Global climate change has intensified harmful cyanobacterial blooms in surface waters, posing risks to ecosystems and water treatment processes. Cyanobacteria release toxins that harm humans, animals, and aquatic life [1]. Water utilities combat blooms using coagulation-flocculation processes to aggregate and remove cyanobacterial cells via sedimentation, filtration, or dissolved air flotation (DAF). However, coagulants and flocculants, particularly cationic ones, can destabilize cyanobacterial membranes, causing cell rupture and the release of toxins into the water [2]. This not only reduces treatment efficiency but also contaminates treated water, increasing health risks. Additionally, cyanobacterial sludge stored in lagoons may release more toxins as cells degrade over time, complicating sludge management. We aim to design novel polymeric flocculants that can inactivate but not destabilise cell membrane [3]. Additionally, these polymers will also assist in flocculating the cells for easy removal from the water. This study focuses on using Microcystis aeruginosa as a model cyanobacteria, while assessing the potential for toxin release during storage.
School
Chemical Engineering
Research Area
Water treatment | Polymer synthesis | Cyanobacteria abatement
- Research environment
- Expected outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference material/links
This is an opportunity for an interested candidate to work in collaboration with Australian Centre of Nanomedicine and EnviroLabs (part of UNESCO Membrane Centre). There is access to modern chemical synthesis labs and water treatment labs. The environment is multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural with a lot of student support. The skills the student will learn are equally applicable in the industry and in academia and will pave a way for the student to choose a career path in either of these sectors.
The student will have access to the most advanced polymer synthesis techniques, cutting edge characterisation methods and develop and understanding of processes used in the water industry. The outcomes from this project will result in a scientifc publication. There may be an opportunity to present this work to the water industry. Continuing this research for an honours thesis is most welcome and possible.
- Mucci, Maíra, et al. "Chitosan as coagulant on cyanobacteria in lake restoration management may cause rapid cell lysis." Water Research 118 (2017): 121-130.
- Tammeorg, Olga, et al. "Sustainable lake restoration: From challenges to solutions." Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water 11.2 (2024): e1689.
- Aquib, Md, et al. "Shape matters: Effect of amphiphilic polymer topology on antibacterial activity and hemocompatibility." European Polymer Journal 205 (2024): 112698.