I hold a PhD in Zoology (Stellenbosch University, 2011). I have a growing publication record in peer-reviewed national and international journals. I am a member of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC). Since 2013, I serve on the editorial board of Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (a Springer journal). Over the years I have also acted as reviewer for numerous journals in my field of research. These include, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (Wiley), Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (Elsivier) and Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicoilogy (Spinger). Since joining the University of the Free State in January 2016, I have funded my research independently through the competitive process of grant proposal submission. My research is currently funded by:

• the National Research Foundation - NRF
• the Afromontane Research Unit (housed at the University of the Free State)
• the QwaQwa Campus Research committee of the University of the Free State
• and the Office of the Vice-Rector Research of the University of the Free State

Through these organisations, I have been able to secure funds for the purchasing of research equipment, the running cost of various projects and the sponsorship of postgraduate students. 

I have been interested in conducting research on innate and acquired resistance towards metal toxicity in soil invertebrates (using oligochaetes as model organisms). This main interest has led me to become acquainted with physiological (biomarkers) and molecular (DNA barcoding) research approaches together with traditional environmental toxicology protocols (toxicity bioassays). This multi-level approach allowed me to propose DNA barcoding as a potentially useful tool for environmental toxicology (where the taxonomy of our experimental animals has been proven unreliable at times). Access to this tool was also instrumental in allowing me to initiate local earthworm taxonomy research (focusing on the vermiculture/vermicompost industry which is the main provider of experimental organisms to local terrestrial ecotoxicologists). Nevertheless, the underlining motivation to my work has remained environmental toxicology and as such, I have tried to contribute to the climate change discourse by conducting work on the combined effects of metal toxicity and increasing temperature. A number of local and international research collaborations have helped to broaden my interests to topics such as salinity, affordable laboratory testing and earthworm biodiversity in tropical rain forests.

1. Kamdem M., Ramoejane M., Voua Otomo P. (2023) Local-scale DNA barcoding of Afrotropical hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae): a case study of the eastern Free State of South Africa. Insects 14(8):692 http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/insects14080692 (Q1)
2. Sithole S., Nyoka N.,Kamdem M., Voua Otomo P. (2023) Dietary deprivation reduces the deleterious effects of carbaryl on the survival and activity of both catalase and acetylcholinesterase in earthworms. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 263: 115293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115293 (Q1)
3. Mnkandla SM., Voua Otomo P. (2023) Fixed bed mycofilter column optimization and performance evaluation through the removal of a food coloring agent from an aqueous solution. Bioremediation Journal - in press. https://doi.org/10.1080/10889868.2023.2236644 – (Q2)
4. Kamdem M., Voua Otomo, P. (2023) Developmental performance of Eristalis tenax larvae (Diptera: Syrphidae): influence of growth media and yeast addition during captive rearing. Journal of Experimental Zoology-A 339(5):503-513. https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.2696 (Q1)
5. Chukwuka Azubuike, V., Ogbeide, O., Voua Otomo, P. (2023) Trend relationship between mountain normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and aerosol optical depth (AOD) across two decades: implication for water quality within the Lesotho Highlands, Drakensberg, South Africa. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 195, 584. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-11110-2(Q2)
6. Sekhele, N., Voua Otomo, P. (2023) Afromontane community’s dependence on the Maloti-Drakensburg Mountain range for water and climate change nexus: The case of Phuthaditjhaba. In Membretti, A, Taylor S.J., and Delves, J,L. (Eds), Sustainable futures in southern Africa’s mountains. Multiple perspectives on an emerging city. Sustainable Development Goals Series. Springer Nature, Cham, Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15773-8 (Book Chapter)
7. Fischer, J., Talal, G.D.A., Schnee, L.S., Otomo, P.V. and Filser, J. (2022), Clay types modulate the toxicity of low concentrated copper oxide nanoparticles towards springtails in artificial test soils. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 41:2454-2465.https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5440 (Q1)
8. Mnkandla, S.M., Otomo, P.V. (2022) Two novel bioassays useful for the quick assessment of chemical effects on the behavior of mosquito larvae (Culicidae) and adult earthworms (Lumbricidae). MethodsX – DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2022.101661 (Q2)
9. Dlamini, N. P, Voua Otomo, P. (2022) High rates of biochar soil amendment cause increased incidences of neurotoxic and oxidative stress in Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta) exposed to glyphosate. Applied Sciences 12(5) 2381 - https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052381 (Q2)
10. Tsotesti, P.A.A., Nyoka, N.W., Mazibuko, S.S., Mnkandla, S.M., Fouché, F., Voua Otomo P. (2022) Behavioural changes and flight response of a mosquito (Culicidae) and an earthworm (Lumbricidae), respectively, after exposure to imidacloprid. Ecotoxicology - DOI: 10.1007/s10646-021-02513-3(Q2)

In the Ecotoxicology Research Laboratory conducts research the toxicological evaluation of potential environmental contaminants. We make use of selected invertebrates (such as ants, flies, snails and earthworms) to investigate the ecotoxicity of emerging industrial and agricultural chemicals. Current projects focus on evaluating the impact of wastewater treatment plants on Afromontane aquatic invertebrates, the search for low-cost and environmental friendly ways of mitigating chemical toxicity in soils, the use of DNA barcoding in ecotoxicological investigations and the potential benefits of behavioral ecotoxicology in environmental monitoring. 

Invertebrate ecotoxicology

Behavioural Ecotoxicology

Nanotoxicology

Quality assurance in ecotoxicological testing 

Biomarkers 

BIOL2634 - Invertebrate Biodiversity

This module gives an overview of upper classification through all invertebrate phyla. It covers the general taxonomy, anatomy, morphology and ecology of the invertebrates and highlights evolutionary relationships between the different groups. In the complementary practical sessions, the students are taught to identify the invertebrates and are required to make annotated illustration of invertebrate specimens. To successfully complete the course, the students have to demonstrate the ability to assimilate the course materials and use the knowledge gathered to carry out a number of carefully designed assignments and assessments. These test their ability to recall learned information, to identify, draw and illustrate invertebrate specimens.  Furthermore, the students are tested on their ability to convey scientific information during a series of group presentations on pre-selected topics 

 BIOL3724 - Macroevolution & Speciation    

The purpose of this course is to learn about the main mechanisms behind speciation and their driving forces. We discuss the life and teachings of Charles Darwin, the father of evolutionary biology, and how his ideas about natural selection and the origin of species were validated in the 20th century (Modern Synthesis). After familiarizing ourselves with the different Species Concepts, we learn about the different speciation models, and the reproductive isolating barriers that cause the rise of new species. Important concepts such as reinforcement, genetic driftand natural selection are taught in light of their potential influence on the process of speciation. Lastly, adaptive radiation or sudden burst of speciation and extinction or the end/dying of a species are also explored. 

 ZOOL3724 - Introduction to Ecotoxicology

This course provides a general introduction to the field of ecotoxicology and covers topics such as environmental contamination, major classes of contaminants and acute/chronic effects of contaminants on individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. Through an accompanying practical program, emphasis is also given on the assessment of the toxicity of potential environmental contaminants in the laboratory. The course ends by discussing pollution problems worldwide and the legal issues thereof with a special focus on the regulation and management of hazardous chemical substances in South Africa.