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Tom Allison
(he/him)
MSc
Research student
Overview
I am a PhD researcher in the School of Biosciences, studying the impact of 'environmentally friendly' alternative products on aquatic systems. Specifically, my research focuses on cellulose-based wet wipes, commonly labelled as 'biodegradable' and 'flushable,' and their degradation and environmental fate in wastewater and freshwater systems.
Prior to this, I obtained a BSc in Human Geography from Cardiff University in 2020. My research for this degree explored the influence of Blue Planet II on changing people's behaviour to plastic pollution, which received recognition from Sir David Attenborough.
Following my undergraduate studies, I pursued an MSc in Global Ecology and Conservation at Cardiff University in 2021. For my final research project, I investigated the effects of noise and light pollution associated with urbanisation on passerine song behavior.
Driven by my strong interest in understanding human impact on the natural environment, I am now undertaking my PhD focusing on microparticle aquatic pollution.
Roles
Co-manager, Environment and Plastics Research Network
This network was launched in 2023 to showcase research at Cardiff University focused on plastics and their environmental legacy and to develop interdisciplinary solutions to the issues created by plastic pollution. Through workshops, conferences and networking events, we aim to unite plastic academics across the University and spark new research initiatives, while also facilitating important stakeholder connections including those within industry, policy, retail, NGOs, education etc.
Publication
2025
- Allison, T., Ward, B. D., Durance, I. and Harbottle, M. 2025. Predicting flushed wet wipe emissions into rivers. Water Research 268(Part B), article number: 122733. (10.1016/j.watres.2024.122733)
2023
- Allison, T., Ward, B. D., Harbottle, M. and Durance, I. 2023. Do flushed biodegradable wet wipes really degrade?. Science of the Total Environment 894, article number: 164912. (10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164912)
Articles
- Allison, T., Ward, B. D., Durance, I. and Harbottle, M. 2025. Predicting flushed wet wipe emissions into rivers. Water Research 268(Part B), article number: 122733. (10.1016/j.watres.2024.122733)
- Allison, T., Ward, B. D., Harbottle, M. and Durance, I. 2023. Do flushed biodegradable wet wipes really degrade?. Science of the Total Environment 894, article number: 164912. (10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164912)
Research
Thesis
Identification, Occurrence, Transport, and Fate of Biodegradable Cellulose-based Wet Wipes in Freshwater Ecosystems
Manufactured 'biodegradable' and 'bio-based' products do not necessarily break down within the natural environment and can contribute to the growing issue of plastic pollution.
By focusing on wet wipes, a significant flushed pollutant often found in aquatic systems, and cellulose, a popular biopolymer material used in their manufacturing, my PhD research investigates the full life cycle of biodegradable cellulose-based wet wipes.
This includes their material properties, flushed disposal pathways, degradation mechanisms and environmental fate, from wastewater to freshwater.
Funding sources
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Sustainable Plastics DTP
