Improving drinking water compliance

Question

Hello everyone
I am currently working on a study looking at novel ways to deal with water quality issues and invasive species in drinking water reservoirs. Specifically, i am focusing on how to either harvest microalgae or to find a way to remove them/isolate them away from the intake, to prevent them getting into the treatment plant.
The focus is on finding solutions which are radical, as we have already explored the usual technologies available now. So far I have thought they could be harvested if in flocs, so I am looking at bioflocculation and flotation technology as a potential solution.
If you have any other ideas/literature/case study/knowledge of any interesting trials please let me know.
Thanks
Alex

Anthony Reid Harvey · Answer

Alex, Checkout the attached newsletter of TAM Ceramics water filter media.  At the bottom right article the first link goes to our recent article in *Ceramic Bulletin.* As described and because the oligodynamic effect of silver has been cited as effective against algae this appears to be a promising option.

David Sheehan · Answer

Hi Alex,
Water Research Australia (www.waterra.com.au) has carried out a lot of research with respect to algal issues.  It would be worth contacting someone at WaterRA about your issue, and they should be able go put you in contact with relevant experts in Australia.  Unfortunately, we have a lot experience with algal issues in Australia.
Cheers
David Sheehan

Gino Quackels · Answer

Dear Alex,
Enclosed I send you a document, stating the usability of our biodegradable disinfectant.
We can offer a perfect economical, functional alternative to chlorine.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Gino

Fiona Webber · Answer

Hi Alex, 
The three key conditions for algae to grow are light, nutrients and water temperature, so tackling these is key.
If you have a body of water >10 m deep then stratification can occur naturally during warmer times of the year, and promotes algal growth. Reservoir mixers are a good option for preventing stratification and so reducing algal growth.
Historically, people used copper sulphate, and I think it might still be used in swimming pools and the like, but it's not very environmentally friendly, so I think its use in raw water has been paired back. 
Phoslock is a product I have heard trialled in the UK for raw water algal management, so could be of interest to you. It binds to phosphate in water and then sinks to form a layer of sediment.
Catchment management to reduce the concentration of phosphates entering water bodies is a more sustainable approach, but is challenging, and depends on by-in from landowners etc. 
There is also ultrasound, which is thought to disrupt the buoyancy of algal cells, which means they sink, and don't get sufficient light.
There are others, but hopefully this gives you some leads.
Regards,
Fiona

Guy McGowen · Answer

Hi Alex; I see you are gathering information.  May we know the purpose or final goal in regards to potable water. On the surface of this discussion one item pops out vividly. You are dealing with DNA life forms when you should at least be investigating RNA microbes. A few advantages. No chlorine required. When the BIOREMEDIATION process is complete there will be zero pathogens and zero toxins. No need to discharge water. Return it to potable tank.

Taxonomy