Chemical Engineering
PhD project to develop a comprehensive kinetic model that describes oxidation of harmful algae and their toxins. This project will investigate oxidant decay, algal inactivation, algal cell lysis, organic matter degradation, and cyanotoxin and taste/odour treatment using several oxidants under different reaction conditions.
Elevated toxin and taste/odour concentrations in source water are a major concern for the water industry. Various chemical oxidants have been used to improve water treatment efficiency during algal events.
It is important to develop a better understanding of the chemical competition between algal cells, their metabolites and extracellular organic matter for oxidants in order to develop a comprehensive kinetic model of oxidation.
School
Themes
Prediction | Treatment
Status
2020-2024
- Focused Research Questions
- Researchers
- Partners
- 1. Which oxidants are the most effective at treating common cyanotoxins?
- How does the presence of toxic algal cells (of different species) influence oxidation kinetics?
- What is the relationship between cell lysis and inactivation during oxidation?
- How does the presence of extracellular organic matter, released by cell lysis, influence oxidation kinetics?
University of New South Wales | Melbourne Water