
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
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
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
2024
Journal Article
Wastewater tiling amplicon sequencing in sentinel sites reveals longitudinal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants prevalence
Wang, Yu, Ni, Gaofeng, Tian, Wei, Wang, Haofei, Li, Jiaying, Thai, Phong, Choi, Phil M., Jackson, Greg, Hu, Shihu, Yang, Bicheng and Guo, Jianhua (2024). Wastewater tiling amplicon sequencing in sentinel sites reveals longitudinal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants prevalence. Water Research X, 23 100224. doi: 10.1016/j.wroa.2024.100224
2024
Journal Article
Significant differences in usage of antibiotics in three Chinese cities measured by wastewater-based epidemiology
Luo, Xiaozhe, Han, Sheng, Wang, Yue, Du, Peng, Li, Xiqing and Thai, Phong K. (2024). Significant differences in usage of antibiotics in three Chinese cities measured by wastewater-based epidemiology. Water Research, 254 121335, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121335
2024
Journal Article
PFAS removal from landfill leachate by ozone foam fractionation: System optimization and adsorption quantification
Vo, Phong H.N., Nguyen, Thao T.P., Nguyen, Hong T.M., Baulch, Justin, Dong, Simon, Nguyen, Cuong V., Thai, Phong K. and Nguyen, Anh V. (2024). PFAS removal from landfill leachate by ozone foam fractionation: System optimization and adsorption quantification. Water Research, 253 121300, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121300
2024
Journal Article
Indoor air pollution is associated with respiratory symptoms in children in urban Vietnam
Le, Hong H.T.C., Ngo, Hieu K.T., Hieu, Le Sy, Sly, Peter D., Phung, Dung, Le An, Pham, Vinh, Nguyen Nhu, Dang, Tran Ngoc, Thuong, Do Thi Hoai, Thanh, Huynh Ngoc and Thai, Phong K. (2024). Indoor air pollution is associated with respiratory symptoms in children in urban Vietnam. Science of the Total Environment, 917 170556, 170556. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170556
2024
Journal Article
Distribution and release of PFAS from AFFF-impacted asphalt: How does it compare to concrete?
Li, Yijing, Key, Trent A., Vo, Phong H.N., Porman, Scott, Thapalia, Anita, McDonough, Jeffrey T., Fiorenza, Stephanie, Barnes, Craig M., Mueller, Jochen F. and Thai, Phong K. (2024). Distribution and release of PFAS from AFFF-impacted asphalt: How does it compare to concrete?. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 466 133627, 1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133627
2024
Journal Article
In-sewer stability of 31 human health biomarkers and suitability for wastewater-based epidemiology
Li, Jiaying, Choi, Phil M., Gao, Jianfa, Ren, Jianan, O'Brien, Jake W., Thomas, Kevin V., Mueller, Jochen F., Thai, Phong K. and Jiang, Guangming (2024). In-sewer stability of 31 human health biomarkers and suitability for wastewater-based epidemiology. Water Research, 249 120978, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120978
2024
Journal Article
Analysis of wastewater from 2013 to 2021 detected a recent increase in nicotine use in Queensland, Australia
Wang, Zhe, Zheng, Qiuda, O'Brien, Jake W., Tscharke, Benjamin J., Chan, Gary, Thomas, Kevin V., Mueller, Jochen F. and Thai, Phong K. (2024). Analysis of wastewater from 2013 to 2021 detected a recent increase in nicotine use in Queensland, Australia. Water Research, 250 121040, 121040. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.121040
2024
Journal Article
Comparison of adsorption-extraction (AE) workflows for improved measurements of viral and bacterial nucleic acid in untreated wastewater
Akter, Jesmin, Smith, Wendy J.M., Liu, Yawen, Kim, Ilho, Simpson, Stuart L., Thai, Phong, Korajkic, Asja and Ahmed, Warish (2024). Comparison of adsorption-extraction (AE) workflows for improved measurements of viral and bacterial nucleic acid in untreated wastewater. Science of the Total Environment, 908 167966, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167966
2023
Journal Article
Calibration and application of PUF disk passive air samplers to assess chlorinated paraffins in ambient air in Australia, China, and Vietnam
He, Chang, Thai, Phong K., Bertrand, Lidwina, Jayarathne, Ayomi, van Mourik, Louise, Phuc, Dam Hoang, Banks, Andrew, Mueller, Jochen F. and Wang, Xianyu Fisher (2023). Calibration and application of PUF disk passive air samplers to assess chlorinated paraffins in ambient air in Australia, China, and Vietnam. Environmental Science and Technology, 57 (50), 21061-21070. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06703
2023
Journal Article
Valuation of a Heatwave Early Warning System for Mitigating Risks Associated with Heat-Related Illness in Central Vietnam
Kien, Nguyen Duc, My, Nguyen H. D., Thu, Dang Thi Anh, Tri, Ton That Canh, Son, Nghiem Hong, Phong, Thai Khanh, Tin, Hoang Cong, Lan, Nguyen Hoang, Thang, Tran Binh, The, Bui Dung and Dung, Phung Tri (2023). Valuation of a Heatwave Early Warning System for Mitigating Risks Associated with Heat-Related Illness in Central Vietnam. Sustainability, 15 (21) 15342, 1-21. doi: 10.3390/su152115342
2023
Journal Article
Climate change and human health in Vietnam: a systematic review and additional analyses on current impacts, future risk, and adaptation
Linh Tran, Nu Quy, Cam Hong Le, Huynh Thi, Pham, Cong Tuan, Nguyen, Xuan Huong, Tran, Ngoc Dang, Thi Tran, Tuyet-Hanh, Nghiem, Son, Ly Luong, Thi Mai, Bui, Vinh, Nguyen-Huy, Thong, Doan, Van Quang, Dang, Kim Anh, Thuong Do, Thi Hoai, Thi Ngo, Hieu Kim, Nguyen, Truong Vien, Nguyen, Ngoc Huy, Do, Manh Cuong, Ton, Tuan Nghia, Thu Dang, Thi Anh, Nguyen, Kien, Tran, Xuan Bach, Thai, Phong and Phung, Dung (2023). Climate change and human health in Vietnam: a systematic review and additional analyses on current impacts, future risk, and adaptation. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, 40 100943, 1-17. doi: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100943
2023
Conference Publication
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between smoking and intelligence measures
Vu, Giang T., Stjepanovic, Daniel, Sun, Tianze, Leung, Janni, Qiu, Yaqi, Thai, Phong, Connor, Jason P., Gartner, Coral, Hall, Wayne D. and Chan, Gary Chung Kai (2023). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between smoking and intelligence measures. APSAD 2023 Conference, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 12–15 November 2023. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.
2023
Journal Article
Assessing the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on alcohol consumption in Melbourne, Australia using high-resolution wastewater sampling
Chen, Shuo, Bade, Richard, Tscharke, Ben, Hall, Wayne, Livingston, Michael, Thai, Phong, He, Chang, Zheng, Qiuda, Crosbie, Nick and Mueller, Jochen (2023). Assessing the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on alcohol consumption in Melbourne, Australia using high-resolution wastewater sampling. Science of The Total Environment, 893 164846, 164846. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164846
2023
Journal Article
Evaluation of sealants to mitigate the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from AFFF-impacted concrete: characterization and forecasting
Vo, Phong H. N., Key, Trent A., Le, Tu Hoang, McDonough, Jeffrey T., Porman, Scott, Fiorenza, Stephanie, Nguyen, Hong T. M., Dao, Vinh T. N., Mueller, Jochen F. and Thai, Phong K. (2023). Evaluation of sealants to mitigate the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from AFFF-impacted concrete: characterization and forecasting. Water Research X, 20 100195, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100195
2023
Journal Article
Wearing masks as a protective measure for children against traffic-related air pollution: a comparison of perceptions between school children and their caregivers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Le, Hong H. T. C., Vien, Nguyen Truong, Dang, Tran Ngoc, Ware, Robert S., Phung, Dung, Thai, Phong K., Ranganathan, Sarath, Vinh, Nguyen Nhu, Dung, Phan Hoang Thuy, Thanh, Huynh Ngoc, Dung, Truong Thi Thuy, Hien, To Thi, Sly, Peter D. and Le An, Pham (2023). Wearing masks as a protective measure for children against traffic-related air pollution: a comparison of perceptions between school children and their caregivers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Tropical Medicine and International Health, 28 (9), 753-762. doi: 10.1111/tmi.13923
2023
Book Chapter
Assessment of in-sample and in-sewer stability of biomarkers in wastewater-based epidemiology: an important step
Gao, Jianfa, O'Brien, Jake W., Li, Jiaying, Choi, Phil, Li, Yijing and Thai, Phong K. (2023). Assessment of in-sample and in-sewer stability of biomarkers in wastewater-based epidemiology: an important step. Wastewater-based epidemiology for the assessment of human exposure to environmental pollutants. (pp. 83-122) edited by Mohammad Hadi Dehghani, Rama Rao Karri, Nikolaos Rousis and Emma Gracia-Lor. London, United Kingdom: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-443-19172-5.00001-9
2023
Journal Article
Monitoring medication and illicit drug consumption in a prison by wastewater-based epidemiology: impact of COVID-19 restrictions
Wang, Zhe, Mueller, Jochen F., O'Brien, Jake W., Thompson, Jack, Tscharke, Benjamin J., Verhagen, Rory, Zheng, Qiuda, Prichard, Jeremy, Hall, Wayne, Humphreys, Keith, Thomas, Kevin V. and Thai, Phong K. (2023). Monitoring medication and illicit drug consumption in a prison by wastewater-based epidemiology: impact of COVID-19 restrictions. Water Research, 244 120452, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120452
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Phong Thai is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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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
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
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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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Master Philosophy
Understanding the exposure and dissipation of recreational methamphetamine use in Australian residential properties,
Principal Advisor
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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
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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
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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
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
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
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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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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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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