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.     Mnkandla S, Voua Otomo P (2026). Mycofilters and the effectiveness of mycofiltration in the removal of contaminants in water: A systematic review. Journal of Fungi. (Accepted 7 May 2026) (Q1)

2.     Obame-Nkoghe J, Moudoumi-Kondji F, Niangui B, Obame R.E., Ondo Oyono A, Koumlkah N.Y., Yangari P, Longo-Pendy N.M., Nkoghe N.C., Ngangue M-F,. Okomo-Nguema Y, Mombo L.E., Paupy C, Otomo P V, Kengne P (2025). Physicochemical and typological insights into Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti larval habitats in a sub-Saharan African urban gradient setting. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-32398-9 (Q1)

3.     Obame-Nkoghe, J., Niangui, B. G., Ondo-Oyono, A., Moudoumi Kondji, F., Longo-Pendy, N.-M., Okomo Nguema, Y., Nkoghe-Nkoghe, L. C., Ngangue, M.-F., Otomo, P. V., Kengne, P., & Paupy, C. (2025). Standardized bioassays to better understand the invasion dynamics of the global arbovirus vector Aedes albopictus. Current Protocols, 4(10), e70240. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpz1.70240 (Q1)

4.     Obame-Nkoghe, J., Moudoumi -Kondji, F., Diouf EH., Thiaw, O., Niangui, BG., Ondo-Oyono, A., Okomo-Nguema, Y., Longo-Pendy, NM., Mounioko, F., Makanga, B., Kamgang, B., Paupy, C., Kengne, P., Voua Otomo, P., Niang, EHA. (2025) Bioassays reveal for the first time pyrethroid resistance in Aedes mosquitoes from Franceville, Southeast Gabon, Central Africa. Parasite https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2025036 (Q1)

5.     Kamdem M.M., Kubheka N., Nyoka N.WK., P Voua Otomo (2025). Using Folsomia candida (Collembola) for the ecological assessment of sediment samples from three rivers from the QwaQwa region, South Africa. International Journal of Energy and Water Resources 9:199-209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-024-00282-3 (Q1)

6.     Mikala Okouyi, C., Kamdem, M.M., Voua Otomo, P., Maganga, G.D. (2024) Metal accumulation in fish species of a vast hydrographic network in the Moyen-Ogooué and Haut-Ogooué Provinces of Gabon: Implications for human health, Toxicology Reports. 13, 101842. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101842 (Q2)

7.     Avenant, M., Boernick H., Graumnitz S., Nyoka N., Opeolu B., Voua Otomo P., Schubert A., Schubert S., Vos T.A., Jungmann D. (2024) Investigating a surface water quality monitoring approach for QwaQwa, South Africa, by combining biological in vitro tests and chemical analyses. Frontiers in Water 6: 1408856 DOI: 10.3389/frwa.2024.1408856 (Q2)

8.     Dlamini N. P, Voua Otomo P. (2024) Use of biochar to improve sewage sludge quality in Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality, South Africa. South African Journal of Science 120(5/6). https://doi.org/10.17159/
sajs.2024/15521 (Q2)

9.     Obame-Nkoghe J., Esse Agossou A., Mboowa G., Kamgang B., Caminade C., Duke D.C., Githeko A.K., Ogega O.M., Engone Elloué N., Sarr F.B., Nkoghe D, Kengne P., Ndam N.T, , Paupy C., Bockarie M, Voua Otomo P (2024) Climate-influenced vector-borne diseases in Africa: A call to empower the next generation of African researchers for sustainable solutions. Infectious Diseases of Poverty 13, 26 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-024-01193-5 (Q1).

10.   Kamdem M., Sithole S., Voua Otomo P. (2024) Effects of Imidacloprid on the Survival and Biomarker Responses of Eristalis tenax Larvae (Diptera: Syrphidae): A Comparative Study Between Indoor and Outdoor Exposures. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B https://doi.org/10.1080/03601234.2024.2343598 (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.