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Associate Professor Phong Thai
Associate Professor

Phong Thai

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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

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
  • Graduate Certificate of Education & Teaching, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Wastewater-based epidemiology

    Identifying markers for population exposure estimation through wastewater-based epidemiology

  • Air quality and its impact

    Developing new approach to monitor air quality and linking exposure to air pollutants to health impact

  • 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

280 works between 2006 and 2025

21 - 40 of 280 works

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

Seven-years of alcohol consumption in Australia by wastewater analysis: exploring patterns by remoteness and socioeconomic factors

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

Refining the correction factor for a better monitoring of antidepressant use by wastewater-based epidemiology: a case study of amitriptyline

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

Nationwide occurrence and discharge mass load of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in effluent and biosolids: a snapshot from 75 wastewater treatment plants across Australia

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

Wastewater tiling amplicon sequencing in sentinel sites reveals longitudinal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants prevalence

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

Significant differences in usage of antibiotics in three Chinese cities measured by wastewater-based epidemiology

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

PFAS removal from landfill leachate by ozone foam fractionation: System optimization and adsorption quantification

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

Indoor air pollution is associated with respiratory symptoms in children in urban Vietnam

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

Distribution and release of PFAS from AFFF-impacted asphalt: How does it compare to concrete?

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

In-sewer stability of 31 human health biomarkers and suitability for wastewater-based epidemiology

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

Analysis of wastewater from 2013 to 2021 detected a recent increase in nicotine use in Queensland, Australia

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

Comparison of adsorption-extraction (AE) workflows for improved measurements of viral and bacterial nucleic acid in untreated wastewater

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

Calibration and application of PUF disk passive air samplers to assess chlorinated paraffins in ambient air in Australia, China, and Vietnam

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

Valuation of a Heatwave Early Warning System for Mitigating Risks Associated with Heat-Related Illness in Central Vietnam

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

Climate change and human health in Vietnam: a systematic review and additional analyses on current impacts, future risk, and adaptation

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.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between smoking and intelligence measures

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

Assessing the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on alcohol consumption in Melbourne, Australia using high-resolution wastewater sampling

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

Evaluation of sealants to mitigate the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from AFFF-impacted concrete: characterization and forecasting

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

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

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

Assessment of in-sample and in-sewer stability of biomarkers in wastewater-based epidemiology: an important step

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

Monitoring medication and illicit drug consumption in a prison by wastewater-based epidemiology: impact of COVID-19 restrictions

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2026
    Microplastic emission in storm water
    ExxonMobil Global Services Company
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2025
    Estimating tobacco consumption trend in Australia
    Australian Taxation Office
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Using multiple data sources to understand the opioid crisis in Australia
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2028
    Monitoring nicotine: Triangulating social media, global survey and wastewater data to inform future vaping and smoking policies
    NHMRC IDEAS Grants
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program
    Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    Understanding third hand exposure of Australian people to methamphetamine
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    Understanding Australia by analysing wastewater during the Census 2021
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    Human exposure to PFAS and their precursors in the human environment and their biotransformation processes
    NHMRC Targeted Research
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2025
    Realistic assessment of biomarker transformation in the wastewater system
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Evaluation of PFAS release from impacted concrete
    Arcadis US Inc
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Estimating use of tobacco and nicotine products through wastewater analysis
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Wearing masks to reduce traffic-related air pollution exposure and improve children's respiratory health
    NHMRC-NAFOSTED Joint Call for Collaborative Research Projects Grants
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    Estimating per capita use and release of chemicals by wastewater analysis
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Understanding the fate and transport of selected biomarkers in sewers
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Evaluating temporal and spatial changes in consumption of new psychoactive substances in Queensland by retrospective analysis of archived wastewater samples
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Developing an approach to identifying and qualifying novel psychoactive substance (NPS) consumed in Australia
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2013
    UWA/UQ joint project on sewer epidemiology
    UWA-UQ Bilateral Research Collaboration Award
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Testing of Articles for Persistent Organic Pollutants
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Establishing a method for estimating the consumption of emerging psychoactive substances through wastewater analysis
    UQ Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Dissipation of major illicit drugs and their metabolites in the sewer system
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Associate Professor Phong Thai is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

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