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
-
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
2023
Journal Article
Increased nicotine consumption in Australia during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic
Thai, Phong K, Tscharke, Benjamin J, O’Brien, Jake, Gartner, Coral, Bade, Richard, Gerber, Cobus, White, Jason M, Zheng, Qiuda, Wang, Zhe, Thomas, Kevin V and Mueller, Jochen F (2023). Increased nicotine consumption in Australia during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 25 (6), 1194-1197. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntac275
2023
Journal Article
Impact of sewer biofilms on fate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and wastewater surveillance
Li, Jiaying, Ahmed, Warish, Metcalfe, Suzanne, Smith, Wendy J. M., Choi, Phil M., Jackson, Greg, Cen, Xiaotong, Zheng, Min, Simpson, Stuart L., Thomas, Kevin V., Mueller, Jochen F. and Thai, Phong K. (2023). Impact of sewer biofilms on fate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and wastewater surveillance. Nature Water, 1 (3), 272-280. doi: 10.1038/s44221-023-00033-4
2023
Journal Article
A wastewater‐based evaluation of the effectiveness of codeine control measures in Australia
Tscharke, Benjamin J., O’Brien, Jake W., Ahmed, Fahad, Ngyuen, Lynn, Ghetia, Maulik, Chan, Gary, Thai, Phong, Gerber, Cobus, Bade, Richard, Mueller, Jochen, Thomas, Kevin V., White, Jason and Hall, Wayne (2023). A wastewater‐based evaluation of the effectiveness of codeine control measures in Australia. Addiction, 118 (3), 480-488. doi: 10.1111/add.16083
2023
Journal Article
Spatiotemporal trends and impact of Covid-19 lockdown on eight sewage contaminants in Brisbane, Australia, from 2012 to 2020
Vo, Phong H. N., Tscharke, Ben, Toft, Sonja, Madsen, Craig, Nguyen, Kim Qui, Nguyen, Hong T. M., Bui, Xuan Thanh, Li, Jiaying and Thai, Phong K. (2023). Spatiotemporal trends and impact of Covid-19 lockdown on eight sewage contaminants in Brisbane, Australia, from 2012 to 2020. Chemosphere, 314 137702, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137702
2023
Conference Publication
Children respiratory health during COVID-19 lockdown and after 6-month re-exposure to poor air quality
Le, Hong, Pham, An, Nguyen, Vinh, Ware, Robert, Phung, Dung, Thai, Phong, Ranganathan, Sarath, Tran, Dang, To, Hien and Sly, Peter (2023). Children respiratory health during COVID-19 lockdown and after 6-month re-exposure to poor air quality. 26th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology Above and Beyond, Seoul, Korea, 17–20 November 2022. Richmond, VIC Australia: John Wiley and Sons. doi: 10.1111/resp.14433
2023
Journal Article
Nation-wide wastewater-based epidemiology assessment of Metformin usage in China: 2014–2020
Zheng, Qiuda, Du, Peng, Wang, Zhe, Zhang, Lingrong, Zhu, Zhu, Huang, Jingjing, Wang, Zhenglu, Hall, Wayne, Dang, Anh Kim, Wang, Degao, Li, Xiqing and Thai, Phong K. (2023). Nation-wide wastewater-based epidemiology assessment of Metformin usage in China: 2014–2020. ACS ES and T Water, 3 (1), 195-202. doi: 10.1021/acsestwater.2c00489
2022
Journal Article
Assessing changes in nicotine consumption over two years in a population of Hanoi by wastewater analysis with benchmarking biomarkers
Thanh, Bui Xuan, Vu, Giang T., Hue, Tran Thi Thanh, Zheng, Qiuda, Chan, Gary, Anh, Nguyen Thi Kieu and Thai, Phong K. (2022). Assessing changes in nicotine consumption over two years in a population of Hanoi by wastewater analysis with benchmarking biomarkers. Science of the Total Environment, 846 157310, 157310. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157310
2022
Journal Article
Release of perfluoroalkyl substances from AFFF-impacted concrete in a firefighting training ground (FTG) under repeated rainfall simulations
Thai, Phong K., McDonough, Jeffrey T., Key, Trent A., Thompson, Jack, Prasad, Pritesh, Porman, Scott and Mueller, Jochen F. (2022). Release of perfluoroalkyl substances from AFFF-impacted concrete in a firefighting training ground (FTG) under repeated rainfall simulations. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters, 3 100050, 1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.hazl.2022.100050
2022
Journal Article
Refining the estimation of amphetamine consumption by wastewater-based epidemiology
Gao, Jianfa, Burgard, Daniel A., Tscharke, Benjamin J., Lai, Foon Yin, O'Brien, Jake W., Nguyen, Hien D., Zheng, Qiuda, Li, Jiaying, Du, Peng, Li, Xiqing, Wang, Degao, Castiglioni, Sara, Cruz-Cruz, Copytzy, Baz-Lomba, Jose Antonio, Yargeau, Viviane, Emke, Erik, Thomas, Kevin V., Mueller, Jochen F. and Thai, Phong K. (2022). Refining the estimation of amphetamine consumption by wastewater-based epidemiology. Water Research, 225 119182, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119182
2022
Journal Article
Anthropometric Cut-Off Values for Detecting the Presence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Multiple Components among Adults in Vietnam: The Role of Novel Indices
Dang, Anh Kim, Truong, Mai Tuyet, Le, Huong Thi, Nguyen, Khan Cong, Le, Mai Bach, Nguyen, Lam Thi, Do, Khanh Nam, Nguyen, Lan Huong Thi, Mamun, Abdullah A., Phung, Dung and Thai, Phong K. (2022). Anthropometric Cut-Off Values for Detecting the Presence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Multiple Components among Adults in Vietnam: The Role of Novel Indices. Nutrients, 14 (19) 4024, 1-14. doi: 10.3390/nu14194024
2022
Journal Article
Young population consume twice as much artificial sweetener than the general population – a wastewater-based assessment in China
Li, Dandan, Zheng, Qiuda, Wang, Zhe, Ren, Yuan, Thomas, Kevin V. and Thai, Phong K. (2022). Young population consume twice as much artificial sweetener than the general population – a wastewater-based assessment in China. Science of the Total Environment, 839 156200, 156200. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156200
2022
Journal Article
Semiquantitative characterization of bromo-chloro paraffins and olefins in the Australian environment
He, Chang, van Mourik, Louise, Brandsma, Sicco, Thai, Phong, Wang, Xianyu, Chen, Shuo, Thomas, Kevin V. and Mueller, Jochen F. (2022). Semiquantitative characterization of bromo-chloro paraffins and olefins in the Australian environment. Environmental Science and Technology, 56 (17), 12452-12459. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03576
2022
Journal Article
Higher diesel price is associated with lower level of pollution: Evidence from Vietnam
Hung, Trinh Manh, Ngo, Hieu K.T., Luong, Ly M.T., Le, Hong H.T.C., Phung, Dung, Chinh, Pham Minh, Nghiem, Son, Hue, Nguyen T. and Thai, Phong K. (2022). Higher diesel price is associated with lower level of pollution: Evidence from Vietnam. Journal of Cleaner Production, 361 132245, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132245
2022
Journal Article
Evaluating the applicability of the ratio of PM2.5 and carbon monoxide as source signatures
Xiu, Meng, Jayaratne, Rohan, Thai, Phong, Christensen, Bryce, Zing, Isak, Liu, Xiaoting and Morawska, Lidia (2022). Evaluating the applicability of the ratio of PM2.5 and carbon monoxide as source signatures. Environmental Pollution, 306 119278, 119278. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119278
2022
Journal Article
Air pollution and risk of respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations in a large city of the Mekong Delta Region
Le, Diep Ngoc, Nguyen, Ha Ai Phan, Ngoc, Dang Tran, Do, Thuong Hoai Thi, Ton, Nghia Tuan, Van Le, Tuan, Ho, Tinh Huu, Van Dang, Chinh, Thai, Phong K. and Phung, Dung (2022). Air pollution and risk of respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations in a large city of the Mekong Delta Region. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29 (60), 1-11. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-22022-y
2022
Journal Article
Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in sewersheds with low COVID-19 cases using a passive sampling technique
Li, Jiaying, Ahmed, Warish, Metcalfe, Suzanne, Smith, Wendy J.M., Tscharke, Ben, Lynch, Peter, Sherman, Paul, Vo, Phong H.N., Kaserzon, Sarit L., Simpson, Stuart L., McCarthy, David T., Thomas, Kevin V., Mueller, Jochen F. and Thai, Phong (2022). Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in sewersheds with low COVID-19 cases using a passive sampling technique. Water Research, 218 118481, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118481
2022
Journal Article
Formation and Fate of Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs) in a laboratory-scale urban wastewater system
Li, Yijing, Bräunig, Jennifer, Thai, Phong K., Rebosura, Mario, Mueller, Jochen F. and Yuan, Zhiguo (2022). Formation and Fate of Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs) in a laboratory-scale urban wastewater system. Water Research, 216 118295, 118295. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118295
2022
Journal Article
The protective effect of green space on heat-related respiratory hospitalization among children under 5 years of age in Hanoi, Vietnam
Nguyen, Vien Truong, Doan, Quang-Van, Tran, Ngoc Nguyen, Luong, Ly Thi Mai, Chinh, Pham Minh, Thai, Phong K., Phung, Dung, Le, Hong H. T. C. and Dang, Tran Ngoc (2022). The protective effect of green space on heat-related respiratory hospitalization among children under 5 years of age in Hanoi, Vietnam. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29 (49), 74197-74207. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-21064-6
2022
Journal Article
A nationwide wastewater-based assessment of metformin consumption across Australia
Yang, Dan, Zheng, Qiuda, Thai, Phong, Ahmed, Fahad, O'Brien, Jake W., Mueller, Jochen F., Thomas, Kevin V. and Tscharke, Ben (2022). A nationwide wastewater-based assessment of metformin consumption across Australia. Environment International, 165 107282, 107282. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107282
2022
Journal Article
Transformation and fate of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances during aerobic digestion of anaerobically digested sludge
Li, Yijing, Thompson, Jack, Wang, Zhiyao, Bräunig, Jennifer, Zheng, Qiuda, Thai, Phong K., Mueller, Jochen F. and Yuan, Zhiguo (2022). Transformation and fate of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances during aerobic digestion of anaerobically digested sludge. Water Research, 219 118568, 118568. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118568
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
-
Doctor Philosophy
Assessment of biomarker transformation in the wastewater system
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jake O'Brien, Dr Qiuda Zheng
-
Master Philosophy
Third-hand smoking of methamphetamine: investigation of the extent of contamination including airborne methamphetamine
Principal Advisor
-
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
-
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
-
Doctor Philosophy
A Wastewater-based Epidemiology Study on the Consumption Characteristics, Prevalence, and Risk Assessment of Psychoactive Substances in Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Qiuda Zheng, Dr Ben Tscharke
-
Doctor Philosophy
Estimating use of nicotine containing products and evaluating tobacco-related health risks through wastewater analysis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Jake O'Brien, Professor Kevin Thomas, Dr Ben Tscharke
-
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
-
Doctor Philosophy
Using multiple data sources to understand the opioid crisis in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Connor, Dr Ben Tscharke
-
Doctor Philosophy
Human exposure pathways for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Fisher Wang
Completed supervision
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Emerging organic contaminants in wastewater treatment plants
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon, Professor Jochen Mueller
-
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
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Organophosphate esters in the Australian environment: sources, fate, and human exposure
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Fisher Wang, Professor Jochen Mueller
-
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
-
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
-
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
For media enquiries about Associate Professor Phong Thai's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: