, M., Labadz, J., Lunt, P., MacDonald, M., Nisbet, T., Owen, R., Pilkington, M., Proctor, S., Shuttleworth, E. & Walker, J., 2 Dec 2019, IUCN UK Peatland Programme. 43 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
2018
- PublishedDecomposition as a regulator of carbon accretion in mangroves: a review
Friesen, S., Dunn, C. & Freeman, C., Apr 2018, In : Ecological Engineering. 114, p. 173-178
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedInvestigating whether light intensity can modify decomposition rates in peatlands through control of the ‘enzymic latch’
Dunn, C., Zielinski, P., Kent, M. & Freeman, C., 15 Apr 2018, In : Ecological Engineering. 114, p. 167-172
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedMangrove forests can rebound thanks to climate change – it’s an opportunity we must take
Dunn, C., 20 Nov 2018, The Conversation.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article - PublishedThe role of molecular weight in the enzyme-inhibiting effect of phenolics: the significance in peatland carbon sequestration
Dunn, C. & Freeman, C., 15 Apr 2018, In : Ecological Engineering. 114, p. 162-166
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2016
- PublishedConstructed wetlands may lower inorganic nutrient inputs but enhance DOC loadings into a drinking water reservoir in North Wales
Scholz, C., Dunn, C., Jones, T., West, M., Ehbair, A. & Freeman, C., Sep 2016, In : Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 23, 18, p. 18192-18199
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedIs peat accumulation in mangrove swamps influenced by the “enzymic latch” mechanism?
Dunn, C., Mitsch, W., Freeman, C. & Saraswati, S., 15 Dec 2016, In : Wetlands Ecology and Management. 24, 6, p. 641-650
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedOptions for Geoengineering the Climate via Microorganisms: A Peatland Case Study
Dunn, C., Fenner, N., Shirsat, A. & Freeman, C., Mar 2016, Climate Change and Microbial Ecology: Current Research and Future Trends. Caister Academic Press, p. 185-200
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter - PublishedPlant Species Effects on the Carbon Storage Capabilities of a Blanket bog Complex
Dunn, C., Jones, T., Roberts, S. & Freeman, C., 1 Feb 2016, In : Wetlands. 36, 1, p. 47-58
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedSmall changes in water levels and groundwater nutrients alter nitrogen and carbon processing in dune slack soils
Rhymes, J., Jones, L., Wallace, H., Jones, T. G., Dunn, C. & Fenner, N., Aug 2016, In : Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 99, p. 28-35
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2014
- PublishedMethodologies for Extracellular Enzyme Assays from Wetland Soils
Dunn, C., Jones, T. G., Girard, A. & Freeman, C., 1 Feb 2014, In : Wetlands. 34, 1, p. 9-17
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2013
- PublishedQuantifying dissolved organic carbon concentrations in upland catchments using phenolic proxy measurements
Peacock, M., Burden, A., Cooper, M., Dunn, C., Evans, C. D., Fenner, N., Freeman, C. G., Gough, R. S., Hughes, D., Hughes, S., Jones, T., Lebron, I., West, M. & Zieliński, P., 16 Jan 2013, In : Journal of Hydrology. 477, p. 251-260
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2011
- PublishedPeatlands: our greatest source of carbon credits?
Dunn, C. & Freeman, C., 2011, In : Carbon Management. 2, 3, p. 289-301
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Activities
2020
- #EarthLiveLessons
Earth LIVE Lesson with Dr Christian Dunn : Why wetlands are nature’s superheroes!
Organised by Lizzie Daly Wildlife TV.
5 Apr 2020
Links:
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Public lecture/debate/seminar (Contributor)
2019
- TEDx talk: How we can stop microplastic pollution
10 Oct 2019
Links:
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Public lecture/debate/seminar (Contributor)
2018
- Bascamp 2018
Main Marquee - How to get a city to give up plastic
1 Jun 2018
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition (Contributor)
Projects
-
KESS II PhD with Celw Ltd - BUK208
01/11/2015 – 28/02/2020 (Finished)
Personal
A former journalist and editor I write for a number of national publications, including the BBC Wildlife Magazine. I regularly appear on local and national radio and television programmes to discuss environmental issues.
I am an award-winning environmental campaigner and public speaker and have given three TEDx talks: