Dr Brett Thomas
Research Fellow
School of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Brett is an environmental scientist with over 12 years of consulting and research experience. Brett has a full time position with the University of Adelaide's Acid Sulfate Soil Centre (Biogeochemistry Research Group).
Current research and consulting areas include:
- Assessment, management and remediation of Acid Sulfate Soils and Acid and Metalliferous Drainage
- Inland and coastal Acid Sulfate Soil landscape mapping
- Impacts of drought and climate change on water and soils
- Wetland soil and water biogeochemistry
- Contaminated land assessment and management
The ultimate aim of the group is to understand and assist clients to solve complex environmental issues across multi-disciplinary boundaries (soil, water, ecology, human impacts). Research carried out by the group has increased understanding of processes affecting the generation and fate of chemical species and contaminants (e.g. metals, nutrients and organic matter), and how to manage systems to prevent undesirable impacts. The group’s research is conducted and linked at various scales; from molecular-level studies in the laboratory, to field-scale experiments, and national-global scale assessments.
We have a proven and extensive track record in delivering complex research advice and outputs to industry and government agencies to assist them to manage environmental issues. Importantly these projects also provide students the opportunity to research and solve "real world" issues, and gain valuable contacts and skills to enhance the future employment prospects of students / collaborators. The group is located at the Waite Campus in Adelaide, a stimulating and highly collaborative environment.
Brett is an environmental scientist with over 12 years of consulting and research experience. Brett has a full time position with the University of Adelaide's Acid Sulfate Soil Centre (Biogeochemistry Research Group).
Current research and consulting areas include:
- Assessment, management and remediation of Acid Sulfate Soils and Acid and Metalliferous Drainage
- Inland and coastal Acid Sulfate Soil landscape mapping
- Impacts of drought and climate change on water and soils
- Wetland soil and water biogeochemistry
- Contaminated land assessment and management
The ultimate aim of the group is to understand and assist clients to solve complex environmental issues across multi-disciplinary boundaries (soil, water, ecology, human impacts). Research carried out by the group has increased understanding of processes affecting the generation and fate of chemical species and contaminants (e.g. metals, nutrients and organic matter), and how to manage systems to prevent undesirable impacts. The group’s research is conducted and linked at various scales; from molecular-level studies in the laboratory, to field-scale experiments, and national-global scale assessments.
We have a proven and extensive track record in delivering complex research advice and outputs to industry and government agencies to assist them to manage environmental issues. Importantly these projects also provide students the opportunity to research and solve "real world" issues, and gain valuable contacts and skills to enhance the future employment prospects of students / collaborators. The group is located at the Waite Campus in Adelaide, a stimulating and highly collaborative environment.
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2018 - ongoing Research Fellow The University of Adelaide 2011 - 2018 Senior Scientist Tonkin Consultuing -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 2007 - 2011 University of Adelaide Australia PhD 1999 - 1999 University of Adelaide Australia BSc(Hons) 1995 - 1999 La Trobe University Australia BSc (Geology) -
Research Interests
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Journals
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Conference Papers
The skills in our research group attract large amounts of competitive research, government and industry grant funding. Selected projects over last 2 years include:
| Year | Project | Client | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Acid and metalliferous drainage assessment and management plan (AMDMP) | WIM Resource P/L | 8,000 |
| 2019 | Acid sulfate soil assessment and management - Pike River Wetland | Department for Environment and Water (DEW) | 14,000 |
| 2019 | Northern Beaches Sand Sampling and Analysis | Department for Environment and Water (DEW) | 16,000 |
| 2018 - 2019 | Acid sulfate soil assessment and management - Gurra Gurra Wetland Complex | Department for Environment and Water (DEW) | 15,000 |
| 2018-2018 | National Acid Sulfate Soil Guidance - Review | Department for Environment and Water (DEW) | 12,000 |
| 2018-2019 | Riverine Project Investigation - Assessing the impacts and management of acid sulfate soils and soil microbial communities in managed wetlands | Department for Environment and Water (DEW) | 450,000 |
| 2017-2018 |
Various ASS and AMD Projects:
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Various Resources | 120,000 |
Current Higher Degree Research Support:
| Year | Role | Research Topic | Degree Type | Program | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | Support & Assessment | The Effects of Drought on pH and Metal Speciation in Periodically Flooded and Dried Soils | Master of Philosophy | Masters | Full Time | Mr Austin Myles Trueman |
| 2018-2019 | Support & Assessment | The effect of drought on Australian floodplain soils | BSc (Hons) | Honours | Full Time | Xihe Zhang |
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Mentoring
Date Topic Location Name 2018 - 2019 The effect of drought on Australian floodplain soils Adelaide University Xihe Zhang 2018 - 2020 The Effects of Drought on pH and Metal Speciation in Periodically Flooded and Dried Soils Adelaide University Mr Austin Myles Trueman
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