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
2021
Journal Article
Using prescription and wastewater data to estimate the correction factors of atenolol, carbamazepine, and naproxen for wastewater-based epidemiology applications
Gao, Jianfa, Tscharke, Benjamin J., Choi, Phil M., O’Brien, Jake W., Boogaerts, Tim, Jiang, Hui, Yang, Mengting, Hollingworth, Samantha A. and Thai, Phong K. (2021). Using prescription and wastewater data to estimate the correction factors of atenolol, carbamazepine, and naproxen for wastewater-based epidemiology applications. Environmental Science and Technology, 55 (11) acs.est.1c00931, 7551-7560. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00931
2021
Conference Publication
Significant lack of recognition of asthma in Vietnamese children
Le, H., Ware, R., Phung, D., Thai, P., Tran, D., Nguyen, , Pham, A. and Sly, P. (2021). Significant lack of recognition of asthma in Vietnamese children. TSANZSRS 2021 The Australia & New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science and The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (ANZSRS/TSANZ) Annual Scientific Meeting for Leaders in Lung Health & Respiratory Science, Online, 1-2 May 2021. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/resp.14022
2021
Journal Article
Impact of temperature on hospital admission for acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) among pre-school children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ngo, Hieu K.T., Luong, Ly M. T., Le, Hong H.T.C, Dang, Tran Ngoc, Le Pham, An, Phung, Dung and Thai, Phong K. (2021). Impact of temperature on hospital admission for acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) among pre-school children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. International Journal of Biometeorology, 65 (7), 1-10. doi: 10.1007/s00484-021-02104-1
2021
Journal Article
Estimating alcohol consumption by wastewater-based epidemiology: an assessment of the correction factor for ethyl sulfate using large-scale national monitoring data
Thai, Phong K., Tscharke, Benjamin J., O’Brien, Jake W., Zheng, Qiuda, Thomas, Kevin V. and Mueller, Jochen F. (2021). Estimating alcohol consumption by wastewater-based epidemiology: an assessment of the correction factor for ethyl sulfate using large-scale national monitoring data. Environmental Science and Technology Letters, 8 (4), 333-338. doi: 10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00065
2021
Journal Article
Formation and partitioning behaviour of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in waste activated sludge during anaerobic digestion
Li, Yijing, Bräunig, Jennifer, Angelica, Guerrero C., Thai, Phong K., Mueller, Jochen F. and Yuan, Zhiguo (2021). Formation and partitioning behaviour of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in waste activated sludge during anaerobic digestion. Water Research, 189 116583, 116583. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116583
2021
Journal Article
Air quality during and after the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Australia: multiple benefits of monitoring
Kuhn, Tara, Jayaratne, Rohan, Thai, Phong K., Christensen, Bryce, Liu, Xiaoting, Dunbabin, Matthew, Lamont, Riki, Zing, Isak, Wainwright, David, Witte, Christian, Neale, Donald and Morawska, Lidia (2021). Air quality during and after the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Australia: multiple benefits of monitoring. Journal of Aerosol Science, 152 105707, 105707. doi: 10.1016/j.jaerosci.2020.105707
2021
Journal Article
Transformation of phthalates and their metabolites in wastewater under different sewer conditions
He, Chang, Li, Jiaying, Jiang, Guangming, Chen, Shuo, Niel, Cherry, Yuan, Zhiguo, Mueller, Jochen F. and Thai, Phong (2021). Transformation of phthalates and their metabolites in wastewater under different sewer conditions. Water Research, 190 116754, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116754
2021
Journal Article
Motorcyclists have much higher exposure to black carbon compared to other commuters in traffic of Hanoi, Vietnam
Quang, Tran Ngoc, Hue, Nguyen Thi, Dat, Mac Van, Tran, Long K., Phi, Thai Ha, Morawska, Lidia and Thai, Phong K. (2021). Motorcyclists have much higher exposure to black carbon compared to other commuters in traffic of Hanoi, Vietnam. Atmospheric Environment, 245 118029, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.118029
2021
Journal Article
The effect of cold-start emissions on the diurnal variation of carbon monoxide concentration in a city centre
Jayaratne, Rohan, Thai, Phong, Christensen, Bryce, Liu, Xiaoting, Zing, Isak, Lamont, Riki, Dunbabin, Matthew, Dawkins, Laura, Bertrand, Lidwina and Morawska, Lidia (2021). The effect of cold-start emissions on the diurnal variation of carbon monoxide concentration in a city centre. Atmospheric Environment, 245 118035, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.118035
2021
Journal Article
Characterising the exposure of Australian firefighters to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons generated in simulated compartment fires
Banks, Andrew P.W., Thai, Phong, Engelsman, Michelle, Wang, Xianyu, Osorio, Andres F. and Mueller, Jochen F. (2021). Characterising the exposure of Australian firefighters to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons generated in simulated compartment fires. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 231 113637, 113637. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113637
2021
Journal Article
Predicting rice pesticide fate and transport following foliage application by an updated PCPF-1 model
Tu, Le Hoang, Boulange, Julien, Phong, Thai Khanh, Thuyet, Dang Quoc, Watanabe, Hirozumi and Takagi, Kazuhiro (2021). Predicting rice pesticide fate and transport following foliage application by an updated PCPF-1 model. Journal of Environmental Management, 277 111356, 111356. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111356
2021
Journal Article
Removal of lead and other toxic metals in heavily contaminated soil using biodegradable chelators: GLDA, citric acid and ascorbic acid
Thinh, Nguyen Van, Osanai, Yasuhito, Adachi, Tatsuro, Vuong, Bui Thi Sinh, Kitano, Ippei, Chung, Nguyen Thuy and Thai, Phong K. (2021). Removal of lead and other toxic metals in heavily contaminated soil using biodegradable chelators: GLDA, citric acid and ascorbic acid. Chemosphere, 263 127912, 127912. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127912
2020
Journal Article
Emissions of particulate matters, volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from warm and hot asphalt mixes
Xiu, Meng, Wang, Xianyu, Morawska, Lidia, Pass, David, Beecroft, Andrew, Mueller, Jochen F. and Thai, Phong (2020). Emissions of particulate matters, volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from warm and hot asphalt mixes. Journal of Cleaner Production, 275 123094, 123094. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123094
2020
Journal Article
Long-term trends in tobacco use assessed by wastewater-based epidemiology and its relationship with consumption of nicotine containing products
Zheng, Qiuda, Gartner, Coral, Tscharke, Benjamin J., O'Brien, Jake W., Gao, Jianfa, Ahmed, Fahad, Thomas, Kevin V., Mueller, Jochen F. and Thai, Phong K. (2020). Long-term trends in tobacco use assessed by wastewater-based epidemiology and its relationship with consumption of nicotine containing products. Environmental International, 145 106088, 106088. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106088
2020
Journal Article
Evaluating training need for epidemic control in three metropolitans: implications for COVID-19 preparedness in Vietnam
Nguyen, Diep Ngoc, Le, Huong Thi, Thai, Phong Khanh, Le, Xuan Thi Thanh, Hoang, Men Thi, Vu, Linh Gia, Do, Toan Thi Thanh, Do, Khanh Nam, Vu, Giap Van, Nguyen, Tu Huu, Le, Thanh Tuan, Tran, Trung Dinh, Truong, Dat Van, Do, Cuong Duy, Nguyen, Thu Ha, Phung, Dung Tri, Nghiem, Son Hong, Vu, Thuc Thi Minh, Tran, Bach Xuan, Latkin, Carl A., Ho, Roger C. M. and Ho, Cyrus S. H. (2020). Evaluating training need for epidemic control in three metropolitans: implications for COVID-19 preparedness in Vietnam. Frontiers in Public Health, 8 589331, 1-8. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.589331
2020
Journal Article
Determination of anabasine, anatabine, and nicotine biomarkers in wastewater by enhanced direct injection LC-MS/MS and evaluation of their in-sewer stability
Zheng, Qiuda, Eaglesham, Geoff, Tscharke, Benjamin J., O'Brien, Jake W., Li, Jiaying, Thompson, Jack, Shimko, Katja M., Reeks, Tim, Gerber, Cobus, Thomas, Kevin V. and Thai, Phong K. (2020). Determination of anabasine, anatabine, and nicotine biomarkers in wastewater by enhanced direct injection LC-MS/MS and evaluation of their in-sewer stability. Science of The Total Environment, 743 140551, 140551. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140551
2020
Conference Publication
Particulate air pollution and risk of ALRI hospital admission among young children in Ho Chi Minh city
Luong, T., Dang, T., Huong, N., Phung, D., Tran, L. K., Dung, D. and Thai, P. K. (2020). Particulate air pollution and risk of ALRI hospital admission among young children in Ho Chi Minh city. 32nd Annual Conference of The International Society for Environmental Epidemiology. The International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE), Virtual, 24-27 August 2020. Durham, NC USA: Environmental Health Perspectives. doi: 10.1289/isee.2020.virtual.o-os-503
2020
Journal Article
Transformation of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals in sewer sediments
Li, Jiaying, Gao, Jianfa, Thai, Phong K., Mueller, Jochen F., Yuan, Zhiguo and Jiang, Guangming (2020). Transformation of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals in sewer sediments. Environmental Science and Technology, 54 (20) acs.est.0c04266, 13056-13065. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04266
2020
Journal Article
In vitro biotransformation and evaluation of potential transformation products of chlorinated paraffins by high resolution accurate mass spectrometry
He, Chang, van Mourik, Louise, Tang, Shaoyu, Thai, Phong, Wang, Xianyu, Brandsma, Sicco H., Leonards, Pim E.G., Thomas, Kevin V. and Mueller, Jochen F. (2020). In vitro biotransformation and evaluation of potential transformation products of chlorinated paraffins by high resolution accurate mass spectrometry. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 405 124245, 124245. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124245
2020
Journal Article
Secondhand smoke in public places in Vietnam: an assessment 5 years after implementation of the tobacco control law
Tran, Long K., Morawska, Lidia, Gartner, Coral E., Huong, Le T. T., Le, Hong H. T. C. and Thai, Phong K. (2020). Secondhand smoke in public places in Vietnam: an assessment 5 years after implementation of the tobacco control law. Tobacco Control, 30 (5), tobaccocontrol-2020. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-055753
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Phong Thai is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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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
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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
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
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the vaping epidemic through novel integrative monitoring tool
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Qiuda Zheng
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Doctor Philosophy
Human exposure pathways for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jochen Mueller, Dr Sandra Nilsson, 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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2025
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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2025
Master Philosophy
Exposure to third-hand smoke of methamphetamine: investigation of the extent of contamination including airborne methamphetamine
Principal Advisor
-
2025
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
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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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2026
Doctor Philosophy
Social norms toward cigarette smoking and other nicotine product use: trends and influences across populations and regulatory contexts
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Connor, Professor Coral Gartner, Associate Professor Gary Chung Kai Chan
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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
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
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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
Media
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