The Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants (ALEC) is a leading research facility at the University of Melbourne focused on tackling pollution from harmful and emerging chemicals.
Led by Associate Professor Brad Clarke, ALEC specialises in detecting and analysing substances such as PFAS, microplastics, flame retardants, and plastic additives that may pose risks to human health and the environment. Using cutting-edge mass spectrometry and advanced analytical techniques, ALEC supports research, monitoring, and regulatory action.
ALEC is a key partner in the University’s Pollution and Health Hallmark Research Initiative, where A/Prof Clarke serves as Academic Chair, working across disciplines to deliver real-world solutions and protect public health.
Impacts of contaminants on human health, wildlife and the environment
We are advancing the science of emerging contaminants through multidisciplinary research that applies state-of-the-art analytical technologies and computational data analytics to increase our understanding of the occurrence, fate, exposure, risk, hazards, and remediation strategies of legacy and emerging contaminants.
The ripple effect of synthetic chemicals
Contamination of the environment with anthropogenically produced chemicals is one of the most serious environmental issues facing contemporary society. While synthetic chemicals are indeed essential for modern society, some can be particularly problematic. The worst of these pollutants cause a ripple effect:
Persist in our environment
They are detected frequently in all environmental compartments (air, water, soil, biota) across the globe, including ‘pristine’ locations far from known point sources, where they can persist for decades or even longer.
Pervade our food chain
Biomagnify through the food chain, accumulating in humans and wildlife.
Impact our health
Cause negative health impacts, including cancer, reproductive health problems, impaired immune function and neurodevelopmental impairment.
A complex clean-up
It can be difficult to remediate or remove by natural processes from environmental matrices due to a combination of unique chemical properties and the high cost of treatment.
147M+ unique chemicals
Chemical pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats to human health today. It’s linked to an estimated 9 million deaths each year—more than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined, and far more than all forms of violence. The health impacts are serious and wide-ranging, including reduced intelligence, increased cancer risk, and declining fertility. For example, men’s sperm counts have halved in recent decades, and birth defects of reproductive organs are becoming more common.
Even more concerning, babies are now being born with harmful chemicals already in their bodies. These include PFAS (“forever chemicals”), pesticides, plastic additives, and industrial pollutants like PCBs—all of which may affect children’s development and long-term health.
Meanwhile, the global chemical industry is expanding at an unprecedented rate. It was worth over $5 trillion in 2017 and is expected to double by 2030. Over 268 million chemicals have now been identified, with more than 350,000 listed in official inventories—and many more are either kept secret or poorly described. As production grows and supply chains become more complex, chemical exposure varies from country to country and includes both locally made and imported products.
Scientists warn that we’ve crossed a critical threshold: the number of new substances being created and released is now outpacing our ability to assess and monitor them. We are effectively running a global experiment on all life on Earth—one with potentially devastating consequences for the health of current and future generations.
Contact
For enquiries, please email A/Prof Brad Clarke - brad.clarke@unimelb.edu.au
Meet the academics and researchers in the Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants.
Research team
A/Prof Brad Clarke
PhD candidates
Mulugeta Akele
Identifying sources and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs): Mulugeta’s research investigates sources of legacy and emerging PFAS in Australian wastewater treatment plants. By combining targeted and non-targeted analytical approaches, his work seeks to identify chemical signatures associated with PFAS emitters, supporting early detection and mitigation of contamination at the sources.
Theresa Lam
Investigating the source, transport and control of small microplastics in road dust in Greater Melbourne: Theresa is passionate about understanding and addressing microplastic (MP) pollution in urban environments. Her research explores the sources of MPs in transport corridors and how they move into air and stormwater. She also investigates how blue-green infrastructure, including street trees and bioretention systems, can help mitigate this pollution in Greater Melbourne, aiming to support urban sustainability.
Ellis Mackay
The Ecotoxicology of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Australian Wildlife and Ecosystems: Ellis is an environmental scientist driven by a lifelong passion for wildlife and ecology. She is undertaking a PhD in veterinary science and environmental chemistry. Ellis is focusing on ecotoxicological questions related to the extent and impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in native wildlife species and broader ecosystems.
Jordan Partington
Assessing Human Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Exposure: A Non-Target Analytical Approach: Jordan is an environmental chemist whose human biomonitoring research investigates the burden, distribution, and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australians. With family members directly impacted by occupational exposures to asbestos and other contaminants, Jordan has a deep passion for environmental toxicology. In his spare time, Jordan enjoys hiking and playing tennis.
Madara Weerasooriyagedara
Identifying the Fate and Sources of Contaminants of Emerging Concerns (CECs) to Australian Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs): Madara Weerasooriyagedara is an environmental chemist undertaking doctoral research on Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in Australian wastewater. Using advanced analytical techniques including LC-MS/MS and LC-QTOF, her work characterises the occurrence, distribution, and sources of CECs across Victorian treatment plants, supporting evidence-based strategies for chemical risk management and water quality protection.
Habib Amidu
Habib Amidu is a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at The University of Melbourne. His research focuses on optimising foam fractionation processes for the recovery, enrichment, and pre-concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). His work investigates the fundamental mechanisms governing PFAS enrichment and recovery, including the coupled effects of surface tension, foam drainage, and solids in multi-stage foam fractionation systems. Through experimental and modelling approaches, his research aims to advance scalable treatment strategies that integrate PFAS concentration with downstream destruction, contributing to more practical solutions for managing PFAS in wastewater treatment systems
Nick Soon
Upscaling and optimising foam fractionation for removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from wastewater and biosolids: Nick is a chemical engineer working in water treatment. His research is focusing on improving the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater via foam fractionation. His research features the development and optimisation of a pilot-scale foam fractionation skimmer at a wastewater treatment plant.
Wejdan Alghamdi
Wejdan is a PhD candidate in analytical and environmental chemistry whose research focuses on the occurrence, distribution, and human exposure pathways of PFAS in the domestic environment, with a particular emphasis on drinking water and consumer products. Her work aims to improve understanding of PFAS exposure in everyday environments and to support evidence-based assessment and management of emerging contaminants. Outside of research, Wejdan enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle, photography, and spending time with her family and close connections.
Oluwadamilola Oluwatoyin Hazzan
Oluwadamilola is a PhD candidate whose research aims to improve human biomonitoring of plastic-associated chemicals (PACs) using volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS). Her research focuses on enabling accurate, minimally invasive detection of these chemicals and their metabolites, while overcoming limitations of traditional sampling methods such as poor volumetric accuracy and sampling bias. Ultimately, the study supports large-scale, cost-effective exposure assessment and contributes to a better understanding of exposure pathways, informing public health strategies and regulatory decisions
Rocio Luciana Bray
Rocío is an oceanographer specialized in marine chemistry and currently pursuing a PhD in Chemistry in Argentina. Her research focuses on microplastics and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in coastal systems and marine organisms of the Southwestern Atlantic. She is undertaking a research stay with the Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants (ALEC) at the University of Melbourne, contributing to the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in marine organisms.
Masters students
Hanyi Wu
Evaluating Human Exposure Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) in Food Contact Paper: Hanyi is deeply committed to advancing environmental health through analytical chemistry, with a particular focus on emerging contaminants. His current research centres on the detection and characterisation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact paper, combining targeted LC-MS/MS quantification with high-resolution mass spectrometry for non-target screening. By investigating PFAS migration under realistic conditions, he aims to assess potential human exposure and environmental risks.
Carys Marulli de Barletta
Understanding the Occurrence and Consequence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Aotearoa’s Freshwater Ecosystems: Carys joins the group from New Zealand where she is undertaking a Master of Science in Ecology. Her research explores the extent of PFAS contamination in freshwater ecosystems across Aotearoa New Zealand, focusing on the interspecies differences and health impacts of PFAS accumulation in freshwater fish.
Mbabazi Herman Baguma
Herman is a forensic scientist with a strong interest in understanding as well as developing new analytical methods for identifying and quantifying toxins in human samples. He is currently studying human exposure to plastic-associated chemicals through volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) of live biosamples coupled with advanced analytical techniques such as LC-MS/MS in order to provide further understanding of their impact on human health.
Menghan (Hannah) Liu
Hannah is a Master’s student in Chemistry passionate about environmental contaminant research. She is particularly interested in how microplastics in soil mediate pollutant transfer and bioaccumulation, and aims to advance methods for sorption analysis, mass spectrometry, and risk assessment to better protect environmental and ecological health.
Leon Meredith
Leon is completing a masters by research in analytical and environmental chemistry and will be focused on applying a novel blood micro sampling and PFAS analytical method developed at ALEC and utilising it to quantify potential impacts to an at-risk Indigenous community. This community application represents one of the preliminary steps toward developing a rapid and individualised biomonitoring method that could be applied across Australia to identify and track public health impacts derived from historical and emerging contaminants.
Alumni
Dr Subharthe Samandra (2025) Doctor of Philosophy
Dr Angel Chyi En We (2025) Doctor of Philosophy
KJ Ferdouse (2025) Master of Science
Dr Drew Szabo (2022) Doctor of Philosophy – Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (University of Melbourne)
Dr Damien Moodie (2022) Doctor of Philosophy – Environmental Science (RMIT University)
Rob Hone (2022) Master of Science (Chemistry)
Julia Johnston (2021) Master of Science (Chemistry)
Jiaying Zheng (2021) Master of Environmental Science
Victoria Mentor (2021) Master of Science (Biosciences)
Shiyue Qiu (2020) Honours (Chemistry)
Navindu De Silva (2021) Bachelor of Science (Major: Environmental Engineering)
Publications
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We, Angel Chyi En, Chee Xiang Chen, Anthony D. Stickland, Bradley O. Clarke, and Stefano Freguia. “Influence of Microbial Communities on Foam Fractionation of Wastewater for PFAS Removal.” Water Research 291 (March 2026): 125144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2025.125144
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Alghamdi, Wejdan, Jordan M. Partington, Ivanhoe K. H. Leung, and Bradley O. Clarke. “Premium Ultra-Trace Analytical Method for Part per Quadrillion (Ppq) PFAS Quantification in Drinking Water.” Analytica Chimica Acta 1368 (September 2025): 344333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2025.344333
Harris, Benjamin A., Jinpeng Zhou, Bradley O. Clarke, and Ivanhoe K. H. Leung. “Enzymatic Degradation of PFAS: Current Status and Ongoing Challenges.” ChemSusChem 18, no. 2 (2025): e202401122. https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202401122
Lelliott, Patrick M., Matthew Lindley, Mark Vidallon, et al. “Accelerated Plastic Aging in Suspension (APAS): A Simple, Reproducible Approach for the Generation of Model Micro- and Nanoplastics through Simulated Environmental Forces.” Preprint, bioRxiv, April 15, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.04.09.647903
Ludescher, D., L. Wesemann, J. Schwab, et al. “Optical Sieve for Nanoplastic Detection, Sizing and Counting.” Nature Photonics 19, no. 10 (2025): 1138–45. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41566-025-01733-x
Mackay, Ellis S. G., Subharthe Samandra, Jordan M. Partington, K. L. D. Tharaka D. Liyanage, Bradley O. Clarke, and Jasmin Hufschmid. “Urban Possums as Sentinels for Environmental Contamination: First Evidence of PFAS in Australian Marsupials.” Science of The Total Environment 1004 (November 2025): 180727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180727
Padhye, Lokesh P, Melanie Kah, Erin Leitao, et al. “The PFAS Roadmap – Navigating a Path Together to Improved Management.” Sustainability Science and Technology, ahead of print, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1088/2977-3504/ae286f
Partington, Jordan M., Maya Cameron, Maddison McLeod, Andrew Gooley, Matthew J. Watt, and Bradley O. Clarke. “Comparison of Microsampling for PFAS Blood Analysis: Enabling Cheap High-Resolution Biomonitoring.” Analytica Chimica Acta 1369 (October 2025): 344324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2025.344324
Subharthe Samandra, Wesam S. Alwan, Andrew Hind, Amanda V. Ellis, and Bradley O. Clarke. “Identification of Microplastics Using Spectroscopic Methods.” In Analysis of Microplastics and Nanoplastics. Elsevier, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-15779-0.00020-1
We, Angel Chyi En, Anthony D. Stickland, Bradley O. Clarke, and Stefano Freguia. “PFAS Removal through Foam Harvesting during Wastewater Aeration.” Journal of Hazardous Materials 491 (July 2025): 137936. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137936
Weerasooriyagedara, Madara, Jordan M. Partington, Wejdan Alghamdi, Mulugeta Legesse Akele, Stefano Freguia, and Bradley O. Clarke. “Development and Validation of a Multi-Class Solid-Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Emerging Contaminants in Water.” Journal of Chromatography A, December 24, 2025, 466655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2025.466655
Weerasooriyagedara, Madara, Jordan M. Partington, Wejdan Alghamdi, Mulugeta Legesse Akele, Stefano Freguia, and Bradley O. Clarke. “Occurrence and Seasonal Variation of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in Influent and Effluent of Four Australian Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs).” Chemosphere 392 (December 2025): 144752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144752
Wootton, Nina, Patrick Reis-Santos, Rachel Przeslawski, et al. “A Field and Laboratory Manual for Sampling, Processing and Reporting Microplastics in Coastal and Marine Environments.” Frontiers in Marine Science 12 (September 2025). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1674412
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We, A.C.E, Zamyadic, A., Stickland, A.D., Clarke, B.O. & Stefano Freguia (2024) A review of foam fractionation for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from aqueous matrices. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 465, 133182. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133182
We, A.C.E, Zamyadic, A., Stickland, A.D., Clarke, B.O. & Stefano Freguia (2024) The role of suspended biomass in PFAS enrichment in wastewater treatment foams. Water Research, 465, 133182. DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121349
We, A.C.E., Zamyadic, A., Stickland, A.D., Clarke, B.O. & Stefano Freguia (2024) Analysis of wastewater treatment plant data reveals the drivers of PFAS enrichment in foams. Water Research, 254, 121349. DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122397
*Samandra, S., Alwan S. W., Hind. A., Ellis, A. V. & Clarke, B.O. (2024) Chapter 9. Identification of microplastics using spectroscopic methods. in Shi, H. & Sun, C. (eds), Analysis of Microplastics and Nanoplastics. Elsevier 183-205. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-443-15779-0.00020-1
*Partington, J.M., Rana, S., Szabo, D., Anumol, T., & Clarke, B.O. (2024) Comparison of High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Acquisition Methods for the Simultaneous Quantification and Identification of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05075-x
*Partington, J.M., Marchiandi, J, Szabo, D., Gooley, A., Kouremenos, K., Smith, F., & Clarke, B.O. (2024) Validating blood microsampling for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances quantification in whole blood. Journal of Chromatography A, 1713, 464522. DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464522
*Marchiandi J., Dagnino S., Zander-Fox, D., Green M.P. & Clarke B.O. (2024) Characterization of Chemical Exposome in Paired Human Preconception Pilot Study. Environmental Science & Technology, 58, 20352-20365. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c04356
*Marchiandi J., Alghamdi, W., Dagnino S., Green M.P., Clarke B.O. (2024) Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals from beverage packaging materials and health implications for consumers. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 465, 133314. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133314)
Harris, B.A., Zhou, J., Clarke, B.O. & Leung, I. Extracellular Enzymatic Degradation of PFAS: Reviewing the Current Status and Ongoing Challenges. ChemSusChem, n/a, e202401122. DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202401122
Foord, C., Szabo, D., Robb, K., Clarke, B.O. & Nugegoda, D. (2024) Hepatic concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in dolphins from southeast Australia: highest reported globally. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 908, 168438. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168438
*Clarke B.O. (2024) The Role of Mass Spectrometry in Environmental Protection from Synthetic Chemicals. Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, DOI: 10.1021/jasms.4c00164
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Tan, H., Brand, J.A., Clarke, B.O., Manera, J.L., Martin, J.M., Wong, B.B.M. & Alton, L.A. (2023) No evidence that the widespread environmental contaminant caffeine alters energy balance or stress responses in fish. Ethology, 129, 666-678. DOI: 10.1111/eth.13403
*Szabo, D., Marchiandi, J., Samandra, S., Johnston, J.M., Mulder, R.A., Green, M.P. & Clarke, B.O. (2023) High-resolution temporal wastewater treatment plant investigation to understand influent mass flux of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Journal of Hazardous Materials, 447, 130854. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130854
*Samandra, S., Singh, J., Plaisted, K., Mescall, O.J., Symons, B., Xie, S., Ellis, A.V. & Clarke, B.O. (2023) Quantifying environmental emissions of microplastics from urban rivers in Melbourne, Australia. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 189, 114709. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114709
Gómez, V.A., Pozo, K., Clérandeau, C., Cachot, J., Montes, C., Přibylová, P., Glabán-Malagón, C., Clarke, B.O., Klanova, J. & Morin, B. (2023) Plastic debris, persistent organic pollutants and their toxicity impacts in coastal areas in Central Chile. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 194, 115361. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115361
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*Szabo, D., Nuske, M.R., Lavers, J.L., Shimeta, J., Green, M.P., Mulder, R.A. & Clarke, B.O. (2022) A baseline study of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in waterfowl from a remote Australian environment. Science of The Total Environment, 812, 152528. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152528
*Szabo, D., Moodie, D., Green, M.P., Mulder, R.A. & Clarke, B.O. (2022) Field-based distribution and bioaccumulation factors for cyclic and aliphatic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in an urban sedentary waterbird population. Environmental Science & Technology, 56, 8231-8244. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01965
*Szabo, D., Marchiandi, J., Green, M.P., Mulder, R.A. & Clarke, B.O. (2022) Evaluation and validation of methodologies for the extraction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in serum of birds and mammals. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 414, 3017-3032. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-03962-3
*Samandra, S., Mescall, O.J., Plaisted, K., Symons, B., Xie, S., Ellis, A.V. & Clarke, B.O. (2022) Assessing exposure of the Australian population to microplastics through bottled water consumption. Science of The Total Environment, 155329. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155329
*Samandra, S., Johnston, J.M., Jaeger, J.E., Symons, B., Xie, S., Currell, M., Ellis, A.V. & Clarke, B.O. (2022) Microplastic contamination of an unconfined groundwater aquifer in Victoria, Australia. Science of The Total Environment, 802, 149727. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149727
*Rana, S., Marchiandi, J., Partington, J.M., Szabo, D., Heffernan, A.L., Symons, R.K., Xie, S. & Clarke, B.O. (2022) Identification of novel polyfluoroalkyl substances in surface water runoff from a chemical stockpile fire. Environmental Pollution, 120055. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120055
Calvert, L., Green, M.P., De Iuliis, G.N., Dun, M.D., Turner, B.D., Clarke, B.O., Eamens, A.L., Roman, S.D. & Nixon, B. (2022) Assessment of the emerging threat posed by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances to male reproduction in humans. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12, 799043. DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.799043
*Alghamdi, W., Marchiandi, J., Szabo, D., Samandra, S. & Clarke, B.O. (2022) Release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from a waste management facility fire to an urban creek. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 8, 100167. DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100167
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*Szabo, D., Lavers, J.L., Shimeta, J., Green, M.P., Mulder, R.A. & Clarke, B.O. (2021) Correlations between Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Body Morphometrics in Fledgling Shearwaters Impacted by Plastic Consumption from a Remote Pacific Island. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 40, 799-810. DOI: 10.1002/etc.4924
*Moodie, D., Coggan, T., Berry, K., Kolobaric, A., Fernandes, M., Lee, E., Reichman, S., Nugegoda, D. & Clarke, B.O. (2021) Legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Australian biosolids. Chemosphere, 270, 129143. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129143
*Marchiandi, J., Szabo, D., Dagnino, S., Green, M.P. & Clarke, B.O. (2021) Occurrence and fate of legacy and novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in freshwater after an industrial fire of unknown chemical stockpiles. Environmental Pollution, 278, 116839. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116839
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Pozo, K., Urbina, W., Gómez, V., Torres, M., Nuñez, D., Přibylová, P., Audy, O., Clarke, B.O., Arias, A., Tombesi, N., Guida, Y. & Klánová, J. (2020) Persistent organic pollutants sorbed in plastic resin pellet — “Nurdles” from coastal areas of Central Chile. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 151. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110786
Okada, E., Allinson, M., Barral, M.P., Clarke, B.O. & Allinson, G. (2020) Glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) are commonly found in urban streams and wetlands of Melbourne, Australia. Water Research, 168. DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115139
*McGrath, T.J., Kolobaric, A., Lee, E. & Clarke, B.O. (2020) Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in Western Australian biosolids and implications for land application. Chemosphere, 260, 127601 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127601
*Marchiandi, J., Green, M.P., Dagnino, S., Anumol, T. & Clarke, B.O. (2020) Characterising the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on health and disease: An opportunity for exposomics? Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, 15, 39-48. DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2020.05.006
*Hassell, K.L., Coggan, T.L., Cresswell, T., Kolobaric, A., Berry, K., Crosbie, N.D., Blackbeard, J., Pettigrove, V.J. & Clarke, B.O. (2020) Dietary Uptake and Depuration Kinetics of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate, Perfluorooctanoic Acid, and Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Dimer Acid (GenX) in a Benthic Fish. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 39, 595-603. DOI: 10.1002/etc.4640
Askeland, M., Clarke, B.O., Cheema, S.A., Mendez, A., Gasco, G. & Paz-Ferreiro, J. (2020) Biochar sorption of PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFHxA in two soils with contrasting texture. Chemosphere, 249, 126072. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126072
Askeland, M., Clarke, B.O. & Paz-Ferreiro, J. (2020) A serial PFASs sorption technique coupled with adapted high volume direct aqueous injection LCMS method. MethodsX, 7. DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2020.100886
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Pozo, K., Gomez, V., Torres, M., Vera, L., Nuñez, D., Oyarzún, P., Mendoza, G., Clarke, B.O., Fossi, M.C., Baini, M., Přibylová, P. & Klánová, J. (2019) Presence and characterization of microplastics in fish of commercial importance from the Biobío region in central Chile. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 140, 315-319. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.025
Okada, E., Coggan, T., Anumol, T., Clarke, B.O. & Allinson, G. (2019) A simple and rapid direct injection method for the determination of glyphosate and AMPA in environmental water samples. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 411, 715-724. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-1490-z
Hepburn, E., Madden, C., Szabo, D., Coggan, T.L., Clarke, B.O. & Currell, M. (2019) Contamination of groundwater with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from legacy landfills in an urban re-development precinct. Environmental Pollution, 248, 101-113. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.02.018
*Coggan, T.L., Moodie, D., Kolobaric, A., Szabo, D., Shimeta, J., Crosbie, N.D., Lee, E., Fernandes, M. & Clarke, B.O. (2019) An investigation into per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in nineteen Australian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Heliyon, 5, e02316. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02316
*Coggan, T.L., Anumol, T., Pyke, J., Shimeta, J. & Clarke, B.O. (2019) A single analytical method for the determination of 53 legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous matrices. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 411, 3507-3520. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-01829-8
Askeland, M., Clarke, B.O. & Paz-Ferreiro, J. (2019) Comparative characterization of biochars produced at three selected pyrolysis temperatures from common woody and herbaceous waste streams. PeerJ, 7. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6784
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Taha, M., Shahsavari, E., Aburto-Medina, A., Foda, M.F., Clarke, B.O., Roddick, F. & Ball, A.S. (2018) Bioremediation of biosolids with Phanerochaete chrysosporium culture filtrates enhances the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Applied Soil Ecology, 124, 163-170. DOI: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2017.11.002
*Szabo, D., Coggan, T.L., Robson, T.C., Currell, M. & Clarke, B.O. (2018) Investigating recycled water use as a diffuse source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to groundwater in Melbourne, Australia. Science of the Total Environment, 644, 1409-1417. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.048
Mikkonen, H.G., Van De Graaff, R., Mikkonen, A.T., Clarke, B.O., Dasika, R., Wallis, C.J. & Reichman, S.M. (2018) Environmental and anthropogenic influences on ambient background concentrations of fluoride in soil. Environmental Pollution, 242, 1838-1849. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.083
Mikkonen, H.G., Van De Graaff, R., Clarke, B.O., Dasika, R., Wallis, C.J. & Reichman, S.M. (2018) Geochemical indices and regression tree models for estimation of ambient background concentrations of copper, chromium, nickel and zinc in soil. Chemosphere, 210, 193-203. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.06.138
Mikkonen, H.G., Dasika, R., Drake, J.A., Wallis, C.J., Clarke, B.O. & Reichman, S.M. (2018) Evaluation of environmental and anthropogenic influences on ambient background metal and metalloid concentrations in soil. Science of The Total Environment, 624, 599-610. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.131
Mikkonen, H.G., Clarke, B.O., Dasika, R., Wallis, C.J. & Reichman, S.M. (2018) Evaluation of methods for managing censored results when calculating the geometric mean. Chemosphere, 191, 412-416. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.10.038
*McGrath, T.J., Morrison, P.D., Ball, A.S. & Clarke, B.O. (2018) Concentrations of legacy and novel brominated flame retardants in indoor dust in Melbourne, Australia: An assessment of human exposure. Environment International, 113, 191-201. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b02469
*McGrath, T.J., Morrison, P.D., Ball, A.S. & Clarke, B.O. (2018) Spatial distribution of novel and legacy brominated flame retardants in soils surrounding two Australian electronic waste recycling facilities. Environmental Science & Technology, 52, 8194-8204. DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.01.026
Carve, M., Coggan, T.L., Myers, J.H., Clarke, B.O., Nugegoda, D. & Shimeta, J. (2018) Impacts on the seagrass, Zostera nigricaulis, from the herbicide Fusilade Forte® used in the management of Spartina anglica infestations. Aquatic Toxicology, 195, 15-23. DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.12.007
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Saaristo, M., McLennan, A., Johnstone, C.P., Clarke, B.O. & Wong, B.B.M. (2017) Impacts of the antidepressant fluoxetine on the anti-predator behaviours of wild guppies (Poecilia reticulata). Aquatic Toxicology, 183, 38-45. DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.12.007
Mikkonen, H.G., Clarke, B.O., Dasika, R., Wallis, C.J. & Reichman, S.M. (2017) Assessment of ambient background concentrations of elements in soil using combined survey and open-source data. Science of the Total Environment, 580, 1410-1420. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.12.106
*McGrath, T.J., Morrison, P.D., Ball, A.S. & Clarke, B.O. (2017) Detection of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in the urban soils of Melbourne, Australia. Emerging Contaminants, 3, 23-31. DOI: 10.1016/j.emcon.2017.01.002
*McGrath, T.J., Ball, A.S. & Clarke, B.O. (2017) Critical review of soil contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs); concentrations, sources and congener profiles. Environmental Pollution, 230, 741-757. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.07.009
Martin, J.M., Saaristo, M., Bertram, M.G., Lewis, P.J., Coggan, T.L., Clarke, B.O. & Wong, B.B.M. (2017) The psychoactive pollutant fluoxetine compromises antipredator behaviour in fish. Environmental Pollution, 222, 592-599. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.010
*Hanvey, J.S., Lewis, P.J., Lavers, J.L., Crosbie, N.D., Pozo, K. & Clarke, B.O. (2017) A review of analytical techniques for quantifying microplastics in sediments. Analytical Methods, 9, 1369-1383. DOI: 10.1039/c6ay02707e
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*Wardrop, P., Shimeta, J., Nugegoda, D., Morrison, P.D., Miranda, A., Tang, M. & Clarke, B.O. (2016) Chemical pollutants sorbed to ingested microbeads from personal care products accumulate in fish. Environmental Science & Technology, 50, 4037-4044. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b06280
Rigby, H., Clarke, B.O., Pritchard, D.L., Meehan, B., Beshah, F., Smith, S.R. & Porter, N.A. (2016) A critical review of nitrogen mineralization in biosolids-amended soil, the associated fertilizer value for crop production and potential for emissions to the environment. Science of the Total Environment, 541, 1310-1338. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.08.089
*McGrath, T.J., Morrison, P.D., Ball, A.S., Sandiford, C. & Clarke, B.O. (2016) Widespread polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) contamination of urban soils in Melbourne, Australia. Chemosphere, 164, 225-232. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.017
*McGrath, T.J., Morrison, P.D., Ball, A.S. & Clarke, B.O. (2016) Selective pressurized liquid extraction of replacement and legacy brominated flame retardants from soil. Journal of Chromatography A, 1458, 118-125. DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2016.06.021
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*Wardrop, P., Morrison, P.D., Hughes, J.G. & Clarke, B.O. (2015) Comparison of in-cell lipid removal efficiency of adsorbent mixtures for extraction of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in fish. Journal of Chromatography B, 990, 1-6. DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2015.02.045
*Clarke, B.O., Anumol, T., Barlaz, M. & Snyder, S.A. (2015) Investigating landfill leachate as a source of trace organic pollutants. Chemosphere, 127, 269-275. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.02.030
Anumol, T., Clarke, B.O., Merel, S. & Snyder, S.A. (2015) Point-of-use devices for attenuation of trace organic compounds in water. Journal of American Water Works Association, 107, E474-E485. DOI: 10.5942/jawwa.2015.107.0129
*Clarke, B.O. (2014) Sustainable solutions for emerging organic pollutants in biosolids: Two case studies about contamination of drinking water supplies resulting from land application of contaminated biosolids and organic amendments. Water: Journal of the Australian Water Association, 41, 87-91.
*Chua, E.M., Shimeta, J., Nugegoda, D., Morrison, P.D. & Clarke, B.O. (2014) Assimilation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers from microplastics by the marine amphipod, Allorchestes Compressa. Environmental Science & Technology, 48, 8127-8134. DOI: 10.1021/es405717z
Sutcliffe, S., Clarke, B.O. & Jones, O.A.H. (2013) Steroid oestrogens in the environment: an Australian perspective. Water Science and Technology, 68, 2317-2329. DOI: 10.2166/wst.2013.508
Anumol, T., Merel, S., Clarke, B.O. & Snyder, S.A. (2013) Ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for rapid analysis of trace organic contaminants in water. Chemistry Central Journal 7, 104. DOI: 10.1186/1752-153X-7-104
Pepper I.L., Sherchan S.P., Miles S.L., Clarke B.O., Snyder S.A. (2012) Ensuring safe water through advanced oxidation and real-time sensors, 14th Water Distribution Systems Analysis Conference, WDSA 2012.
*Clarke, B.O. & Smith, S.R. (2011) Review of `emerging' organic contaminants in biosolids and assessment of international research priorities for the agricultural use of biosolids. Environment International, 37, 226-247. DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.06.004
*Clarke, B.O., Porter, N.A., Symons, R.K., Marriott, P.J., Stevenson, G.J. & Blackbeard, J.R. (2010) Investigating the distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers through an Australian wastewater treatment plant. Science of The Total Environment, 408, 1604-1611. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.11.059
*Clarke, B.O., Porter, N.A., Marriott, P.J. & Blackbeard, J.R. (2010) Investigating the levels and trends of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyl in sewage sludge. Environment International, 36, 323-329. DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.01.004
*Clarke, B.O. & Porter, N.A. (2010) Persistent organic pollutants in sewage sludge: Levels, sources and trends in Halden, R. (Ed.) Emerging Contaminants: Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care Products and Organohalogens, pages 137-171, Washington. DOI: 10.1021/bk-2010-1048.ch006
*Clarke, B.O., Porter, N.A., Symons, R.K., Marriott, P.J., Ades, P.K., Stevenson, G.J. & Blackbeard, J.R. (2009) Response to "Provisional human health risk assessment of PBDEs in sewage sludge used for agricultural purposes" by Marek Banasik et al. Chemosphere, 77, 702-703. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.07.057
*Clarke, B.O., Porter, N., Symons, R., Marriott, P., Ades, P., Stevensen, G. & Blackbeard, J. (2008) Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polybrominated biphenyls in Australian sewage sludge. Chemosphere, 73, 980-989. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.06.034
*Clarke, B.O., Porter, N., Symons, R., Blackbeard, J., Ades, P. & Marriott, P. (2008) Dioxin-like compounds in Australian sewage sludge – Review and national survey. Chemosphere, 72, 1215-1228. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.01.076
PhD opportunities at ALEC
The Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants (ALEC) is always interested in hearing from highly motivated prospective PhD candidates who are keen to contribute to cutting-edge research on emerging environmental contaminants and human exposure.
We welcome expressions of interest from both domestic and international candidates who are enthusiastic about pursuing a PhD in a collaborative, research-intensive environment.
Why consider a PhD with ALEC?
- Work on internationally relevant research questions related to emerging contaminants
- Access state-of-the-art analytical platforms and expertise
- Be part of a supportive and collaborative research team
How the process works
ALEC recruits PhD candidates periodically, depending on project availability, funding opportunities, and supervisory capacity. By completing the expression of interest form linked below, you can register your interest in future PhD opportunities within the group.
Submitted forms are not applications for an advertised position, but instead allow us to:
- better understand your research interests and background, and
- contact shortlisted candidates when the next round of PhD recruitment opens.
Due to the volume of interest, we may only contact shortlisted candidates when suitable opportunities become available.
Who should apply?
This expression of interest is suitable for:
- prospective domestic or international PhD candidates,
- applicants with backgrounds in chemistry, environmental science, toxicology, or related fields, and
- candidates considering future PhD applications rather than immediate intake.
Register your interest
If you are interested in pursuing a PhD with ALEC, please complete the form below. We appreciate your interest in our work and look forward to learning more about you.