Algal organic matter oxidation and its impact on ecotoxicity and water treatment by coagulation

The project focuses on the impact of oxidation of algal organic matter (AOM), including cyanobacterial toxins, on its ecotoxicity and removability by coagulation. Oxidation-coagulation and coagulation-oxidation processes using different oxidation agents (permanganate, ozone, UV-C, H2O2/UV-C) will be investigated with regards to the ecotoxicity. Cellular organic matter produced by selected species of cyanobacteria and algae will be used in the experiments and a battery of ecotoxicity tests will be conducted. Moreover, since AOM is a significant contributor to disinfection by-product (DBPs) formation after chlorination as the final disinfection stage of the drinking water treatment, the influence of oxidation on the DBPs forming potential will be also studied. Oxidation processes are expected to improve the efficiency of AOM removal, especially of its low-molecular weight compounds and cyanobacterial toxins, which are difficult to coagulate. The project outcome will serve for optimization of water treatment processes that have to deal with increasing amounts of cyanobacteria and algae.

The goal of the project

Research on the impact of oxidation of algal organic matter (AOM), including cyanobacterial toxins, on its ecotoxicity, removability by coagulation and disinfection by-product formation potential. Investigation of processes of oxidation-coagulation and coagulation-oxidation regarding ecotoxicity.