The development of diagnostic indicators of community-wide health using Wastewater Based Epidemiology with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry techniqu
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bath
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
This research project aims to develop community-wide mental health and stress indicators via Wastewater Based Epidemiology (WBE) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
There are multiple objectives to be completed within this project:
Firstly, building on the exogenous (external origin, for example, anti-depressants & benzodiazepines) and endogenous (internal origin, for example, hormones and isoprostanes) biomarkers currently used during WBE by Identifying new biomarkers which could be used as a proxy for mental health and stress.
Secondly, to develop a new LC-MS method to facilitate the identification and quantification of new biomarkers identified in the first objective.
Thirdly, upon quantification of these biomarkers, used to monitor the mental health and stress in a community, I will perform data triangulation and a comparative analysis between communities to compare their mental health and stress, factoring in various potential impacts, including socioeconomic differences and health indicators recorded by alternative methods.
The application of this project is to develop research in the field of WBE by identifying new biomarkers which can be used to assess community-wide mental health status. This project will directly contribute to the current repository of quantifiable biomarkers to deliver future early warning systems for disease outbreaks.
The primary benefit of this research is in public health. Therefore, the research to be undertaken is directly relevant to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) aims. To 'create knowledge in engineering and physical sciences for UK capability to benefit society and the economy'. [1] Therefore, by providing early warning systems for disease outbreaks, this research directly benefits society.
The second supervisor, Prof Julie Barnett, a professor in the Department of Psychology, has expertise in public health. During data analysis, Prof Barnett can assist in triangulating this data with community health and socioeconomic indicators to accurately interpret the data concerning public health. The third supervisor, Dr Kathryn Proctor, is the mass spectrometry specialist in the Material and Chemical Characterisation Facility at the University of Bath. Mass Spectrometry is the primary analytical technique I will use during my project; their expertise will assist me with training, analysis and any troubleshooting I may encounter.
References:
1. UK Research and Innovation, updated 2022, 13th October 2022, https://www.ukri.org/councils/epsrc/
There are multiple objectives to be completed within this project:
Firstly, building on the exogenous (external origin, for example, anti-depressants & benzodiazepines) and endogenous (internal origin, for example, hormones and isoprostanes) biomarkers currently used during WBE by Identifying new biomarkers which could be used as a proxy for mental health and stress.
Secondly, to develop a new LC-MS method to facilitate the identification and quantification of new biomarkers identified in the first objective.
Thirdly, upon quantification of these biomarkers, used to monitor the mental health and stress in a community, I will perform data triangulation and a comparative analysis between communities to compare their mental health and stress, factoring in various potential impacts, including socioeconomic differences and health indicators recorded by alternative methods.
The application of this project is to develop research in the field of WBE by identifying new biomarkers which can be used to assess community-wide mental health status. This project will directly contribute to the current repository of quantifiable biomarkers to deliver future early warning systems for disease outbreaks.
The primary benefit of this research is in public health. Therefore, the research to be undertaken is directly relevant to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) aims. To 'create knowledge in engineering and physical sciences for UK capability to benefit society and the economy'. [1] Therefore, by providing early warning systems for disease outbreaks, this research directly benefits society.
The second supervisor, Prof Julie Barnett, a professor in the Department of Psychology, has expertise in public health. During data analysis, Prof Barnett can assist in triangulating this data with community health and socioeconomic indicators to accurately interpret the data concerning public health. The third supervisor, Dr Kathryn Proctor, is the mass spectrometry specialist in the Material and Chemical Characterisation Facility at the University of Bath. Mass Spectrometry is the primary analytical technique I will use during my project; their expertise will assist me with training, analysis and any troubleshooting I may encounter.
References:
1. UK Research and Innovation, updated 2022, 13th October 2022, https://www.ukri.org/councils/epsrc/
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Harry ELLISS (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/T518013/1 | 30/09/2020 | 29/09/2025 | |||
| 2749112 | Studentship | EP/T518013/1 | 30/09/2022 | 30/03/2026 | Harry ELLISS |