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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

201 - 220 of 280 works

2016

Journal Article

Air pollution and risk of respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations in the most populous city in Vietnam

Phung, Dung, Hien, To Thi, Linh, Ho Nhut, Luong, Ly M. T., Morawska, Lidia, Chu, Cordia, Binh, Nguyen Duy and Thai, Phong K. (2016). Air pollution and risk of respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations in the most populous city in Vietnam. Science of the Total Environment, 557-558, 322-330. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.070

Air pollution and risk of respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations in the most populous city in Vietnam

2016

Journal Article

Cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine residues in wastewater: consumption trends (2009-2015) in South East Queensland, Australia

Lai, Foon Yin, O'Brien, Jake W., Thai, Phong K., Hall, Wayne, Chan, Gary, Bruno, Raimondo, Ort, Christoph, Prichard, Jeremy, Carter, Steve, Anuj, Shalona, Kirkbride, K. Paul, Gartner, Coral, Humphries, Melissa and Mueller, Jochen F. (2016). Cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine residues in wastewater: consumption trends (2009-2015) in South East Queensland, Australia. Science of The Total Environment, 568, 803-809. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.181

Cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine residues in wastewater: consumption trends (2009-2015) in South East Queensland, Australia

2016

Journal Article

Changes in atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls between the 1990s and 2010s in an Australian city and the role of bushfires as a source

Wang, Xianyu, Thai, Phong K., Li, Yan, Li, Qingbo, Wainwright, David, Hawker, Darryl W. and Mueller, Jochen F. (2016). Changes in atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls between the 1990s and 2010s in an Australian city and the role of bushfires as a source. Environmental Pollution, 213, 223-231. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.02.020

Changes in atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls between the 1990s and 2010s in an Australian city and the role of bushfires as a source

2016

Journal Article

Evaluation of monitoring schemes for wastewater-based epidemiology to identify drug use trends using cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA and methadone

Humphries, Melissa A., Bruno, Raimondo, Lai, Foon Yin, Thai, Phong K., Holland, Barbara R., O'Brien, Jake W., Ort, Christoph and Mueller, Jochen F. (2016). Evaluation of monitoring schemes for wastewater-based epidemiology to identify drug use trends using cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA and methadone. Environmental Science and Technology, 50 (9), 4760-4768. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5b06126

Evaluation of monitoring schemes for wastewater-based epidemiology to identify drug use trends using cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA and methadone

2016

Journal Article

Ambient temperature and risk of cardiovascular hospitalization: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Phung, Dung, Thai, Phong K., Guo, Yuming, Morawska, Lidia, Rutherford, Shannon and Chu, Cordia (2016). Ambient temperature and risk of cardiovascular hospitalization: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Science of the Total Environment, 550 (2016), 1084-1102. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.01.154

Ambient temperature and risk of cardiovascular hospitalization: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

2016

Journal Article

Trends in methamphetamine residues in wastewater in metropolitan and regional cities in south-east Queensland, 2009-2015

Lai, Foon Yin, O'Brien, Jake, Thai, Phong K., Hall, Wayne D. and Mueller, Jochen (2016). Trends in methamphetamine residues in wastewater in metropolitan and regional cities in south-east Queensland, 2009-2015. Medical Journal of Australia, 204 (4), 151-152e. doi: 10.5694/mja15.01054

Trends in methamphetamine residues in wastewater in metropolitan and regional cities in south-east Queensland, 2009-2015

2016

Journal Article

Monitoring temporal changes in use of two cathinones in a large urban catchment in Queensland, Australia

Thai, Phong K., Lai, Foon Yin, Edirisinghe, Mehtsiri, Hall, Wayne, Bruno, Raimondo, O'Brien, Jake W., Prichard, Jeremy, Kirkbride, K. Paul and Mueller, Jochen F. (2016). Monitoring temporal changes in use of two cathinones in a large urban catchment in Queensland, Australia. Science of the Total Environment, 545-546, 250-255. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.038

Monitoring temporal changes in use of two cathinones in a large urban catchment in Queensland, Australia

2016

Journal Article

Challenges and opportunities in using wastewater analysis tomeasure drug use in a small prison facility

Van Dyken, Emma, Lai, Foon Yin, Thai, Phong K., Ort, Christoph, Bruno, Raimondo, Hall, Wayne, Kirkbride, Paul K., Mueller, Jochen F. and Prichard, Jeremy (2016). Challenges and opportunities in using wastewater analysis tomeasure drug use in a small prison facility. Drug and Alcohol Review, 35 (2), 138-147. doi: 10.1111/dar.12156

Challenges and opportunities in using wastewater analysis tomeasure drug use in a small prison facility

2016

Journal Article

Monitoring exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an Australian population using pooled urine samples

Thai, Phong K., Heffernan, Amy L., Toms, Leisa-Maree L., Li, Zheng, Calafat, Antonia M., Hobson, Peter, Broomhall, Sara and Mueller, Jochen F. (2016). Monitoring exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an Australian population using pooled urine samples. Environment International, 88, 30-35. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.11.019

Monitoring exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an Australian population using pooled urine samples

2016

Conference Publication

A modelling approach to estimate the number of people contributing to a wastewater sample using population biomarkers

O'Brien, Jake, Thai, Phong, Ort, Christoph, Thomas, Kevin, Reid, Malcolm, Baz Lomba, José Antonio, Lai, Foon Yin and Mueller, Jochen (2016). A modelling approach to estimate the number of people contributing to a wastewater sample using population biomarkers. 2016 Annual Meeting of the International Society of Exposure Sicence, Utrecht, Netherlands, 9 - 13 October 2016. Herndon, VA, United States: International Society of Exposure Science.

A modelling approach to estimate the number of people contributing to a wastewater sample using population biomarkers

2016

Journal Article

Critical review on the stability of illicit drugs in sewers and wastewater samples

McCall, Ann-Kathrin, Bade, Richard, Kinyua, Juliet, Lai, Foon Yin, Thai, Phong K., Covaci, Adrian, Bijlsma, Lubertus, van Nuijs, Alexander L. N. and Ort, Christoph (2016). Critical review on the stability of illicit drugs in sewers and wastewater samples. Water Research, 88, 933-947. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.10.040

Critical review on the stability of illicit drugs in sewers and wastewater samples

2015

Journal Article

Wastewater analysis of Census day samples to investigate per capita input of organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizers into wastewater

O'Brien, Jake W., Thai, Phong K., Brandsma, Sicco H., Leonards, Pim E. G., Ort, Christoph and Mueller, Jochen F. (2015). Wastewater analysis of Census day samples to investigate per capita input of organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizers into wastewater. Chemosphere, 138, 328-334. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.06.014

Wastewater analysis of Census day samples to investigate per capita input of organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizers into wastewater

2015

Journal Article

Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure in small groups of residents in Brisbane, Australia and Hanoi, Vietnam, and those travelling between the two cities

Thai, Phong K., Li, Zheng, Sjodin, Andreas, Fox, Annette, Diep, Nguyen Bich, Binh, Ta Thi and Mueller, Jochen F. (2015). Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure in small groups of residents in Brisbane, Australia and Hanoi, Vietnam, and those travelling between the two cities. Chemosphere, 139, 358-364. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.07.004

Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure in small groups of residents in Brisbane, Australia and Hanoi, Vietnam, and those travelling between the two cities

2015

Journal Article

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in dust from primary schools in South East Queensland, Australia

Toms, Leisa-Maree L., Mazaheri, Mandana, Brommer, Sandra, Clifford, Samuel, Drage, Daniel, Mueller, Jochen F., Thai, Phong, Harrad, Stuart, Morawska, Lidia and Harden, Fiona A. (2015). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in dust from primary schools in South East Queensland, Australia. Environmental Research, 142, 135-140. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.06.007

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in dust from primary schools in South East Queensland, Australia

2015

Journal Article

The first application of wastewater-based drug epidemiology in five South Korean cities

Kim, Ki Yong, Lai, Foon Yin, Kim, Hee-Young, Thai, Phong K., Mueller, Jochen F. and Oh, Jeong-Eun (2015). The first application of wastewater-based drug epidemiology in five South Korean cities. Science of the Total Environment, 524-525, 440-446. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.04.065

The first application of wastewater-based drug epidemiology in five South Korean cities

2015

Journal Article

The effects of high temperature on cardiovascular admissions in the most populous tropical city in Vietnam

Phung, Dung, Guo, Yuming, Thai, Phong, Rutherford, Shannon, Wang, Xiaoming, Nguyen, Minh, Do, Cuong Manh, Nguyen, Nga Huy, Alam, Noore and Chu, Cordia (2015). The effects of high temperature on cardiovascular admissions in the most populous tropical city in Vietnam. Environmental Pollution, 208 (Pt A), 33-39. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.06.004

The effects of high temperature on cardiovascular admissions in the most populous tropical city in Vietnam

2015

Journal Article

Export of radioactive cesium from agricultural fields under simulated rainfall in Fukushima

Thai, Phong K., Suka, Yuma, Sakai, Masaru, Nanko, Kazuki, Yen, Jui-Hung and Watanabe, Hirozumi (2015). Export of radioactive cesium from agricultural fields under simulated rainfall in Fukushima. Environmental Sciences: Processes and Impacts, 17 (6), 1157-1163. doi: 10.1039/c5em00063g

Export of radioactive cesium from agricultural fields under simulated rainfall in Fukushima

2015

Journal Article

Spatial distribution of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Australia's atmosphere

Wang, Xianyu, Kennedy, Karen, Powell, Jennifer, Keywood, Melita, Gillett, Rob, Thai, Phong, Bridgen, Phil, Broomhall, Sara, Paxman, Chris, Wania, Frank and Mueller, Jochen F. (2015). Spatial distribution of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Australia's atmosphere. Environmental Sciences: Processes and Impacts, 17 (3), 525-532. doi: 10.1039/c4em00594e

Spatial distribution of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Australia's atmosphere

2015

Journal Article

Systematic and day-to-day effects of chemical-derived population estimates on wastewater-based drug epidemiology

Lai, Foon Yin, Anuj, Shalona, Bruno, Raimondo, Carter, Steve, Gartner, Coral, Hall, Wayne, Kirkbride, K. Paul, Mueller, Jochen F., O'Brien, Jake W., Prichard, Jeremy, Thai, Phong K and Ort, Christoph (2015). Systematic and day-to-day effects of chemical-derived population estimates on wastewater-based drug epidemiology. Environmental Science and Technology, 49 (2), 999-1008. doi: 10.1021/es503474d

Systematic and day-to-day effects of chemical-derived population estimates on wastewater-based drug epidemiology

2015

Conference Publication

Reading wastewater downunder

Mueller, J. F., Lai, F. Y., Thai, P., O'Brien, J., Ort, C., Gartner, C., Prichard, J., Bruno, R., van Dyken, E., Humphries, M., Carter, S., Wilkins, P., Kirkbride, W. and Hall, W. (2015). Reading wastewater downunder. Testing the Waters, Ascona, Switzerland, 11-15 October 2015.

Reading wastewater downunder

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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