James Ebdon

James Ebdon is Professor of Environmental Microbiology at the University of Brighton's School of Applied Sciences, leading the Environment and Public Health Research Excellence Group. His work bridges academic research and practical water safety solutions through collaborations with UNICEF, Gates Foundation, WaterAid, and major UK water companies.

His research focuses on three interconnected domains:

• Safe water/sanitation provision in low-resource settings (Malawi, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Brazil)
• Behaviour of microbiological/chemical contaminants (viruses, bacteria, pesticides, microplastics) in aquatic environments
• Development of low-cost water quality monitoring tools for field deployment

Recent publications reveal strong thematic continuity in microbial source tracking (using bacteriophages), microplastic pollution dynamics in the Thames catchment, and typhoid transmission pathway analysis in urban slums. His work consistently emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, merging microbiology with engineering and social sciences.

As a supervisor, he has guided 12 PhD completions across 7 countries with diverse research topics including bacteriophage indicators, excreta disinfection, and microplastic behaviour. Current projects include SMaRT (faecal sludge management in emergencies) and Thames estuary pollution source apportionment.

His teaching integrates fieldwork and lab components across modules like 'Water, Sanitation and Health' and 'Global Environmental Challenges', serving students from environmental science, engineering, and biological disciplines. External roles include Trustee of Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust and External Examiner at University of Leeds.