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 350 peer-reviewed papers Kevin is a strong collaborative researcher having co-founded the Plastic Measurement Brains Trust (PMBT).
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
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. 11th International Symposium on Pollutant Responses in Marine Organisms (PRIMO 11), Plymouth England, Jul 10-13, 2001. London: ELSEVIER SCI LTD. 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
2002
Journal Article
Characterisation of potentially genotoxic compounds in sediments collected from United Kingdom estuaries
Thomas, Kevin V., Balaam, Jan, Barnard, Nicola, Dyer, Robert, Jones, Claire, Lavender, Jacqueline and McHugh, Mathew (2002). Characterisation of potentially genotoxic compounds in sediments collected from United Kingdom estuaries. Chemosphere, 49 (3), 247-258. doi: 10.1016/S0045-6535(02)00316-8
2001
Journal Article
Antifouling paint booster biocides in the UK coastal environment and potential risks of biological effects
Thomas, Kevin V., Fileman, Tim W., Readman, James W. and Waldock, Mike J. (2001). Antifouling paint booster biocides in the UK coastal environment and potential risks of biological effects. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 42 (8), 677-688. doi: 10.1016/S0025-326X(00)00216-2
2001
Journal Article
Characterization of estrogenic compounds in water samples collected from United Kingdom estuaries
Thomas, K. V., Hurst, M. R., Matthiessen, P. and Waldock, M. J. (2001). Characterization of estrogenic compounds in water samples collected from United Kingdom estuaries. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 20 (10), 2165-2170. doi: 10.1002/etc.5620201005
2001
Journal Article
Toxicity characterisation of organic contaminants in stormwaters from an agricultural headwater stream in South East England
Thomas, KV, Hurst, MR, Matthiessen, P, Sheahan, D and Williams, RJ (2001). Toxicity characterisation of organic contaminants in stormwaters from an agricultural headwater stream in South East England. Water Research, 35 (10), 2411-2416. doi: 10.1016/S0043-1354(00)00535-2
2001
Journal Article
The environmental fate and behaviour of antifouling paint booster biocides: a review
Thomas, KV (2001). The environmental fate and behaviour of antifouling paint booster biocides: a review. Biofouling, 17 (1), 73-86. doi: 10.1080/08927010109378466
2000
Journal Article
Antifouling paint booster biocide contamination in UK marine sediments
Thomas, Kevin V., Blake, Sylvia J. and Waldock, Michael J. (2000). Antifouling paint booster biocide contamination in UK marine sediments. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 40 (9), 739-745. doi: 10.1016/S0025-326X(00)00010-2
1999
Journal Article
Toxicity characterization of organic contaminants in Industrialized UK estuaries and coastal waters
Thomas, Kevin V., Benstead, Rachel E., Thain, John E. and Waldock, Michael J. (1999). Toxicity characterization of organic contaminants in Industrialized UK estuaries and coastal waters. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 38 (10), 925-932. doi: 10.1016/S0025-326X(99)00102-2
1999
Journal Article
Identification of toxic substances in United Kingdom estuaries
Thomas, Kevin V., Thain, John E. and Waldock, Michael J. (1999). Identification of toxic substances in United Kingdom estuaries. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 18 (3), 401-411. doi: 10.1897/1551-5028(1999)0182.3.CO;2
1999
Conference Publication
Determination of the antifouling agent zinc pyrithione in water samples by copper chelate formation and high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry
Thomas, KV (1999). Determination of the antifouling agent zinc pyrithione in water samples by copper chelate formation and high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. 2nd European Pesticide Residue Workshop (EPRW98), Almeria Spain, May 24-27, 1998. doi: 10.1016/S0021-9673(98)01009-7
1999
Journal Article
The effects of short-term changes in environmental parameters on the release of biocides from antifouling coatings: Cuprous oxide and tributyltin
Thomas, Kevin, Raymond, Katherine, Chadwick, John and Waldock, Mike (1999). The effects of short-term changes in environmental parameters on the release of biocides from antifouling coatings: Cuprous oxide and tributyltin. Applied Organometallic Chemistry, 13 (6), 453-460. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-0739(199906)13:63.0.CO;2-O
1998
Journal Article
Determination of selected antifouling booster biocides by high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry
Thomas, KV (1998). Determination of selected antifouling booster biocides by high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. Journal of Chromatography a, 825 (1), 29-35. doi: 10.1016/S0021-9673(98)00717-1
1995
Journal Article
Toxicity enhancement of an aliphatic petrogenic unresolved complex mixture (UCM) by chemical oxidation
Thomas, KV, Donkin, P and Rowland, SJ (1995). Toxicity enhancement of an aliphatic petrogenic unresolved complex mixture (UCM) by chemical oxidation. Water Research, 29 (1), 379-382. doi: 10.1016/0043-1354(94)E0111-I
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Kevin Thomas is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on 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
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing microplastic inputs from ships
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Elvis Okoffo, Dr Cassandra Rauert
-
Doctor Philosophy
Cross regional comparison of emerging contaminants in urban catchments
Principal Advisor
-
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
PM2.5 and plastics pollution in Delhi: Sources, characterization and atmospheric transport modeling
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassandra Rauert
-
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing dietary exposure to nanoplastics and microplastics
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassandra Rauert
-
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluating degradation levels and their potential impact on the quantification of microplastics in the environment
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Whittaker, Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon, Dr Elvis Okoffo
-
Doctor Philosophy
Non-Targeted High-Resolution Mass Spectrometric Characterisation of Highly Mobile and Highly Persistent Chemicals
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Elvis Okoffo, Dr Cassandra Rauert, Dr Jake O'Brien
-
Doctor Philosophy
Human exposure and fate of micro/nanoplastics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassandra 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 Cassandra Rauert
-
Doctor Philosophy
AMR in food producing environments (Ref: 5529)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien
-
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 Cassandra Rauert
-
Doctor Philosophy
The fate of plastics in soils
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassandra Rauert
-
Doctor Philosophy
Emerging contaminants in Food Contact Materials, analysis policy and regulation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Fisher Wang, Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
-
Doctor Philosophy
Reducing glyphosate exposure from high use practices
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Fisher Wang, Professor Bhagirath Chauhan, Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
-
Doctor Philosophy
Emerging contaminants in Food Organics and Garden Organic (FOGO) materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
-
Doctor Philosophy
Human exposure and accumulation of plastics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Cassandra Rauert
-
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
The suitability of wastewater-based epidemiology for AMR surveillance
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: 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 Cassandra Rauert
Completed supervision
-
2026
Doctor Philosophy
Microplastic Pollution in Water Systems: Issues and Treatment
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Elvis Okoffo
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring antimicrobial resistance in Australian wastewater
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien, Professor Jianhua Guo
-
2025
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 Cassandra Rauert
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Antibiotics and other chemicals that select for antimicrobial resistance in Australian wastewater
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien
-
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
-
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: Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Ben Tscharke
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Assessment of plastic contamination in marine organisms
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: 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: Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Ben Tscharke
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
An assessment of plastic residues in Australian biosolids
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Ben Tscharke
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Fate and behaviour of neonicotinoids in Australian aquatic environments
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Estimating use of nicotine containing products and evaluating tobacco-related health risks through wastewater analysis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Ben Tscharke, Associate Professor Phong Thai
-
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: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Innovative sampling strategies for improved wastewater-based epidemiology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: 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: 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
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Population diet and stress estimates using wastewater based epidemiology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien
-
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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