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
2006
Journal Article
Assessment of the risk posed by the antifouling booster biocides Irgarol 1051 and diuron to freshwater macrophytes
Lambert, SJ, Thomas, KV and Davy, AJ (2006). Assessment of the risk posed by the antifouling booster biocides Irgarol 1051 and diuron to freshwater macrophytes. Chemosphere, 63 (5), 734-743. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.08.023
2006
Journal Article
The occurrence of selected pharmaceuticals in wastewater effluent and surface waters of the lower Tyne catchment
Roberts, Paul H. and Thomas, Kevin V. (2006). The occurrence of selected pharmaceuticals in wastewater effluent and surface waters of the lower Tyne catchment. Science of the Total Environment, 356 (1-3), 143-153. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.04.031
2005
Journal Article
The stable aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist potency of United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS) offshore produced water effluents
Hurst, Mark R., Chan-Man, Yin L., Balaam, Jan, Thain, John E. and Thomas, Kevin V. (2005). The stable aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist potency of United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS) offshore produced water effluents. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 50 (12), 1694-1698. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2005.07.009
2005
Journal Article
MODELKEY. Models for assessing and forecasting the impact of environmental key pollutants on freshwater and marine ecosystems and biodiversity
Brack, Werner, Bakker, Joop, De Deckere, Eric, Deerenberg, Charlotte, Van Gils, Jos, Hein, Michaela, Jurajda, Pavel, Kooijman, Bas, Lamoree, Marja, Lek, Sovan, López De Alda, Maria Jose, Marcomini, Antonio, Muñoz, Isabel, Rattei, Silke, Segner, Helmut, Thomas, Kevin, Von Der Ohe, Peter Carsten, Westrich, Bernhard, De Zwart, Dick and Schmitt-Jansen, Mechthild (2005). MODELKEY. Models for assessing and forecasting the impact of environmental key pollutants on freshwater and marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 12 (5), 252-256. doi: 10.1065/espr2005.08.286
2004
Conference Publication
The development of a solid phase extraction (SPE) system for environmental monitoring
Dyer, R. A., Balaam, J. L. and Thomas, K. V. (2004). The development of a solid phase extraction (SPE) system for environmental monitoring. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.. doi: 10.1109/BALTIC.2004.7296805
2004
Journal Article
Determination of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in sediments from UK estuaries using a bio-analytical approach: Chemical-activated luciferase expression (CALUX) assay
Hurst, Mark R., Balaam, Jan, Chan-Man, Yin L., Thain, John E. and Thomas, Kevin V. (2004). Determination of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in sediments from UK estuaries using a bio-analytical approach: Chemical-activated luciferase expression (CALUX) assay. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 49 (7-8), 648-658. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2004.04.012
2004
Journal Article
Investigating the environmental transport of human pharmaceuticals to streams in the United Kingdom
Ashton, D, Hilton, M and Thomas, KV (2004). Investigating the environmental transport of human pharmaceuticals to streams in the United Kingdom. Science of the Total Environment, 333 (1-3), 167-184. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2004.04.062
2004
Journal Article
The occurrence of selected human pharmaceutical compounds in UK estuaries
Thomas, Kevin V. and Hilton, Martin J. (2004). The occurrence of selected human pharmaceutical compounds in UK estuaries. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 49 (5-6), 436-444. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2004.02.028
2004
Journal Article
Toxicity reduction evaluation, toxicity identification evaluation and toxicity tracking in direct toxicity assessment
Hutchings, Matt, Johnson, Ian, Hayes, Elaine, Girling, Andrew E., Thain, John, Thomas, Kevin, Benstead, Rachel, Whale, Graham, Wordon, Joy, Maddox, Ruth and Chown, Phillip (2004). Toxicity reduction evaluation, toxicity identification evaluation and toxicity tracking in direct toxicity assessment. Ecotoxicology, 13 (5), 475-484. doi: 10.1023/B:ECTX.0000035297.90620.73
2004
Journal Article
Bio-analytical and chemical characterisation of offshore produced water effluents for estrogen receptor (ER) agonists
Thomas, Kevin V., Balaam, Jan, Hurst, Mark R. and Thain, John E. (2004). Bio-analytical and chemical characterisation of offshore produced water effluents for estrogen receptor (ER) agonists. Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 6 (7), 593-598. doi: 10.1039/b315003h
2004
Conference Publication
Identification of in vitro estrogen and androgen receptor agonists in North Sea offshore produced water discharges
Thomas, Kevin V., Balaam, Jan, Hurst, Mark R. and Thain, John E. (2004). Identification of in vitro estrogen and androgen receptor agonists in North Sea offshore produced water discharges. doi: 10.1897/03-239
2004
Journal Article
Surveys of plasma vitellogenin and intersex in male flounder (Platichthys flesus) as measures of endocrine disruption by estrogenic contamination in United Kingdom estuaries: Temporal trends, 1996 to 2001
Kirby, Mark F., Allen, Yvonne T., Dyer, Robert A., Feist, Steve W., Katsiadaki, Ioanna, Matthiessen, Peter, Scott, Alex P., Smith, Andrew, Stentiford, Grant D., Thain, John E., Thomas, Kevin V., Tolhurst, Laura and Waldock, Michael J. (2004). Surveys of plasma vitellogenin and intersex in male flounder (Platichthys flesus) as measures of endocrine disruption by estrogenic contamination in United Kingdom estuaries: Temporal trends, 1996 to 2001. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 23 (3), 748-758. doi: 10.1897/03-166
2004
Journal Article
Potency and characterization of estrogen-receptor agonists in united kingdom estuarine sediments
Thomas, Kevin V., Balaam, Jan, Hurst, Mark, Nedyalkova, Zoya and Mekenyan, Ovanes (2004). Potency and characterization of estrogen-receptor agonists in united kingdom estuarine sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 23 (2), 471-479. doi: 10.1897/03-163
2004
Journal Article
A review of factors affecting the release and bioavailability of contaminants during sediment disturbance events
Eggleton, Jacqueline and Thomas, Kevin V. (2004). A review of factors affecting the release and bioavailability of contaminants during sediment disturbance events. Environment International, 30 (7), 973-980. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2004.03.001
2003
Journal Article
Determination of selected human pharmaceutical compounds in effluent and surface water samples by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry
Hilton, Martin J. and Thomas, Kevin V. (2003). Determination of selected human pharmaceutical compounds in effluent and surface water samples by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Journal of Chromatography A, 1015 (1-2), 129-141. doi: 10.1016/S0021-9673(03)01213-5
2003
Journal Article
Increased persistence of antifouling paint biocides when associated with paint particles
Thomas, Kevin V., McHugh, Mathew, Hilton, Martin and Waldock, Mike (2003). Increased persistence of antifouling paint biocides when associated with paint particles. Environmental Pollution, 123 (1), 153-161. doi: 10.1016/S0269-7491(02)00343-3
2003
Journal Article
Toxicity characterisation of sediment porewaters collected from UK estuaries using a Tisbe battagliai bioassay
Thomas, Kevin V., Barnard, Nicola, Collins, Katrina and Eggleton, Jacqueline (2003). Toxicity characterisation of sediment porewaters collected from UK estuaries using a Tisbe battagliai bioassay. Chemosphere, 53 (9), 1105-1111. doi: 10.1016/S0045-6535(03)00611-8
2002
Conference Publication
The impact of oestrogenic and androgenic contamination on marine organisms in the United Kingdom - Summary of the EDMAR programme
Matthiessen, Peter, Allen, Yvonne, Bamber, Shaw, Craft, John, Hurst, Mark, Hutchinson, Tom, Feist, Steve, Katsiadaki, Ioanna, Kirby, Mark, Robinson, Craig, Scott, Sandy, Thain, John and Thomas, Kevin (2002). The impact of oestrogenic and androgenic contamination on marine organisms in the United Kingdom - Summary of the EDMAR programme. doi: 10.1016/S0141-1136(02)00135-6
2002
Journal Article
Antifouling paint booster biocides in UK coastal waters: Inputs, occurrence and environmental fate
Thomas, Kevin V., McHugh, Mathew and Waldock, Mike (2002). Antifouling paint booster biocides in UK coastal waters: Inputs, occurrence and environmental fate. Science of the Total Environment, 293 (1-3), 117-127. doi: 10.1016/S0048-9697(01)01153-6
2002
Journal Article
An assessment of in vitro androgenic activity and the identification of environmental androgens in United Kingdom estuaries
Thomas, Kevin V., Hurst, Mark R., Matthiessen, Peter, McHugh, Mathew, Smith, Andy and Waldock, Michael J. (2002). An assessment of in vitro androgenic activity and the identification of environmental androgens in United Kingdom estuaries. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 21 (7), 1456-1461. doi: 10.1002/etc.5620210717
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
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
Assessing dietary exposure to plastics and associated chemicals
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassie Rauert
-
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
Assessing microplastic inputs from ships
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Elvis Okoffo, 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
Microplastics pollution in water systems: Issues and Treatment
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Elvis Okoffo
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring antimicrobial resistance in Australian wastewater
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien, Professor Jianhua Guo
-
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
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
Developing the framework for a national wastewater antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use surveillance method
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien
-
Doctor Philosophy
Human exposure and accumulation of plastics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassie Rauert
-
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
Emerging contaminants in Food Organics and Garden Organic (FOGO) materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sara Ghorbani Gorji, Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
-
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
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
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
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
The suitability of wastewater-based epidemiology for AMR surveillance
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien
-
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
Human exposure and fate of micro/nanoplastics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassie Rauert, Dr Taskeen Janjua Khan
-
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
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team: