# Kevin Thomas
**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16699
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/faculties-institutes/hmbs/about/leaders
Professor
# Kevin Thomas
Email:
: [kevin.thomas@uq.edu.au](mailto:kevin.thomas@uq.edu.au)
Phone:
: [+61 7 344 32443](tel:+61 7 344 32443)
## Positions
Centre Director of Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science
: Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences
: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Centre Director of Minderoo Centre for Plastics and Human Health
: Minderoo Centre for Plastics and Human Health
: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Affiliate of ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
: ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
: Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Centre for Marine Science
: Centre for Marine Science
: Faculty of Science
Centre Director - QAEHS
: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
## Overview
### Background
Professor Kevin Thomas is Director of the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS). Kevin is an environmental health scientist with a particular interest in understanding the environmental exposures associated with contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) with the goal of protecting environmental and human health. Kevin also leads the [Minderoo Centre- Plastics and Human Health](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj5iJuh38GAAxU5plYBHSUwAIMQFnoECA8QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fqaehs.centre.uq.edu.au%2Fminderoo&usg=AOvVaw15kDhH_ld-jepFxd4GhMy6&opi=89978449) at UQ and is Deputy-Director of the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Hyphenated Analytical Separation Technologies (HyTech).
His current research is focused on understanding human exposure to plastics pollution and developing mass spectrometric analytical methods for characterizing plastics and other CECs, assessing community-wide health status through analysing wastewater (wastewater-based epidemiology) and establishing alternative approaches to exposure monitoring, for example explanted silicone prostheses and wristbands.
Author of over 350 peer-reviewed papers Kevin is a strong collaborative researcher having co-founded the [Plastic Measurement Brains Trust](https://qaehs.centre.uq.edu.au/pmbt) (PMBT).
Read more
Read less
### Availability
Professor Kevin Thomas is:
: Available for supervision
: Media expert
### Fields of research
[Analytical chemistry](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4904)
[Analytical chemistry not elsewhere classified](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6786)
[Analytical spectrometry](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6545)
[Biomedical and Clinical Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4760)
[Chemical Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4775)
[Environmental Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4773)
[Health Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4759)
### Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, Plymouth University
- Doctoral Diploma of Science (Advanced), Plymouth University
## Works
[Search Professor Kevin Thomas’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/3281680)
[All
(419)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/16699/all)
[Journal Article
(373)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/16699/4748)
[Other Outputs
(5)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/16699/4749)
[Conference Publication
(30)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/16699/4751)
[Book Chapter
(11)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/16699/4752)
2026
Journal Article
##### Nanoplastic and microplastic contamination in Australian carbonated beverages: measurement by Pyrolysis-GC-MS and the challenge of poly(ethylene terephthalate) oligomer interference
Jeffries, Coral, Rauert, Cassandra and Thomas, Kevin V. (2026). Nanoplastic and microplastic contamination in Australian carbonated beverages: measurement by Pyrolysis-GC-MS and the challenge of poly(ethylene terephthalate) oligomer interference. Journal of Hazardous Materials: Plastics, 2 100035, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.hazmp.2025.100035
[Nanoplastic and microplastic contamination in Australian carbonated beverages: measurement by Pyrolysis-GC-MS and the challenge of poly(ethylene terephthalate) oligomer interference](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:22e21ca)
2026
Journal Article
##### Comment on “Polyethylene and Polyvinyl Chloride Nanoplastics in Human Follicular Fluid and Seminal Plasma: Impact on Fertilization and Sperm Quality”
Thomas, Kevin V., Davies, Grace, Okoffo, Elvis, Wright, Stephanie and Rauert, Cassandra (2026). Comment on “Polyethylene and Polyvinyl Chloride Nanoplastics in Human Follicular Fluid and Seminal Plasma: Impact on Fertilization and Sperm Quality”. ACS Nano, 20 (1), 1-2. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.5c13836
[Comment on “Polyethylene and Polyvinyl Chloride Nanoplastics in Human Follicular Fluid and Seminal Plasma: Impact on Fertilization and Sperm Quality”](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:feb6858)
2026
Journal Article
##### Evaluating environmental health communication: the readability of factsheets about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Magi-Prowse, Carla R., Fielding, Kelly S., Thomas, Kevin V. and Morphett, Kylie (2026). Evaluating environmental health communication: the readability of factsheets about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 271 114680, 114680-271. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114680
[Evaluating environmental health communication: the readability of factsheets about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:68e0f4c)
2025
Journal Article
##### Impact of tyre wear particles and tyre leachate on the freshwater angiosperm Lemna minor
Pan, Yufei, Rauert, Cassie, Schmidt, Susanne and Thomas, Kevin (2025). Impact of tyre wear particles and tyre leachate on the freshwater angiosperm Lemna minor. Environmental Chemistry, 22 (8) EN25061, 1-17. doi: 10.1071/en25061
[Impact of tyre wear particles and tyre leachate on the freshwater angiosperm Lemna minor](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ef5aba2)
2025
Journal Article
##### Cannabis consumption in Australia 2018–2025: Socio‐economic and regional trends from wastewater and survey data
Verhagen, Rory, Gerber, Cobus, Thai, Phong, Bade, Richard, O'Brien, Jake, Keller, Emma L., Simpson, Bradley S., Hall, Wayne, Leung, Janni, Thomas, Kevin V., Mueller, Jochen F. and Tscharke, Benjamin J. (2025). Cannabis consumption in Australia 2018–2025: Socio‐economic and regional trends from wastewater and survey data. Addiction add.70277. doi: 10.1111/add.70277
[Cannabis consumption in Australia 2018–2025: Socio‐economic and regional trends from wastewater and survey data](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:b525f32)
2025
Journal Article
##### Evaluating the influence of polystyrene standards on quantification in environmental samples
Chen, Honglin, Thomas, Kevin V. and Rauert, Cassandra (2025). Evaluating the influence of polystyrene standards on quantification in environmental samples. Microplastics and Nanoplastics, 5 (1) 29, 1. doi: 10.1186/s43591-025-00135-8
[Evaluating the influence of polystyrene standards on quantification in environmental samples](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:9dc0f31)
2025
Journal Article
##### Release of nanoplastic from polypropylene kettles
Shi, Ke, Okoffo, Elvis D., Fu, Hongrui, Bapp, Carolin, Jiang, Jie, Rauert, Cassandra and Thomas, Kevin V. (2025). Release of nanoplastic from polypropylene kettles. npj Emerging Contaminants, 1 (1) 16, 1-12. doi: 10.1038/s44454-025-00018-w
[Release of nanoplastic from polypropylene kettles](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:b6d4383)
2025
Journal Article
##### Changes in wastewater measures of alcohol consumption in Alice Springs, Australia, 1 year after the introduction of restrictions on alcohol sales
Tscharke, Ben, Livingston, Michael, Clifford, Sarah, Zheng, Qiuda, Thai, Phong K., Verhagen, Rory, Bade, Richard, O'Brien, Jake W., Gerber, Cobus, Keller, Emma, Simpson, Bradley S., Thomas, Kevin V., Hall, Wayne and Mueller, Jochen F. (2025). Changes in wastewater measures of alcohol consumption in Alice Springs, Australia, 1 year after the introduction of restrictions on alcohol sales. Addiction add.70262. doi: 10.1111/add.70262
[Changes in wastewater measures of alcohol consumption in Alice Springs, Australia, 1 year after the introduction of restrictions on alcohol sales](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:9af0eef)
2025
Journal Article
##### Discovery of previously unreported per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in pooled Australian human serum using nontarget analysis
Dewapriya, Pradeep, Nilsson, Sandra, Ghorbani Gorji, Sara, O’Brien, Jake W., Bräunig, Jennifer, José Gómez Ramos, María, Samanipour, Saer, Martin, Jonathan W., Toms, Leisa-Maree L., Mueller, Jochen F., Kaserzon, Sarit L. and Thomas, Kevin V. (2025). Discovery of previously unreported per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in pooled Australian human serum using nontarget analysis. Environmental Science and Technology, 59 (48), 26081-26091. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c04623
[Discovery of previously unreported per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in pooled Australian human serum using nontarget analysis](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7d01a93)
2025
Journal Article
##### Environmental antimicrobial resistance: current status and future prospects
Thomas, Kevin V., Zhai, Naixiang, Li, Jinglong and O’Brien, Jake W. (2025). Environmental antimicrobial resistance: current status and future prospects. Environmental Contamination: Causes and Solutions, 1 (1). doi: 10.53941/eccs.2025.100006
[Environmental antimicrobial resistance: current status and future prospects](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8bfeeab)
2025
Journal Article
##### Micro- and nanoplastic-induced respiratory disease and dysfunction: a scoping review
Goldsworthy, Adrian, O’Callaghan, Liam A., Tronstad, Oystein, Suen, Jacky, Chen, Honglin, Rauert, Cassandra, Blum, Ciara B., Tajouri, Lotti, Olsen, Matthew, Thomas, Kevin V. and Fraser, John F. (2025). Micro- and nanoplastic-induced respiratory disease and dysfunction: a scoping review. Microplastics, 4 (4) 79, 1-45. doi: 10.3390/microplastics4040079
[Micro- and nanoplastic-induced respiratory disease and dysfunction: a scoping review](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:827ae25)
2025
Journal Article
##### Machine learning for predicting environmental mobility based on retention behavior
Hulleman, Tobias, Samanipour, Saer, Haddad, Paul R., Rauert, Cassandra, Okoffo, Elvis D., Thomas, Kevin V. and O’Brien, Jake W. (2025). Machine learning for predicting environmental mobility based on retention behavior. Environmental Science and Technology, 59 (43) acs.est.5c07274, 23339-23348. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c07274
[Machine learning for predicting environmental mobility based on retention behavior](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6aefe8c)
2025
Journal Article
##### Uptake of Artificial Sweeteners in Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.): Subcellular Distribution and Nontarget Identification of New Metabolites
Li, Dandan, Xing, Jiamin, Du, Peng, Yao, Yiming, Xing, Yeye, Wang, Dongfang, Sun, Xiaojie, Guo, Linlin, Li, Zhiyuan, Wang, Fang and Thomas, Kevin V. (2025). Uptake of Artificial Sweeteners in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Subcellular Distribution and Nontarget Identification of New Metabolites. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 73 (42) acs.jafc.5c06683, 26564-26573. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c06683
[Uptake of Artificial Sweeteners in Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.): Subcellular Distribution and Nontarget Identification of New Metabolites](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ddfdd6c)
2025
Journal Article
##### Release of nanoplastics from polypropylene food containers into hot and cold water
Shi, Ke, Okoffo, Elvis D., Lu, Wei-Cheng, Jiang, Jie, Rauert, Cassandra and Thomas, Kevin V. (2025). Release of nanoplastics from polypropylene food containers into hot and cold water. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 73 (42) acs.jafc.5c11270, 27038-27047. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c11270
[Release of nanoplastics from polypropylene food containers into hot and cold water](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:dcf136d)
2025
Journal Article
##### Evaluating dextrorphan as a wastewater biomarker for cough suppressant use: A longitudinal study in China
Shao, Xue-Ting, Ma, Xin-Dong, Li, Jing-Long, O’Brien, Jake W., Thomas, Kevin and Wang, De-Gao (2025). Evaluating dextrorphan as a wastewater biomarker for cough suppressant use: A longitudinal study in China. Water Research, 285 124119, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2025.124119
[Evaluating dextrorphan as a wastewater biomarker for cough suppressant use: A longitudinal study in China](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f51ede5)
2025
Journal Article
##### Non-PFAS-based magnetic polymer sorbents for efficient removal of perfluorinated compounds from landfill leachate
Tan, Xiao, Yang, Zhuojing, Chen, Zhou, Zhu, Yutong, Yu, Chunrong, Wang, Yiqing, Liu, Kehan, Dewapriya, Pradeep, Li, Xuemei, Su, Zicheng, Giansiracusa, Marcus J, Boskovic, Colette, Wang, Biao, Thomas, Kevin V. and Zhang, Cheng (2025). Non-PFAS-based magnetic polymer sorbents for efficient removal of perfluorinated compounds from landfill leachate. Advanced Materials, 38 (1) e02427, e02427. doi: 10.1002/adma.202502427
[Non-PFAS-based magnetic polymer sorbents for efficient removal of perfluorinated compounds from landfill leachate](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:79438ae)
2025
Journal Article
##### Randomised controlled trial of a low plastic diet and lifestyle intervention for adults with cardiometabolic risk factors: the Plastic Exposure Reduction Transforms Health (PERTH) trial - a protocol
Lucas, Andrew, Harray, Amelia, Duong, Lelinh, Herrmann, Susan, Vlaskovsky, Philip, Trevenen, Michelle, Chan, Dick, Papendorf, Hannah, Smith, Tony, Flint, Lilith, Liu, Alex, Gaudieri, Silvana, Wang, Xianyu, Mueller, Jochen F., Thomas, Kevin, Murray, Kevin, Symeonides, Christos, Dunlop, Sarah, Watts, Gerald and Lucas, Michaela (2025). Randomised controlled trial of a low plastic diet and lifestyle intervention for adults with cardiometabolic risk factors: the Plastic Exposure Reduction Transforms Health (PERTH) trial - a protocol. BMJ Open, 15 (8) e099330, 1-13. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-099330
[Randomised controlled trial of a low plastic diet and lifestyle intervention for adults with cardiometabolic risk factors: the Plastic Exposure Reduction Transforms Health (PERTH) trial - a protocol](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ec95da6)
2025
Journal Article
##### Stability of antibiotics and their metabolites in sewers: implications for wastewater-based epidemiology and antibiotic sustainability
Li, Jinglong, Ren, Jianan, Li, Jiaying, Thai, Phong K., Cen, Xiaotong, Zhao, Zeyang, Zhai, Naixiang, Thomas, Kevin V. and O’Brien, Jake W. (2025). Stability of antibiotics and their metabolites in sewers: implications for wastewater-based epidemiology and antibiotic sustainability. Environmental Science and Technology, 59 (33), 17796-17810. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c04421
[Stability of antibiotics and their metabolites in sewers: implications for wastewater-based epidemiology and antibiotic sustainability](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f1d321b)
2025
Journal Article
##### Time-weighted conversion of acute to chronic equivalent endpoints for derivation of chronic ecotoxicity threshold values of six neonicotinoids in freshwater
Beggs, Carly, Sánchez-Bayo, Francisco, Ghorbani Gorji, Sara, Thomas, Kevin V. and Kaserzon, Sarit L. (2025). Time-weighted conversion of acute to chronic equivalent endpoints for derivation of chronic ecotoxicity threshold values of six neonicotinoids in freshwater. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 44 (7), 1901-1911. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgaf091
[Time-weighted conversion of acute to chronic equivalent endpoints for derivation of chronic ecotoxicity threshold values of six neonicotinoids in freshwater](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:221dab7)
2025
Journal Article
##### Evaluation of a Low-Cost Active Air Sampler for the Surveillance of Airborne Transmission of Antibiotic Resistance Genes Using a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant as a Case Study
Zhai, Naixiang, Li, Jinglong, Klümper, Uli, Lakhey, Pooja, Thomas, Kevin V. and O’Brien, Jake W. (2025). Evaluation of a Low-Cost Active Air Sampler for the Surveillance of Airborne Transmission of Antibiotic Resistance Genes Using a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant as a Case Study. ACS ES&T Engineering, 5 (9), 2260-2268. doi: 10.1021/acsestengg.5c00180
[Evaluation of a Low-Cost Active Air Sampler for the Surveillance of Airborne Transmission of Antibiotic Resistance Genes Using a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant as a Case Study](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:438e18c)
## Funding
### Current funding
- 2026 - 2030
Characterising Environmental Chemicals Driving Antimicrobial Resistance
ARC Discovery Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/70817)
- 2023 - 2027
National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program
Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/63345)
- 2023 - 2028
ARC Training Centre for Hyphenated Analytical Separation Technologies (ARC ITRP administered by the University of Tasmania)
University of Tasmania
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/60666)
- 2023 - 2028
Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences
Queensland Health
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/60285)
- 2022 - 2027
Identification of chemical and biological determinants, their sources, and strategies to promote healthier homes in Europe (INQUIRE)
NHMRC European Union Collaborative Research Grants
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/55888)
- 2022 - 2027
Improving indoor air quality and health: Identification of chemical and biological determinants, their sources, and strategies to promote healthier homes in Europe - INQUIRE (EU RIA led by NILU)
Norwegian Institute for Air Research
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/57347)
- 2021 - 2028
Developing protocols to measure plastic chemicals in human brain, blood and urine
The Minderoo Foundation Pty Ltd
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/47729)
- 2020 - 2030
Centre to develop novel mass spectrometry protocols to measure plastic chemicals in human tissue
The Minderoo Foundation Pty Ltd
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/45446)
View all 8 current funded projects
View less
### Past funding
- 2024 - 2025
Chemical Analyses of National Passive Air Samples
DCCEEW - Approach to Market
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/66727)
- 2024 - 2025
Analysing Clothing Textiles on the Australian Market for Chemicals of Concern
DCCEEW - Approach to Market
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/66737)
- 2024
Microplastics in drinking water
Minderoo Foundation Limited
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/63346)
- 2021 - 2023
Australian Environmental Specimen Bank: advancing specimen bank capability
ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/51839)
- 2021 - 2022
Preliminary investigations relating to the role of cyanobacterial blooms in the amplification and dispersal of antimicrobial resistance
Melbourne Water Corporation
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/52189)
- 2021
Quarantined ion chromatography mass spectrometry (IC-MS) facility (ARC LIEF administered by University of Tasmania)
University of Tasmania
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/50466)
- 2020 - 2025
Exposure to Trihalomethanes in pregnancy and birth outcomes in Queensland: integrated data analysis and case studies for better policy and health outcomes
NHMRC Partnership Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/47315)
- 2020 - 2023
Improved monitoring of aquatic pollutants in national water resources
ARC Linkage Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/38049)
- 2020 - 2024
Comprehensive characterisation of the PFAS exposome
NHMRC Targeted Research
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/38874)
- 2019 - 2023
Estimating use of tobacco and nicotine products through wastewater analysis
ARC Linkage Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37958)
- 2019 - 2023
National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program
Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/38478)
- 2019 - 2024
Microplastics: Long-term Effects of plastics and Additive Chemicals on marine organisms (MicroLEACH)
Norwegian Institute for Water Research
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/38274)
- 2019 - 2023
A global platform for identifying emerging chemical threats
ARC Discovery Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37001)
- 2019
A Gas Chromatography-High Resolution Accurate Mass Spectrometry Facility
ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/36994)
- 2019 - 2023
Novel Testing Strategies for Endocrine Disruptors in the Context of Developmental Neuro Toxicity (ENDpoiNTs) (Horizon 2020 Grant administered by Karolinska Institute)
Uppsala University
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/38529)
- 2019
UHPLC-QTOF-MS for research on emerging chemical pollutants including PFAS
UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37527)
- 2018 - 2020
Identification and screening for potential human health effects of coal seam gas (CSG) activity in the southern Surat Basin, Queensland
CSIRO
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37160)
- 2018 - 2023
Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences
Queensland Health
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/36694)
- 2018 - 2022
Exposure mapping - combining wastewater analysis with human biomonitoring
ARC Discovery Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/33222)
- 2015 - 2018
Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences
Queensland Health
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/27780)
View all 20 past funded projects
View less
## Supervision
### Availability
Professor Kevin Thomas is:
: Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on [how to choose a supervisor](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/how-to-choose-a-supervisor).
### Available projects
- #### Available projects for prospective PhD students
Projects are available around four broad themes.
- Identifying chemicals that select for antimicrobial resistance.
- Assessing the environmental plastics cycle with a focus on human exposure.
- Assessing community-wide health status through wastewater-based epidemiology.
- Alternative matrices for exposure monitoring. For example explanted silicone prostheses and wristbands.
- Analytical methods for the characterization of contaminants of emerging concern (target/suspect-screening/non-target analysis).
Project specific opportunities are advertised on our [centre website](https://qaehs.centre.uq.edu.au/available-phd-positions-qaehs)
Read more
Read less
### Supervision history
#### Current supervision
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Assessing dietary exposure to nanoplastics and microplastics
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Cassandra Rauert](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24555)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### PM2.5 and plastics pollution in Delhi: Sources, characterization and atmospheric transport modeling
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Cassandra Rauert](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24555)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Cross regional comparison of emerging contaminants in urban catchments
Principal Advisor
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Assessing microplastic inputs from ships
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Elvis Okoffo](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/33733), [Dr Cassandra Rauert](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24555)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Evaluating degradation levels and their potential impact on the quantification of microplastics in the environment
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Andrew Whittaker](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/138), [Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13071), [Dr Elvis Okoffo](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/33733)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Understanding emerging contaminants and metabolomic responses in Australian seabird species
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13071), [Dr Fisher Wang](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16960)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Reducing glyphosate exposure from high use practices
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Fisher Wang](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16960), [Professor Bhagirath Chauhan](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/10189), [Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13071)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Non-Targeted High-Resolution Mass Spectrometric Characterisation of Highly Mobile and Highly Persistent Chemicals
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Elvis Okoffo](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/33733), [Dr Cassandra Rauert](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24555), [Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Human exposure and accumulation of plastics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Cassandra Rauert](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24555)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### AMR in food producing environments (Ref: 5529)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### The suitability of wastewater-based epidemiology for AMR surveillance
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Characterisation and Quantification of Nanoplastics in the Environment Using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984), [Dr Elvis Okoffo](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/33733), [Dr Cassandra Rauert](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24555)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Investigation of the inflammatory response of human cells to silica dust exposure
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Jianhua Guo](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/3045), [Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Emerging contaminants in Food Organics and Garden Organic (FOGO) materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13071)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Human exposure and fate of micro/nanoplastics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Cassandra Rauert](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24555), [Dr Taskeen Janjua Khan](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/38168)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### The fate of plastics in soils
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Cassandra Rauert](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24555)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Emerging contaminants in Food Contact Materials, analysis policy and regulation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Fisher Wang](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16960), [Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13071)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### DETERMINATION OF MICRO AND NANOPLASTICS IN BREAST MILK, BLOOD AND MECONIUM SAMPLES FROM MOTHERS-INFANTS IN AUSTRALIA
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Cassandra Rauert](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24555)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Development of Specialised Hyphenated Methodologies for Quantifying New Halogenated Plastic Materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984), [Dr Elvis Okoffo](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/33733), [Dr Cassandra Rauert](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24555)
View all 19 current supervisions
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#### Completed supervision
- 2026
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Microplastic Pollution in Water Systems: Issues and Treatment](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0882de1)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Elvis Okoffo](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/33733)
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Exploring antimicrobial resistance in Australian wastewater](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e98c471)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984), [Professor Jianhua Guo](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/3045)
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Microplastics in the air: Working towards understanding micro plastics in the atmospheric environment, the plastic exposome and human respiratory exposure](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:d2a0439)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984), [Dr Fisher Wang](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16960), [Dr Cassandra Rauert](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24555)
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Antibiotics and other chemicals that select for antimicrobial resistance in Australian wastewater](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:dc2da03)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984)
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Advancing the non-target identification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in environmental samples](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c76151f)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Ian Wood](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/706), [Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984), [Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13071)
- 2022
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Evaluating the suitability of wastewater analysis for the detection and monitoring of performance- and image-enhancing drug use](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:419d501)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984), [Dr Ben Tscharke](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/17035)
- 2022
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Assessment of plastic contamination in marine organisms](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:b2dde63)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984), [Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13071)
- 2022
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Assessment of analgesic consumption and the burden of treated pain in Australia using wastewater-based epidemiology](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:92ac5d2)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984), [Dr Ben Tscharke](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/17035)
- 2021
Doctor Philosophy
##### [An assessment of plastic residues in Australian biosolids](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:df49a13)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984), [Dr Ben Tscharke](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/17035)
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Fate and behaviour of neonicotinoids in Australian aquatic environments](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6005242)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13071)
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Estimating use of nicotine containing products and evaluating tobacco-related health risks through wastewater analysis](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:160b131)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984), [Dr Ben Tscharke](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/17035), [Associate Professor Phong Thai](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2495)
- 2024
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Improved monitoring of hydrophilic aquatic contaminants.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:98703bc)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13071)
- 2023
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Evaluation and Implementation of Methods to increase Comprehensiveness of Non-Target Analysis](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:eecd77a)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13071)
- 2022
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Innovative sampling strategies for improved wastewater-based epidemiology](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:3698e8d)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13071), [Dr Ben Tscharke](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/17035)
- 2022
Doctor Philosophy
##### [An assessment of alcohol and tobacco consumption by wastewater-based epidemiology](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:4f11f01)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984), [Dr Ben Tscharke](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/17035), [Associate Professor Phong Thai](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2495)
- 2021
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Firefighters' exposure to potentially toxic combustion products.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e29f41d)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Fisher Wang](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16960)
- 2020
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Population diet and stress estimates using wastewater based epidemiology](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:2391a07)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jake O'Brien](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16984)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Microplastic pollution: From nanoscale surface interactions to public perceptions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/13071)
View all 18 completed supervisions
View less
## Media
### Enquiries
Contact Professor Kevin Thomas directly for media enquiries about:
- Aquatic pollution
- chemical pollution
- Illicit drug monitoring in wastewater
- Microplastics
#### Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:
[communications@uq.edu.au](mailto:communications@uq.edu.au)
## External profiles
- [ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2155-100X)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/C-3890-2016)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57204870448)
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=ShxqEM4AAAAJ)
## Personal links
- [Personal profile](https://qaehs.centre.uq.edu.au/profile/270/kevin)
## Social media
- [Linkedin](https://au.linkedin.com/in/kevin-thomas-87b38518)
- [X](https://twitter.com/WelshBoffin)
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