PHSW01 - What is in our food? Investigating the public health implications of environmental contaminants in Australian food.

Overview

Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide, was widely applied across agriculture (cotton, fruits and vegetables) and buildings (indoor and outside) to kill pests such as insects, termites and worms. In 2019 it was banned in Australia for domestic use due its neurological effects in children. Despite these bans, there are currently no exposure trends or source data to assess the effectiveness of this regulation in the general population. One source of exposure is via the food chain. This VRES project seeks to identify the concentrations of chlorpyrifos in foods and then obtain food samples for future chemical analysis of chlorpyrifos in Australia.

Research engagement

Literature review

Identification and procurement of products

Sample preparation (laboratory based)

Research activities

This VRES project involves undertaking a literature review to identify reported concentrations of chlorpyrifos in food (especially baby and infant foods) in Australia and globally. Step 1 - The student will meet with the librarian to determine the best search method, undertake the literature search, complete data extraction and contribute to write up of the review (2.5 weeks) (Introduction of scientific paper).  Step 2 - The next step will be to work with the supervisor to purchase these identified foods, this will involve going to various supermarkets/ online outlets to purchase these products. The ingredients, country of origin, brand etc will be entered into a database.  The student will also talk with supervisor about the different types of food and the importance of food safety from the Environmental Health perspective and contribute to write up of methodology for scientific paper (1 week).  Then the student will prepare these food items for chemical analysis.  This will involve basic laboratory work (no experience necessary, all training provided) to prepare the samples for analysis as well as a visit to the laboratory where the analysis will take place (0.5 week).

Research skills

The student will gain experience in undertaking a literature review as part of a scientific research paper.  The student will also gain an understanding of the process of sample procurement and preparation.

Outcomes

Identify foods with high concentrations of environmental contaminants

Prepare samples for chemical analysis

Contribute to writing scientific paper for future publication

Skills and experience

Public health,  environmental health, biology, environmental science

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

1 January, 2027

Location

Kelvin Grove

Additional information

Ideally the project will be carried out in November/December across 4-6 weeks depending on the student's availability.

The student will be working with Leisa-Maree Toms  as well as Natalie MacGregor (Health, Safety and Environment discipline, School of Public Health and Social Work).

Please email Leisa leisamaree.toms@qut.edu.au to arrange a time to talk in detail about the project.

Keywords

• food
• environmental contaminants
• Chlorpyrifos
• monitoring
• exposure science

Contact

Leisa-Maree Toms

31385719

leisamaree.toms@qut.edu.au