
Overview
Background
Dr Phong Thai is an ARC Mid-Career Industry Fellow. Phong joined Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS) in 2018 after his Vice Chancellor Senior Research Fellowship at the International Laboratory of Air Quality and Health at Queensland University of Technology. His research focus at QAEHS involves the expansion of wastewater-based epidemiological approach to estimate community consumption and exposure to a range of licit and illicit substances including tobacco and alcohol, pharmaceuticals and as well as the monitoring of community infection to Covid-19 during the last pandemic. He is a member of the team who manage the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program.
Phong is also working on projects monitoring occurence, fate and transport of environmental pollutants in different matrices. He has lso far ed or contributed to several exciting projects totalling > A$ 15 millions.
Availability
- Associate Professor Phong Thai is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
- Graduate Certificate of Education & Teaching, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Wastewater-based epidemiology
Identifying markers for population exposure estimation through wastewater-based epidemiology
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Air quality and its impact
Developing new approach to monitor air quality and linking exposure to air pollutants to health impact
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Legacy persistent pollutants
Assessment of the fate and transport of persistent pollutants including PFAS, flame retardants, in the environment
Works
Search Professor Phong Thai’s works on UQ eSpace
2025
Journal Article
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in rainfall runoff from an AFFF-impacted concrete pad: A field simulation study
Thai, Phong K., McDonough, Jeffrey T., Key, Trent A., Thapalia, Anita, Porman, Scott, Prasad, Pritesh, Fiorenza, Stephanie, Watanabe, Hirozumi, Barnes, Craig M. and Mueller, Jochen F. (2025). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in rainfall runoff from an AFFF-impacted concrete pad: A field simulation study. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters, 6 100137, 100137. doi: 10.1016/j.hazl.2024.100137
2025
Journal Article
Difference in nicotine metabolism as a potential factor causing disparities in tobacco consumption estimates by wastewater-based epidemiology
Weng, Min-Tz, Steadman, Kathryn J, Zhong, Kelly, Al-Gharibeh, Maryam, Zheng, Qiuda and Thai, Phong K (2025). Difference in nicotine metabolism as a potential factor causing disparities in tobacco consumption estimates by wastewater-based epidemiology. Health Sciences Review, 14 100210, 100210. doi: 10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100210
2025
Journal Article
Assessing the impact of individual exposure to air pollution via biomarkers in sputum of children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Le Tran, Linh, Le Pham, An, Duc Do, Minh, Nguyen, Quynh Nhat, Ngo, Hieu K.T., Le, Hong H.T.C., Nguyen, Vinh Nhu, Phung, Dung, Sly, Peter D. and Thai, Phong K. (2025). Assessing the impact of individual exposure to air pollution via biomarkers in sputum of children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Environmental Pollution, 367 125544, 125544. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125544
2025
Journal Article
An upward trend of dyslipidemia among adult population in Vietnam: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis
Dang, Anh Kim, Thi Le, Linh Thao, Pham, Ngoc Minh, Nguyen, Dung Quang, Thi Nguyen, Ha Thu, Dang, Son Cong, Le Nguyen, Anh Tuan, Le, Huong Thi, Mamun, Abdullah A., Phung, Dung and Thai, Phong K. (2025). An upward trend of dyslipidemia among adult population in Vietnam: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, 19 (1) 103171, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2024.103171
2025
Journal Article
Exposure to smoking and greenspace are associated with allergy medicine use – A study of wastewater in 28 cities of China
Zhang, Lingrong, Du, Peng, Zheng, Qiuda, Zhao, Menglin, Zhang, Ruyue, Wang, Zhenglu, Xu, Zeqiong, Li, Xiqing and Thai, Phong K. (2025). Exposure to smoking and greenspace are associated with allergy medicine use – A study of wastewater in 28 cities of China. Environment International, 196 109291, 109291-196. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109291
2024
Journal Article
Wastewater‐based evaluation of the efficacy of oxycodone regulations in Australia
Verhagen, Rory, Gerber, Cobus, Thai, Phong K., Connor, Jason, Loveday, Bill, Bade, Richard, O'Brien, Jake, Jaunay, Emma L., Simpson, Bradley S., Chan, Gary, Hall, Wayne, Thomas, Kevin V., Mueller, Jochen F. and Tscharke, Benjamin J. (2024). Wastewater‐based evaluation of the efficacy of oxycodone regulations in Australia. Addiction, 119 (12), 2153-2161. doi: 10.1111/add.16653
2024
Journal Article
The impact of diurnal temperature range on the risk of hospitalizations in a low-income setting: the case of the Central Coast of Vietnam
Ngo, Hieu K. T., Tri, Ton T. C., Thu, Dang Thi Anh, Phung, Dung, Dang, Tran Ngoc, Nguyen, Kien Duc, Nguyen, My H. D., Tin, Hoang Cong and Thai, Phong K. (2024). The impact of diurnal temperature range on the risk of hospitalizations in a low-income setting: the case of the Central Coast of Vietnam. International journal of biometeorology, 69 (2), 1-11. doi: 10.1007/s00484-024-02828-w
2024
Journal Article
Commentary on Ter Laak <i>et al</i>.: The importance of drug market information and differentiating drug use patterns
Verhagen, Rory and Thai, Phong K. (2024). Commentary on Ter Laak et al.: The importance of drug market information and differentiating drug use patterns. Addiction, 120 (1), 126-127. doi: 10.1111/add.16712
2024
Journal Article
µ-X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and fluorine K-edge µ-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy for detection of PFAS distribution in the impacted concrete
Vo, Phong H. N., Vogel, Christian, Nguyen, Hong T. M., Hamilton, Brett R., Thai, Phong K., Roesch, Philipp, Simon, Franz-Georg and Mueller, Jochen F. (2024). µ-X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and fluorine K-edge µ-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy for detection of PFAS distribution in the impacted concrete. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters, 5 100134, 100134. doi: 10.1016/j.hazl.2024.100134
2024
Journal Article
Degradation and detoxification of 6PPD-quinone in water by ultraviolet-activated peroxymonosulfate: Mechanisms, byproducts, and impact on sediment microbial community
Yu, Wenyan, Tang, Shaoyu, Wong, Jonathan W.C., Luo, Zhujun, Li, Zongrui, Thai, Phong K., Zhu, Minghan, Yin, Hua and Niu, Junfeng (2024). Degradation and detoxification of 6PPD-quinone in water by ultraviolet-activated peroxymonosulfate: Mechanisms, byproducts, and impact on sediment microbial community. Water Research, 263 122210, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122210
2024
Journal Article
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in floor dust from different indoor environments in Australia: Levels, variation, and human exposure risks
Li, Zongrui, Ishaq, Zubaria, He, Chang, Banks, Andrew P.W., Bräunig, Jennifer, Thai, Phong K., Jayarathne, Ayomi, Mueller, Jochen F. and Wang, Xianyu (2024). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in floor dust from different indoor environments in Australia: Levels, variation, and human exposure risks. Chemosphere, 366 143372, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143372
2024
Journal Article
Assessing daily patterns in stimulant use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Melbourne, Australia using wastewater analysis
Chen, Shuo, Bade, Richard, Tscharke, Ben, Hall, Wayne, Thai, Phong, He, Chang, Ahmed, Fahad, Zheng, Qiuda, Choi, Phil M., O'Brien, Jake W. and Mueller, Jochen F. (2024). Assessing daily patterns in stimulant use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Melbourne, Australia using wastewater analysis. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 476 135130, 135130. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135130
2024
Journal Article
High throughput and sensitive quantitation of tobacco-specific alkaloids and nitrosamines in wastewater
Wang, Zhe, Zheng, Qiuda, Tscharke, Benjamin J., Li, Jinglong, O'Brien, Jake W., Patterson, Brad, Zhao, Zeyang, Thomas, Kevin V., Mueller, Jochen F. and Thai, Phong K. (2024). High throughput and sensitive quantitation of tobacco-specific alkaloids and nitrosamines in wastewater. Talanta, 277 126401, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126401
2024
Journal Article
Assessing the impact of stricter drink driving policy on alcohol consumption in a population of Hanoi, Vietnam using wastewater analysis
Bui, Thanh X., Ngo, Hieu K. T., Vu, Giang T., Zheng, Qiuda, Nguyen, Dat M., Hue, Tran Thi Thanh, Binh, Vu Ngan, Anh, Nguyen Thi Kieu and Thai, Phong K. (2024). Assessing the impact of stricter drink driving policy on alcohol consumption in a population of Hanoi, Vietnam using wastewater analysis. Drug and Alcohol Review, 44 (1), 10-10. doi: 10.1111/dar.13929
2024
Journal Article
Response of low-cost sensors to high PM <sub>2.5</sub> concentrations during bushfire and haze events
Liu, Xiaoting, Pushpawela, Buddhi, Jayaratne, Rohan, Thai, Phong, Christensen, Bryce, Zing, Isak, Lamont, Riki, Dunbabin, Matthew, Wang, Hao, Gao, Jian and Morawska, Lidia (2024). Response of low-cost sensors to high PM 2.5 concentrations during bushfire and haze events. Aerosol Science and Technology, 58 (9), 978-990. doi: 10.1080/02786826.2024.2368733
2024
Journal Article
Seven-years of alcohol consumption in Australia by wastewater analysis: exploring patterns by remoteness and socioeconomic factors
Tscharke, Ben, Livingston, Michael, O'Brien, Jake W., Bade, Richard, Thomas, Kevin V., Mueller, Jochen F., Hall, Wayne, Simpson, Bradley S., Jaunay, Emma, Gerber, Cobus, White, Jason M. and Thai, Phong K. (2024). Seven-years of alcohol consumption in Australia by wastewater analysis: exploring patterns by remoteness and socioeconomic factors. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 259 111317, 111317. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111317
2024
Journal Article
Reducing consequences of extreme heat: the role of weather information access
Kien, Nguyen Duc, My, Nguyen H.D., Thu, Dang Thi Anh, Phong, Thai Khanh, Chau, Tran H.B. and Dung, Phung Tri (2024). Reducing consequences of extreme heat: the role of weather information access. Dialogues in Health, 4 100177, 100177. doi: 10.1016/j.dialog.2024.100177
2024
Journal Article
Progress toward universal health coverage in Vietnam: evidence on dispensing trends of diabetes medications from 2015 to 2021
Dang, Anh Kim, Vu, Binh Ngan, Lam, Toi Phung, Ho, Thanh Kim Thi, Nguyen, Anh Kieu Thi, Le, Huong Thi, Mamun, Abdullah A., Phung, Dung and Thai, Phong K. (2024). Progress toward universal health coverage in Vietnam: evidence on dispensing trends of diabetes medications from 2015 to 2021. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 212 111691, 111691. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111691
2024
Journal Article
Refining the correction factor for a better monitoring of antidepressant use by wastewater-based epidemiology: a case study of amitriptyline
Zhao, Zeyang, Zheng, Qiuda, Tscharke, Benjamin J., Ahmed, Fahad, O'Brien, Jake W., Gao, Jianfa, Covaci, Adrian and Thai, Phong K. (2024). Refining the correction factor for a better monitoring of antidepressant use by wastewater-based epidemiology: a case study of amitriptyline. Science of The Total Environment, 926 172057, 172057. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172057
2024
Journal Article
Nationwide occurrence and discharge mass load of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in effluent and biosolids: a snapshot from 75 wastewater treatment plants across Australia
Nguyen, Hue T., Thai, Phong K., Kaserzon, Sarit L., O'Brien, Jake W. and Mueller, Jochen F. (2024). Nationwide occurrence and discharge mass load of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in effluent and biosolids: a snapshot from 75 wastewater treatment plants across Australia. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 470 134203, 134203. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134203
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Phong Thai is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Assessment of biomarker transformation in the wastewater system
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Qiuda Zheng
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Doctor Philosophy
Estimating use of tobacco and nicotine products through wastewater analysis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Jake O'Brien, Professor Kevin Thomas, Dr Ben Tscharke
-
Master Philosophy
Understanding the exposure and dissipation of recreational methamphetamine use in Australian residential properties,
Principal Advisor
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Master Philosophy
Understanding the exposure and dissipation of recreational methamphetamine use in Australian residential properties,
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Assessing and modelling spatiotemporal trends in drug consumptions in the community by wastewater-based epidemiology
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Jiaying Li, Dr Jiuling Li
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Doctor Philosophy
The metabolic syndrome in relation to nutritional status among adults in Vietnam
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Abdullah Mamun, Associate Professor Dung Phung
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Doctor Philosophy
Bioaccumulation potential of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) in humans
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Richard Bade, Dr Ben Tscharke, Professor Jochen Mueller
-
Doctor Philosophy
Human exposure pathways for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Fisher Wang
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Doctor Philosophy
Human exposure pathways for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Fisher Wang
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Doctor Philosophy
Using multiple data sources to understand the opioid crisis in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Connor, Dr Ben Tscharke
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Doctor Philosophy
Determinants of alcohol drinking, and tobacco smoking, and e-cigarette vaping in Vietnamese young people and young Vietnamese migrant in Australia : implications for public health interventions and substance-use control policies
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Connor, Professor Coral Gartner, Associate Professor Gary Chung Kai Chan
Completed supervision
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
An assessment of alcohol and tobacco consumption by wastewater-based epidemiology
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Jake O'Brien, Professor Kevin Thomas, Dr Ben Tscharke
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Traffic-related air pollution: impact on respiratory health and attitudes to self-protective behaviours amongst urban Vietnamese children
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Dung Phung, Professor Peter Sly
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Transformation and fate of organic micropollutants in the urban wastewater system
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Honorary Professor Zhiguo Yuan
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Emerging organic contaminants in wastewater treatment plants
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon, Professor Jochen Mueller
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluating the Effects of Atmospheric Environment on Children's Health in Hanoi, Vietnam
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Professor Peter Sly, Associate Professor Dung Phung
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Expanding wastewater-based epidemiology and evaluating the stability of biomarkers in the sewers: from the laboratory to the field
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien, Professor Jochen Mueller
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Organophosphate esters in the Australian environment: sources, fate, and human exposure
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Fisher Wang, Professor Jochen Mueller
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Refining the uncertainties and expansion of wastewater-based epidemiology for assessing population exposure to chemicals
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon, Professor Jochen Mueller
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Emissions of Selected Semivolatile Organic Chemicals from Open-field Biomass Burning and Its Role as an Air Pollution Source in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller
Media
Enquiries
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