Innovative Analytical Techniques for Detecting and Quantifying Oligomers in Environmental Matrices

Project:

This PhD project aims to develop and validate advanced analytical methods for the detection, identification, and quantification of oligomers in various environmental matrices. Oligomers, which are short chains of connected monomers, are by-products of polymer production and intermediates of polymer degradation. Despite their potential environmental and health impacts, oligomers have not been extensively studied. This project will address this gap by creating robust analytical protocols to better understand the occurrence and fate of oligomers in the environment.

Expected outcomes from the project would be robust, validated analytical methods for oligomer quantification in environmental samples along with an understanding of their distribution and sources in the environment. This project fills a critical gap in environmental science by providing reliable methods for oligomer analysis and the findings will contribute to a better understanding of the environmental fate and impacts of oligomers.

Research Environment:

The project will begin by conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature on oligomers, focusing on their sources and environmental fate, and identifying key knowledge gaps and challenges in current analytical methods. Analytical techniques, such as Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), will be developed for the separation and identification of a range of oligomers, and protocols for sample preparation, including extraction and purification methods tailored to different environmental matrices will be established. These validated methods will be used to monitor oligomer concentrations in various environmental samples collected from different locations and conditions, analysing the data to understand the distribution and potential sources of oligomers.

Selection Criteria

To be eligible to apply, you must meet the entry requirements for Higher Degrees by Research at UQ.

Enquiries

For further information, please contact Prof Kevin Thomas

How to apply

Please submit your cover letter, CV, academic transcript/s and Evidence for meeting UQ's English language proficiency requirements (if applicable) to Prof Kevin Thomas

Please note the following: Submitting the above documents does not constitute a full application for admission into The University of Queensland's PhD program. If you are selected as the preferred applicant, you will then be invited to submit a full application for admission. You can familiarise yourself with the documents required for this process on the UQ Study website.