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 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 300 peer-reviewed papers and Associate Editor for the journal Science of the Total Environment, Kevin is a strong collaborative researcher having founded the international SCORE network on sewer biomarker analysis for community health assessment (see www.score-network.eu) and together with colleagues has recently launched InSpectra- A platform for identifying emerging chemical threats.
Availability
- Professor Kevin Thomas is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, Plymouth University
- Doctoral Diploma of Science (Advanced), Plymouth University
Works
Search Professor Kevin Thomas’s works on UQ eSpace
2011
Conference Publication
Effects-directed analysis of sediments from polluted marine sites in Norway
Grung, Merete, Naes, Kristoffer, Fogelberg, Oscar, Nilsen, Anja Julie, Brack, Werner, Luebcke-von Varel, Urte and Thomas, Kevin V. (2011). Effects-directed analysis of sediments from polluted marine sites in Norway. 3rd Norwegian Environmental Toxicology Symposium, Bergen, Norway, 14 - 16 April 2010. New York, NY, United States: Taylor & Francis. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2011.550555
2011
Conference Publication
Effects of dispersed aggregates of carbon and titanium dioxide engineered nanoparticles on rainbow trout hepatocytes
Thomas, Kevin V., Farkas, Julia, Farmen, Eivind, Christian, Paul, Langford, Katherine, Wu, Quinglan and Tollefsen, Knut-Erik (2011). Effects of dispersed aggregates of carbon and titanium dioxide engineered nanoparticles on rainbow trout hepatocytes. 3rd Norwegian Environmental Toxicology Symposium, Bergen, Norway, 14 - 16 April 2010. New York, NY, United States: Taylor & Francis. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2011.550557
2010
Book Chapter
Point sources of human pharmaceuticals into the aquatic environment
Thomas, Kevin V. and Langford, Katherine H. (2010). Point sources of human pharmaceuticals into the aquatic environment. Green and Sustainable Pharmacy. (pp. 211-223) Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-05199-9_14
2010
Journal Article
Cytotoxicity of atorvastatin and simvastatin on primary rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes
Ellesat, Kathrin Sabine, Tollefsen, Knut-Erik, Asberg, Anders, Thomas, Kevin V. and Hylland, Ketil (2010). Cytotoxicity of atorvastatin and simvastatin on primary rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes. Toxicology in Vitro, 24 (6), 1610-1618. doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2010.06.006
2010
Journal Article
Diurnal variations in the occurrence and the fate of hormones and antibiotics in activated sludge wastewater treatment in Oslo, Norway
Plosz, Benedek Gy., Leknes, Henriette, Liltved, Helge and Thomas, Kevin V. (2010). Diurnal variations in the occurrence and the fate of hormones and antibiotics in activated sludge wastewater treatment in Oslo, Norway. Science of the Total Environment, 408 (8), 1915-1924. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.01.042
2010
Journal Article
Effects of silver and gold nanoparticles on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes
Farkas, Julia, Christian, Paul, Urrea, Julian Alberto Gallego, Roos, Norbert, Hassellov, Martin, Tollefsen, Knut Erik and Thomas, Kevin V. (2010). Effects of silver and gold nanoparticles on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes. Aquatic Toxicology, 96 (1), 44-52. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2009.09.016
2010
Journal Article
Impacts of competitive inhibition, parent compound formation and partitioning behavior on the removal of antibiotics in municipal wastewater treatment
Plosz, Benedek Gy., Leknes, Henriette and Thomas, Kevin V. (2010). Impacts of competitive inhibition, parent compound formation and partitioning behavior on the removal of antibiotics in municipal wastewater treatment. Environmental Science & Technology, 44 (2), 734-742. doi: 10.1021/es902264w
2010
Journal Article
The environmental fate and effects of antifouling paint biocides
Thomas, K. V. and Brooks, S. (2010). The environmental fate and effects of antifouling paint biocides. Biofouling, 26 (1), 73-88. doi: 10.1080/08927010903216564
2009
Book Chapter
Europe and USA
Thomas, Kevin V. and Langford, Katherine H. (2009). Europe and USA. Ecotoxicology of Antifouling Biocides. (pp. 331-344) Tokyo: Springer Japan. doi: 10.1007/978-4-431-85709-9_19
2009
Book Chapter
The analysis of antifouling paint biocides in water, sediment and biota
Thomas, Kevin V. and Langford, Katherine H. (2009). The analysis of antifouling paint biocides in water, sediment and biota. Ecotoxicology of Antifouling Biocides. (pp. 311-327) Tokyo: Springer Japan. doi: 10.1007/978-4-431-85709-9_18
2009
Journal Article
Small but different effect of fouling on the uptake rates of semipermeable membrane devices and polar organic chemical integrative samplers
Harman, Christopher, Boyum, Olav, Thomas, Kevin V. and Grung, Merete (2009). Small but different effect of fouling on the uptake rates of semipermeable membrane devices and polar organic chemical integrative samplers. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 28 (11), 2324-2332. doi: 10.1897/09-090.S1
2009
Journal Article
Effect-directed identification of naphthenic acids as important in vitro xeno-estrogens and anti-androgens in North Sea offshore produced water discharges
Thomas, K. V., Langford, K., Petersen, K., Smith, A. J. and Tollefsen, K. E. (2009). Effect-directed identification of naphthenic acids as important in vitro xeno-estrogens and anti-androgens in North Sea offshore produced water discharges. Environmental Science & Technology, 43 (21), 8066-8071. doi: 10.1021/es9014212
2009
Conference Publication
Masking effect of anti-androgens on androgenic activity in European river sediment unveiled by effect-directed analysis
Weiss, Jana M., Hamers, Timo, Thomas, Kevin V., van der Linden, Sander, Leonards, Pim E. G. and Lamoree, Marja H. (2009). Masking effect of anti-androgens on androgenic activity in European river sediment unveiled by effect-directed analysis. doi: 10.1007/s00216-009-2807-8
2009
Journal Article
Identification of nonregulated pollutants in north sea-produced water discharges
Balaam, Jan L., Chan-Man, Yin, Roberts, Paul H. and Thomas, Kevin V. (2009). Identification of nonregulated pollutants in north sea-produced water discharges. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 28 (6), 1159-1167. doi: 10.1897/08-488.1
2009
Journal Article
Ecotoxicity of the degradation products of triphenylborane pyridine (TPBP) antifouling agent
Okamura, H., Kitano, S., Toyota, S., Harino, H. and Thomas, K. V. (2009). Ecotoxicity of the degradation products of triphenylborane pyridine (TPBP) antifouling agent. Chemosphere, 74 (9), 1275-1278. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.11.014
2009
Journal Article
Relationship between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) accumulation in semipermeable membrane devices and PAH bile metabolite levels in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)
Harman, Christopher, Holth, Tor Fredrik, Hylland, Ketil, Thomas, Kevin and Grung, Merete (2009). Relationship between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) accumulation in semipermeable membrane devices and PAH bile metabolite levels in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health-Part A-Current Issues, 72 (3-4), 234-243. doi: 10.1080/15287390802539160
2009
Book Chapter
The use of broad-spectrum organic biocides in marine antifouling paints
Thomas, K. (2009). The use of broad-spectrum organic biocides in marine antifouling paints. Advances in Marine Antifouling Coatings and Technologies. (pp. 522-553) Cambridge, United Kingdom: Elsevier Ltd. doi: 10.1533/9781845696313.3.522
2009
Journal Article
Monitoring the freely dissolved concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and alkylphenols (AP) around a Norwegian oil platform by holistic passive sampling
Harman, Christopher, Thomas, Kevin V., Tollefsen, Knut Erik, Meier, Sonnich, Boyum, Olav and Grung, Merete (2009). Monitoring the freely dissolved concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and alkylphenols (AP) around a Norwegian oil platform by holistic passive sampling. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 58 (11), 1671-1679. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.06.022
2009
Journal Article
Determination of pharmaceutical compounds in hospital effluents and their contribution to wastewater treatment works
Langford, Katherine H. and Thomas, Kevin V. (2009). Determination of pharmaceutical compounds in hospital effluents and their contribution to wastewater treatment works. Environment International, 35 (5), 766-770. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2009.02.007
2008
Journal Article
Environmental assessment of Norwegian priority pharmaceuticals based on the EMEA guideline
Grung, Merete, Kallqvist, Torsten, Sakshaug, Solveig, Skurtveit, Svetlana and Thomas, Kevin V. (2008). Environmental assessment of Norwegian priority pharmaceuticals based on the EMEA guideline. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 71 (2), 328-340. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2007.10.015
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Kevin Thomas is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
-
Innovative Analytical Techniques for Detecting and Quantifying Oligomers in Environmental Matrices
Project summary: Develop and validate advanced analytical methods for the detection, identification, and quantification of oligomers in various environmental matrices.
-
Available projects for prospective PhD students
Projects are available around four broad themes.
- 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
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding emerging contaminants and metabolomic responses in Australian seabird species
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon, Dr Fisher Wang
-
Doctor Philosophy
development of accurate quantitative methods for microplastics in the terrestrial and marine environments
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Whittaker, Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon, Dr Elvis Okoffo
-
Doctor Philosophy
Microplastics pollution in water systems: Issues and Treatment
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Elvis Okoffo
-
Doctor Philosophy
Microplastics in the air: Working towards understanding micro plastics in the atmospheric environment, the plastic exposome and human respiratory exposure
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Fisher Wang, Dr Cassie Rauert
-
Doctor Philosophy
Antibiotics and other chemicals that select for antimicrobial resistance in Australian wastewater
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring antimicrobial resistance in Australian wastewater
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien, Professor Jianhua Guo
-
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing microplastic inputs from ships
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Elvis Okoffo, Dr Cassie Rauert
-
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing dietary exposure to plastics and associated chemicals
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassie Rauert
-
Doctor Philosophy
Non-Targeted High-Resolution Mass Spectrometric Characterisation of Highly Mobile and Highly Persistent Chemicals
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Elvis Okoffo, Dr Cassie Rauert, Dr Jake O'Brien
-
Doctor Philosophy
The suitability of wastewater-based epidemiology for AMR surveillance
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien
-
Doctor Philosophy
Investigation of the inflammatory response of human cells to silica dust exposure
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jianhua Guo, Dr Jake O'Brien
-
Doctor Philosophy
Human exposure and accumulation of plastics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassie Rauert
-
Doctor Philosophy
DETERMINATION OF MICRO AND NANOPLASTICS IN BREAST MILK, BLOOD AND MECONIUM SAMPLES FROM MOTHERS-INFANTS IN AUSTRALIA
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassie Rauert
-
Doctor Philosophy
Developing the framework for a national wastewater antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use surveillance method
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien
-
Doctor Philosophy
Fate and behaviour of neonicotinoids in Australian aquatic environments
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sara Ghorbani Gorji, Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
-
Doctor Philosophy
Estimating use of nicotine containing products and evaluating tobacco-related health risks through wastewater analysis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Ben Tscharke, Associate Professor Phong Thai
-
Doctor Philosophy
Emerging contaminants in Food Organics and Garden Organic (FOGO) materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sara Ghorbani Gorji, Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
-
Doctor Philosophy
Human exposure and fate of micro/nanoplastics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassie Rauert, Dr Taskeen Janjua Khan
-
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, Dr Elvis Okoffo, Dr Cassie Rauert
-
Doctor Philosophy
Reducing glyphosate exposure from high use practices
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Fisher Wang, Dr Sara Ghorbani Gorji, Professor Bhagirath Chauhan, Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
-
-
Doctor Philosophy
Development of Specialised Hyphenated Methodologies for Quantifying New Halogenated Plastic Materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Elvis Okoffo, Dr Cassie Rauert
Completed supervision
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Advancing the non-target identification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in environmental samples
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ian Wood, Dr Jake O'Brien, Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon, Dr Pradeep Dewapriya
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluating the suitability of wastewater analysis for the detection and monitoring of performance- and image-enhancing drug use
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Ben Tscharke
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Assessment of plastic contamination in marine organisms
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Jake O'Brien, Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Assessment of analgesic consumption and the burden of treated pain in Australia using wastewater-based epidemiology
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Ben Tscharke
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
An assessment of plastic residues in Australian biosolids
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Ben Tscharke
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Improved monitoring of hydrophilic aquatic contaminants.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluation and Implementation of Methods to increase Comprehensiveness of Non-Target Analysis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Innovative sampling strategies for improved wastewater-based epidemiology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon, Dr Ben Tscharke
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
An assessment of alcohol and tobacco consumption by wastewater-based epidemiology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Ben Tscharke, Associate Professor Phong Thai
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Firefighters' exposure to potentially toxic combustion products.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Fisher Wang, Professor Jochen Mueller
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Population diet and stress estimates using wastewater based epidemiology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien, Professor Jochen Mueller
-
Doctor Philosophy
Microplastic pollution: From nanoscale surface interactions to public perceptions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Kevin Thomas directly for media enquiries about:
- Aquatic pollution
- chemical pollution
- Illicit drug monitoring in wastewater
- Microplastics
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