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Dr Tom Allison
(he/him)
BSc MSc PhD
Teams and roles for Tom Allison
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
School of Biosciences
Overview
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cardiff's Water Research Institute investigating drivers of incorrect wet wipe disposal and targeted interventions for prevention with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. This project is funded by EPSRC's Pathways for Growth in the UK scheme.
I recently completed a PhD in the School of Biosciences, studying the impact of 'environmentally friendly' textile products on aquatic systems. Specifically, my research focused 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 towards plastic pollution, which received recognition from Sir David Attenborough.
Following my undergraduate studies, I completed an MSc in Global Ecology and Conservation at Cardiff University in 2021. For my final research project, I investigated the effects of anthropogenic pollution associated with urbanisation on passerine song behaviour.
Roles
(2023-2024) 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., Harbottle, M. and Durance, I. 2025. Cellulose-based wet wipes undergo limited degradation in river environments. Environmental Pollution 384, article number: 126971. (10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126971)
- Allison, T. W. 2025. Flushed away: Flux, fate, and environmental impact of cellulose-based wet wipes within river systems. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
- 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., Harbottle, M. and Durance, I. 2025. Cellulose-based wet wipes undergo limited degradation in river environments. Environmental Pollution 384, article number: 126971. (10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126971)
- 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)
Thesis
- Allison, T. W. 2025. Flushed away: Flux, fate, and environmental impact of cellulose-based wet wipes within river systems. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
