The impact of algogenic organic matter on water treatment plant operation and water quality: A review

ABSTRACT

The proliferation of algal and cyanobacterial blooms globally has led to renewed interest in understanding the impact of cell populations on water treatment plant (WTP) performance and the resultant water quality, particularly the role of algogenic organic matter (AOM). This review discusses current knowledge on the composition of AOM, how it interferes with water treatment process technologies applied for the treatment of algal blooms, and how it affects water quality. Specifically, it was shown that AOM can lead to increased coagulant demand, increased propensity of membrane fouling, and contribute to disinfection by-products (DBPs). Identified knowledge gaps included a need for further research on the impact of cellular organic matter (COM) after an algal bloom collapses and the impact of interactions between AOM and natural organic matter (NOM).

KEYWORDS:

• Activated carbon
• algae
• coagulation and flocculation
• cyanobacteria
• disinfection by-products
• membrane filtration

Funding

The research project was funded by the Czech Science Foundation under Project No.P105/11/0247 and an Australian Postgraduate Award. The authors acknowledge the financial assistance on this project. The work was also supported by the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology, UNSW.