ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8030-2436
Current Organisation
NSW Department of Environment & Planning
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Environmental Technologies | Analytical Chemistry not elsewhere classified | Wastewater Treatment Processes | Environmental Engineering not elsewhere classified | Environmental Science and Management | Environmental Management | Soil Chemistry (excl. Carbon Sequestration Science) | Environmental Engineering | Chemical Engineering | Water Treatment Processes |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Urban and Industrial Water Management | Land and Water Management of environments not elsewhere classified | Soils not elsewhere classified | Waste Management Services | Water Services and Utilities
Related Links
Publications
Time-dependent expression and activity of cytochrome P450 1s in early life-stages of the zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-05-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-015-4673-6
Abstract: Zebrafish embryos are being increasingly used as model organisms for the assessment of single substances and complex environmental s les for regulatory purposes. Thus, it is essential to fully understand the xenobiotic metabolism during the different life-stages of early development. The aim of the present study was to determine arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated activity during selected times of early development using qPCR, enzymatic activity through measurement of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, and protein expression analysis. In the present study, gene expression of cyp1a, cyp1b1, cyp1c1, cyp1c2, and ahr2 as well as EROD activity were investigated up to 120 h postfertilization (hpf) after exposure to either β-naphthoflavone (BNF) or a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)-contaminated sediment extract from Vering Kanal in Hamburg (VK). Protein expression was measured at 72 hpf after exposure to 20 μg/L BNF. Altered proteins were identified by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) peptide mass fingerprinting. Distinct patterns of basal messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were found for each of the cyp1 genes, suggesting specific roles during embryonic development. All transcripts were induced by BNF and VK. ahr2 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated after exposure to VK. All cyp1 genes investigated showed a temporal decline in expression at 72 hpf. The significant decline of Hsp 90β protein at 72 hpf after exposure to BNF may suggest an explanation for the decline of cyp1 genes at this time point as Hsp 90β is of major importance for the functioning of the Ah-receptor. EROD activity measured in embryos was significantly induced after 96 hpf of exposure to BNF or VK. Together, these results demonstrate distinct temporal patterns of cyp1 genes and protein activities in zebrafish embryos as well as show a need to investigate further the xenobiotic biotransformation system during early development of zebrafish.
Fate and redistribution of perfluoroalkyl acids through AFFF-impacted groundwater
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2017.04.095
Abstract: Leaching of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from a local point source, a fire-fighting training area, has led to extensive contamination of a groundwater aquifer which has spread underneath part of a nearby town, Oakey, situated in the State of Queensland, Australia. Groundwater is extracted by residents from privately owned wells for daily activities such as watering livestock and garden beds. The concentration of 10 PFAAs in environmental and biological s les (water, soil, grass, chicken egg yolk, serum of horses, cattle and sheep), as well as human serum was investigated to determine the extent of contamination in the town and discuss fate and redistribution of PFAAs. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the dominant PFAA in all matrices investigated, followed by perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS). PFOS concentrations measured in water ranged between <0.17-14μg/L, concentrations of PFHxS measured between <0.07-6μg/L. PFAAs were detected in backyards (soil, grass), livestock and chicken egg yolk. Significant differences (p 30-fold higher compared to the general Australian population. Through use of contaminated groundwater secondary sources of PFAA contamination are created on private property, leading to further redistribution of contamination and creation of additional human exposure pathways.
Formation and partitioning behaviour of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in waste activated sludge during anaerobic digestion
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australia: Current levels and estimated population reference values for selected compounds
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJHEH.2019.03.004
Abstract: Increased public awareness of PFAS contamination in Australia has resulted in serum biomonitoring efforts in in iduals in potentially affected communities. However, population-based reference values for assessing whether in idual results exceed the typical range in the Australian general population are not currently available. Estimate population upper bound reference values based on updated serum PFAS concentrations in pooled s les from southeast Queensland, Australia and population variation observed in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets. We calculated ratios of 95th percentile to arithmetic mean (P95:AM ratios) using data from the NHANES 2013-14 and 2015-16 cycle s les for frequently detected PFASs: PFOA, linear and branched PFOS, perfluorononanoate (PFNA), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), and perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS). We estimated Australian age-specific means for PFAS using pooled serum s les collected in 2014-15 and 2016-17. We used the P95:AM ratios to estimate 95th percentile concentrations in the Australian population based on the results of the 2016-17 pooled s les. P95:AM ratios for each PFAS were similar across NHANES cycle and age group, so overall compound-specific ratios were estimated for PFOA (2.1), PFNA (2.4), PFDA (2.7), PFHxS (2.7), and linear (2.4) and summed PFOS (2.3). Australian mean PFAS concentrations continued previously reported declining trends. The estimated P95 values can be used as preliminary substitutes for more rigorous population reference values to identify s les with clearly elevated serum PFAS concentrations in Australian biomonitoring efforts. Given uncertainties and variability inherent in this evaluation, the estimated P95 values should be interpreted with caution. Mean and estimated P95 serum PFAS concentrations in Australia should continue to be monitored to document declining trends in population serum concentrations.
Serum concentration trends and apparent half-lives of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australian firefighters
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJHEH.2022.114040
Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent manmade compounds used in aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). The extensive use of AFFF has led to widespread environmental PFAS contamination and exposures of firefighters. To determine PFAS blood serum concentration trends and apparent serum half-lives in firefighters after the replacement of AFFF. Current and former employees of an Australian corporation providing firefighting services, where AFFF formulations had been used since the 1980s up until 2010, were recruited in 2018-2019 to participate in this study. Special focus was put on re-recruiting participants who had provided blood s les five years prior (2013-2014). Participants were asked to provide a blood s le and fill in a questionnaire. Serum s les were analysed for 40 different PFASs using HP LC-MS/MS. A total of 799 participants provided blood s les in 2018-2019. Of these, 130 previously provided blood serum in 2013-2014. In 2018-2019, mean (arithmetic) serum concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS, 27 ng/mL), perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS, 1.7 ng/mL) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS, 14 ng/mL) were higher than the levels in the general Australian population. Serum concentrations were associated with the use of PFOS/PFHxS based AFFF. Participants who commenced service after the replacement of this foam had serum concentrations similar to those in the general population. Mean (arithmetic) in idual apparent half-lives were estimated to be 5.0 years (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)), 7.8 years (PFHxS), 7.4 years (PFHpS) and 6.5 years (PFOS). This study shows how workplace interventions such as replacement of AFFF can benefit employees at risk of occupational exposure.
Thermal processing reduces PFAS concentrations in blue food – A systematic review and meta-analysis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2022.119081
Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous in the environment and often ingested with food. PFAS exposure in people can have detrimental health consequences. Therefore, reducing PFAS burdens in food items is of great importance to public health. Here, we investigated whether cooking reduces PFAS concentrations in animal-derived food products by synthesizing experimental studies. Further, we examined the moderating effects of the following five variables: cooking time, liquid/animal tissue ratio, cooking temperature, carbon chain length of PFAS and the cooking category (oil-based, water-based & no-liquid cooking). In our systematic review searches, we obtained 512 effect sizes (relative differences in PFAS concentration between raw and cooked s les) from 10 relevant studies. These studies exclusively explored changes in PFAS concentrations in cooked seafood and freshwater fish. Our multilevel-meta-analysis has revealed that, on average, cooking reduced PFAS concentrations by 29%, although heterogeneity among effect sizes was very high (I
Temporal trends of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the influent of two of the largest wastewater treatment plants in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Bioanalytical effect-balance model to determine the bioavailability of organic contaminants in sediments affected by black and natural carbon
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2016.04.056
Abstract: In sediments several binding phases dictate the fate and bioavailability of organic contaminants. Black carbon (BC) has a high sorptive capacity for organic contaminants and can limit their bioavailability, while the fraction bound to organic carbon (OC) is considered to be readily desorbable and bioavailable. We investigated the bioavailability and mixture toxicity of sediment-associated contaminants by combining different extraction techniques with in vitro bioanalytical tools. Sediments from a harbour with high fraction of BC, and sediments from remote, agricultural and urban areas with lower BC were treated with exhaustive solvent extraction, Tenax extraction and passive s ling to estimate total, bioaccessible and bioavailable fractions, respectively. The extracts were characterized with cell-based bioassays that measure dioxin-like activity (AhR-CAFLUX) and the adaptive stress response to oxidative stress (AREc32). Resulting bioanalytical equivalents, which are effect-scaled concentrations, were applied in an effect-balance model, consistent with a mass balance-partitioning model for single chemicals. Sediments containing BC had most of the bioactivity associated to the BC fraction, while the OC fraction played a role for sediments with lower BC. As effect-based sediment-water distribution ratios demonstrated, most of the bioactivity in the AhR-CAFLUX was attributable to hydrophobic chemicals while more hydrophilic chemicals activated AREc32, even though bioanalytical equivalents in the aqueous phase remained negligible. This approach can be used to understand the fate and effects of mixtures of erse organic contaminants in sediments that would not be possible if single chemicals were targeted by chemical analysis and make informed risk-based decisions concerning the management of contaminated sediments.
Migration histories and perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) loads in an estuarine fish: A novel union of analyses to understand variation in contaminant concentrations
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
Analytical uncertainties in a longitudinal study – A case study assessing serum levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Sorbent assisted immobilisation of perfluoroalkyl acids in soils – effect on leaching and bioavailability
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in follicular fluid from women experiencing infertility in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2020
Influences of Chemical Properties, Soil Properties, and Solution pH on Soil–Water Partitioning Coefficients of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs)
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 28-11-2020
Emerging investigator series: effect-based characterization of mixtures of environmental pollutants in diverse sediments
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1039/C8EM00401C
Abstract: Our study distinguishes the total vs. the bioavailable contamination of mixtures of environmental pollutants in sediments from contaminated sites in Europe and more remote locations in Australia and the Arctic.
An investigation into the long-term binding and uptake of PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS in soil – plant systems
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
A novel contact assay for testing aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated toxicity of chemicals and whole sediments in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-06-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-014-3185-0
Abstract: The European Water Framework Directive aims to achieve a good ecological and chemical status in surface waters until 2015. Sediment toxicology plays a major role in this intention as sediments can act as a secondary source of pollution. In order to fulfill this legal obligation, there is an urgent need to develop whole-sediment exposure protocols, since sediment contact assays represent the most realistic scenario to simulate in situ exposure conditions. Therefore, in the present study, a vertebrate sediment contact assay to determine aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated activity of particle-bound pollutants was developed. Furthermore, the activity and the expression of the CYP1 family in early life stages of zebrafish after exposure to freeze-dried sediment s les were investigated. In order to validate the developed protocol, effects of β-naphthoflavone and three selected sediment on zebrafish embryos were investigated. Results documented clearly AhR-mediated toxicity after exposure to β-naphthoflavone (β-NF) and to the sediment from the Vering canal. Upregulation of mRNA levels was observed for all investigated sediment s les. The highest levels of all investigated cyp genes (cyp1a, cyp1b1, cyp1c1, and cyp1c2) were recorded after exposure to the sediment s le of the Vering canal. In conclusion, the newly developed sediment contact assay can be recommended for the investigation of dioxin-like activities of single substances and the bioavailable fraction of complex environmental s les. Moreover, the exposure of whole zebrafish embryos to native (freeze-dried) sediment s les represents a highly realistic and ecologically relevant exposure scenario.
Leaching and bioavailability of selected perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from soil contaminated by firefighting activities
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2018.07.231
Abstract: Historical usage of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at firefighting training grounds (FTGs) is a potential source of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) to the surrounding environment. In this study the leaching of PFAAs from field contaminated soil and their uptake into biota was investigated. Soil was s led from FTGs at two airports and the total as well as the leachable concentration of 12 PFAAs was determined. A greenhouse study was carried out to investigate the uptake of PFAAs from soils into earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and wheat grass (Elymus scaber). Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) were the most dominant PFAAs in all soils s les, with concentrations of PFOS reaching 13,400 ng/g. Leachable concentrations of PFOS and PFHxS reached up to 550 μg/L and 22 μg/L, respectively. In earthworms concentrations of PFOS reached 65,100 ng/g after a 28-day exposure period, while in wheat grass the highest concentration was measured for uptake of PFHxS (2,800 ng/g) after a 10-week growth-period. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for earthworms ranged from 0.1 for perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) to 23 for perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) and initially showed a decreasing trend with increasing perfluoroalkyl chain length, followed by an increase with increasing perfluoroalkyl chain length for perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs). In wheat grass the highest BAF was found for perfluorobutanoic acid (BAF = 70), while the lowest was observed for perfluorononanoic acid (BAF = 0.06). BAFs in wheat grass decreased with increasing perfluoroalkyl chain length for both PFCAs and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs). The results show that PFAAs readily leach from impacted soils and are bioaccumulated into earthworms and plants in an analyte dependent way. This shows considerable potential for PFAAs to move away from the original source either by leaching or uptake into ecological receptors, which may be a potential entry route into the terrestrial foodweb.
The efficacy of soil washing for the remediation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the field
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
Profiling research on PFAS in wildlife: Protocol of a systematic evidence map and bibliometric analysis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2021
Abstract: Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of manufactured chemicals. Since the beginning of their commercial production in the 1950s, PFAS have not only found their way into numerous industrial and commercial applications, but also into the bloodstream of much of the human population, the natural environment and wildlife. Exposure to high levels of PFAS poses a health risk for humans and animals, and may exacerbate the effects of other anthropogenic impacts faced by wildlife species. To gain a comprehensive overview of the abundance and distribution of PFAS research on wildlife species, and to better understand the drivers of this research, we will collate the available literature into a systematic evidence map and perform bibliometric analyses. The systematic mapping will present the distribution of research evidence that exists on PFAS in wildlife. The bibliometric analysis will provide an insight into the historical trends, interdisciplinarity, connectedness and the impact of the in idual papers. We will conduct a systematic literature search on Scopus, Web of Science and 10 other databases using predefined search strings. We will screen title, abstract and keywords first. We will then screen full‐text papers. Two reviewers will be involved in the screening process. We will only consider publications in English, peer‐reviewed articles, preprints and theses. We will include papers reporting concentrations of any of 34 main PFAS types (based on a previous study) in wild animals. We will assess all publications included in the systematic map for predetermined indicators of quality and potential study‐level biases. In addition, we will use bibliometric records from Scopus to perform impact and network analyses. We will present the results using a narrative summary, tables and colour‐coded maps, bar and network plots. Results and associated database will be available on a dedicated freely accessible website. This study will provide critical insight into the gaps and clusters of the literature with regard to the PFAS concentrations in wildlife. Our study will inform and direct future research efforts to fill the gaps revealed.
Trial of a novel experimental design to test depuration of PFASs from the edible tissues of Giant Mud Crab following exposure under natural conditions in the wild
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
The Second Young Environmental Scientist (YES) meeting 2011 at RWTH Aachen University - environmental challenges in a changing world
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-09-2011
Calibration and validation of a novel passive sampling device for the time integrative monitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and precursors in contaminated groundwater
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2018.12.010
Abstract: Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) as key components in aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) have led to growing incidences of environmental contamination. The aim of this study was to investigate a novel diffusion based passive s ling device comprising of microporous polyethylene (PE) for the long-term time-integrative monitoring of PFASs in groundwater systems. PE passive s lers (PEs) were deployed for 83 d and calibrated at five AFFF impacted groundwater sites representing different PFASs concentration levels (ΣPFAS 0.001 to 0.1 ng mL
Organophosphate esters and their specific metabolites in chicken eggs from across Australia: Occurrence, profile, and distribution between yolk and albumin fractions
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Longitudinal measurements of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in archived human serum samples between 1975 and 1995 in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2023
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2022.130307
Abstract: Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade compounds produced since the 1950 s and used in a range of industrial processes and consumer products. In Australia, PFAS serum concentrations have been measured in the general population since 2002. However, few studies have retrospectively measured PFAS concentrations in serum s les representative of a general population prior to 2000, none of which have been conducted in Australia. To understand the general population's exposure to PFAS prior to 2002, longitudinal PFAS serum concentration measurements are required. In the current study, we accessed 'The Busselton Health Study Data Bank' to analyse archived serum s les for PFAS. Repeat serum s les collected in 1975, 1981 and 1995 were obtained from 17 participants. Of the 35 PFAS analysed, 13 PFAS were detected in the serum s les collected in 1975. Both the detection frequency and ∑PFAS serum concentrations increased between 1975 and 1995. Median ∑PFAS serum concentration increased over 7-fold from 3.3 ng/mL in 1975-26 ng/mL in 1995. The increase in serum concentrations reflects the global production history of these PFAS during this period in time.
Metabolomic profiles associated with exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in aquatic environments
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1039/C9EM00394K
Abstract: Substantial differences in PFAA profiles were associated with significant differences in fatty acid and amino acid profiles.
Temporal trends of perfluoroalkyl substances in an Australian wastewater treatment plant: A ten-year retrospective investigation
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
Do conventional cooking methods alter concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in seafood?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.FCT.2019.03.032
Abstract: Per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are bioaccumulative chemicals of emerging concern. Some PFASs accumulate in seafood, and can contribute to dietary exposure. Previous work has suggested cooking seafood decreases concentrations of neutral organic contaminants, however, previous studies dealing with PFASs have shown conflicting results. In this study, the potential changes of PFAS concentrations as a result of boiling, frying and baking are systematically examined. Blue Swimmer Crab (Portunus armatus), Dusky Flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) and School Prawn (Metapenaeus macleayi) were obtained from near a known PFAS point source and a reference location (affected by diffuse sources). Raw and cooked s les were analysed for commonly found PFASs. Of 23 target analytes, PFOS was the most frequently detected compound. PFOS, PFHxS and PFOA concentrations in School Prawn effectively doubled after boiling, and PFOS increased when Dusky Flathead was baked. There was no significant difference in PFOS concentration when Dusky Flathead was fried, or when the Blue Swimmer Crab was boiled. PFHxS and PFOA concentrations in Blue Swimmer Crab effectively halved after boiling. Increase in PFAS concentrations possibly arise from mass loss during the cooking process. Our data show that cooking does not consistently reduce PFAS concentrations, and cannot mitigate dietary exposure.
PFAS exposure of humans, animals and the environment: Protocol of an evidence review map and bibliometric analysis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
Related Organisations
Related Funding Activities
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR180100027
Start Date: 05-2019
End Date: 05-2023
Amount: $1,086,676.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivitySpecial Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR180100040
Start Date: 05-2019
End Date: 12-2023
Amount: $381,468.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivitySpecial Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR180100005
Start Date: 03-2019
End Date: 03-2023
Amount: $1,225,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity