ORCID Profile
0000-0002-6503-3546
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In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Water Quality Engineering | Civil Engineering | Water Treatment Processes | Water Resources Engineering | Environmental Science and Management | Separation Science | Chemical Sciences not elsewhere classified | Environmental Technologies | Analytical Spectrometry | Environmental Engineering | Environmental Technologies | Other Chemical Sciences | Environmental Engineering not elsewhere classified | Membrane And Separation Technologies | Water And Sanitary Engineering | Environmental Monitoring | Bioprocessing, Bioproduction and Bioproducts |
Physical and Chemical Conditions of Water for Urban and Industrial Use | Water Services and Utilities | Physical and Chemical Conditions of Water in Fresh, Ground and Surface Water Environments (excl. Urban and Industrial Use) | Climate Change Adaptation Measures | Water Recycling Services (incl. Sewage and Greywater) | Urban and Industrial Water Management | Land and water management | Water services and utilities | Expanding Knowledge in Engineering | Environmental Health
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 07-2018
Abstract: Immobilising microalgal cells has been proposed as a process solution to overcome the barriers associated with the implementation of microalgae for wastewater remediation. This work evaluated the performance and remediation mechanisms of immobilised microalgae for continuous wastewater treatment under varying hydraulic retention times (HRT). Three domestic secondary wastewaters with differing concentrations of orthophosphate (PO4-P), ammonium (NH4-N) and nitrate (NO3-N) were treated by Scenedesmus obliquus immobilised within 2% calcium alginate. Trials were run in continuous operation at HRTs of 3, 6, 12 and 20 h. Removal rates for PO4-P improved with increasing HRT, with minimum residual concentrations of 0.3–3.1 mg·L−1 observed at 3 h and 0.01–0.2 mg·L−1 at 20 h. Ammonium remediation was not linked to HRT or NH4+ concentration with minimum residual concentrations of & .001 mg·L−1. Reduction in NO3-N improved with increasing HRT, with minimum residual concentrations of ≤19.3 at 3 h and ≤0.4 mg·L−1 at 20 h. Remediation was achieved through a combination of mechanisms including biological uptake and precipitation as a by-product of photosynthesis and nutrient metabolism. As such, immobilised microalgae have been proven to be an effective alternative solution for PO43− and NH4+ remediation of wastewater effluents at HRTs of 6–12 h.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2015.06.038
Abstract: The increasing frequency and intensity of taste and odour (T&O) producing cyanobacteria in water sources is a growing global issue. Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) are the main cyanobacterial T&O compounds and can cause complaints from consumers at levels as low as 10 ng/L. However, literature concerning the performance of full-scale treatment processes for geosmin and MIB removal is rare. Hence, the objectives of this study were to: 1) estimate the accumulation and breakthrough of geosmin and MIB inside full-scale water treatment plants 2) verify the potential impact of sludge recycling practice on performance of plants and, 3) assess the effectiveness of aged GAC for the removal of these compounds. S ling after full-scale treatment processes and GAC pilot assays were conducted to achieve these goals. Geosmin and MIB monitoring in full-scale plants provided the opportunity to rank the performance of studied treatment processes with filtration and granular activated carbon providing the best barriers for removal of total and extracellular compounds, correspondingly. Geosmin was removed to a greater extent than MIB using GAC. Geosmin and MIB residuals in water post GAC contactors after two years of operation was 20% and 40% of initial concentrations, correspondingly. Biological activity on the GAC surface enhanced the removal of T&O compounds. These observations demonstrated that a multi-barrier treatment approach is required to ensure cyanobacteria and their T&O compounds are effectively removed from drinking water.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C7LC00294G
Abstract: 3D-printed hydrocyclones are low-cost microdevices which be part of a library of standardized active and passive microfluidic components, suitable for particle–liquid separation.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1039/C5EW00269A
Abstract: Fate of cyanobacterial species within full-scale water treatment/recycling processes and real-time treatment adjustment using in-situ fluorescence measurement.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2014.05.032
Abstract: Dissolved air flotation (DAF), an effective treatment method for clarifying algae/cyanobacteria-laden water, is highly dependent on coagulation-flocculation. Treatment of algae can be problematic due to unpredictable coagulant demand during blooms. To eliminate the need for coagulation-flocculation, the use of commercial polymers or surfactants to alter bubble charge in DAF has shown potential, termed the PosiDAF process. When using surfactants, poor removal was obtained but good bubble adherence was observed. Conversely, when using polymers, effective cell removal was obtained, attributed to polymer bridging, but polymers did not adhere well to the bubble surface, resulting in a cationic clarified effluent that was indicative of high polymer concentrations. In order to combine the attributes of both polymers (bridging ability) and surfactants (hydrophobicity), in this study, a commercially-available cationic polymer, poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (polyDMAEMA), was functionalised with hydrophobic pendant groups of various carbon chain lengths to improve adherence of polymer to a bubble surface. Its performance in PosiDAF was contrasted against commercially-available poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (polyDADMAC). All synthesised polymers used for bubble surface modification were found to produce positively charged bubbles. When applying these cationic micro-bubbles in PosiDAF, in the absence of coagulation-flocculation, cell removals in excess of 90% were obtained, reaching a maximum of 99% cell removal and thus demonstrating process viability. Of the synthesised polymers, the polymer containing the largest hydrophobic functionality resulted in highly anionic treated effluent, suggesting stronger adherence of polymers to bubble surfaces and reduced residual polymer concentrations.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2014.01.053
Abstract: Organic matter (OM) causes many problems in drinking water treatment. It is difficult to monitor OM concentrations and character during treatment processes due to its complexity. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a promising tool for online monitoring. In this study, a unique dataset of fluorescence excitation emission matrixes (EEMs) (n = 867) was collected from all treatment stages of five drinking water treatment plants (WTPs) situated in erse locations from subtropical to temperate climate. The WTPs incorporated various water sources, treatment processes and OM removal efficiencies (DOC removal 0%-68%). Despite these differences, four common fluorescence PARAFAC components were identified for characterisation of OM concentration and treatability. Moreover, fluorescence component ratios showed site-specific statistically significant correlations with OM removal, which contrasted with correlations between specific UV absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA) and OM removal that were not statistically significant. This indicates that use of fluorescence spectroscopy may be a more robust alternative for predicting DOC removal than UV spectroscopy. Based on the identified fluorescence components, four optical locations were selected in order to move towards single wavelength online OM monitoring.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2007.10.032
Abstract: Algogenic organic matter (AOM) can interfere with drinking water treatment processes and comprehensive characterisation of AOM will be informative with respect to treatability. This paper characterises the AOM originating from four algae species (Chlorella vulgaris, Microcystis aeruginosa, Asterionella formosa and Melosira sp.) using techniques including dissolved organic carbon (DOC), specific UV absorbance (SUVA), zeta potential, charge density, hydrophobicity, protein and carbohydrate content, molecular weight and fluorescence. All AOM was predominantly hydrophilic with a low SUVA. AOM had negative zeta potential values in the range pH 2-10. The stationary phase charge density of AOM from C. vulgaris was greatest at 3.2 meq g(-1) while that of M. aeruginosa and Melosira sp. was negligible. Lower charge density was related to higher hydrophobicity, while it was related in turn to increasing proteins >500 kDa:carbohydrate ratio. This demonstrates that AOM is of a very different character to natural organic matter (NOM).
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 07-2018
Abstract: Detecting the presence of cyanobacteria is an integral part of maintaining high water quality standards. In situ fluorometers are tools which may allow for the detection of cyanobacteria in real-time but there are few studies that review fluorometer performance. A systematic study that evaluated the performance of a range of fluorometers using key cyanobacterial species of interest and two known sources of interference (green algae and added turbidity) was undertaken. Specifically, six fluorometers and four cyanobacterial species were investigated. A good correlation (R2 ≥ 0.92 and p-value of & .001) was obtained for mono cell culture suspensions, with robust performance exhibited for all fluorometers. Limits of detection for the fluorometers and multiplier factors which enable direct comparison of fluorometers were developed. The addition of green algae caused fluorometer performance to decrease by either overestimating or underestimating the concentration of cyanobacteria in a cellular suspension. Some fluorometers were more susceptible to these interference sources the magnitude of the fluorometer measurement inaccuracy was dependent on cyanobacteria concentration and interference source. This study indicates that while there are inherent problems with fluorometers, the extent of the impact from interference sources can be characterised and potentially corrected to enable successful cyanobacteria detection in the field.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1366/14-07513
Abstract: Water utilities supplying recycled water to households via a “third-pipe” or “dual reticulation” system have a need for a rapid, portable method to detect cross-connections within potable water reticulation networks. This study evaluates portable fluorimetry as a technique for cross-connection detection in the field. For the first time, an investigation of a full-scale dual reticulation water-recycling network has been carried out to identify cross-connections using a portable fluorimeter. We determined that this can be carried out with a 3 mL water s le, and unlike methods that are currently in use for cross-connection detection, can be achieved quickly without disruption to water flow or availability within the network. It was also revealed that fluorescence trigger values could be established with high levels of confidence by s ling less than 2.5% of the network. Fluorescence analysis was also able to uncover a single, real cross-connection event. As such, this paper is a fundamental demonstration of fluorescence as a reliable, highly portable technique for cross-connection detection within dual reticulation water recycling networks and further establishes the abilities of fluorescence devices as valuable field instruments for water quality monitoring.
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.2166/WST.2010.423
Abstract: Advanced water treatment plants employing ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membrane processes are frequently implemented for the production of high-quality recycled water. It is important that process performance is able to be quantified and assessed to ensure it is fit for purpose. This research utilizes size exclusion chromatography with organic carbon, organic nitrogen and UV254 detection to determine the change in both DOC concentration and character through a UF/3 stage-RO pilot plant. It was determined that 97% of the influent DOC was removed on average to produce a water of less than 0.5 mg L−1 as C. The UF process removed more than half of the biopolymer fraction, equating to 4.5% DOC removal, while the RO process generally removed all DOC except a small proportion of the low MW humics and acids and low MW neutral fraction. While not changing significantly in concentration, the Stage 3 RO permeate typically contained low concentrations of humic fraction, indicating a change in character and therefore a change in rejection mechanism. Overall, it was determined that while TOC monitoring is important in advanced water treatment systems, improved understanding of the character of the TOC present lends greater insight into the assessment of process performance.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.2166/WST.2010.504
Abstract: Improved techniques are required for the detection of inadvertent cross-connections between recycled water and potable water systems in dual reticulation schemes. The aim of this research was to assess the potential for fluorescence spectroscopy to be developed as a tool to distinguish recycled water from potable water. Weekly grab s les of recycled and potable water were obtained over 12 weeks from within an Australian dual reticulation site and analysed for fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH. Probabilistic techniques including distribution function fitting and Monte Carlo simulation were used to assess the ability to distinguish between recycled water and potable water s le pairs and the reliability of doing so. Fluorescence EEM spectroscopy was determined to be the most effective for the reliable differentiation by monitoring the protein-like fluorescence at peak T1—an excitation-emission wavelength pair of λex/em=300/350 nm. While EC could distinguish between recycled and potable water, it was shown to be less sensitive and less reliable than peak T1 fluorescence.
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 09-05-2022
Abstract: In this work, a commercially available water treatment polymer poly(N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and a hydrophobically modified polymer (HMP) designed to adhere to bubble surfaces were applied for the first time in the novel Posi-dissolved air flotation process (PosiDAF) that uses polymer-modified bubbles, at pilot-scale for the treatment of waste stabilisation pond s les rich in algae. It was found that PDADMAC in PosiDAF gave comparable removal to that achieved using conventional DAF at & % cell separation. Furthermore, the float layer was more uniform and thicker with up to 8% solid contents compared to conventional DAF, which comprised discrete floc clusters with an average solid concentration of ∼4.1%. In contrast to the use of PDADMAC, the application of the HMP did not achieve similarly good separation at pilot scale. It was hypothesised that this may be due to the micellisation of the HMP on the bubble surface, creating unstable bubbles that coalesced and prevented polymer–bubble–cell interactions, which are crucial for effective cell separation. On comparison of the costs of PosiDAF and conventional DAF, it was found that PosiDAF resulted in cost-savings of up to 74% due to low chemical consumption. In summary, PosiDAF reduced chemical cost and increased solid contents in the metal-free float.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2019.114998
Abstract: Algal-derived organic matter (AOM) from algal blooms in water supply systems contains dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) among other constituents. The DON and DOC are disinfection by-product (DBP) precursor compounds, and must be well characterised to facilitate effective removal, thus minimising DBP formation during disinfection. While DOC character has been studied extensively, DON analysis suffers from inaccuracies due to s le pre-treatment and instrument sensitivities. A liquid chromatography method that combines size exclusion chromatography with highly sensitive organic carbon and nitrogen detectors (LC-OCND) has been widely adopted for DOC analysis however, its potential for application for DON charactersation has been suggested as a viable alternative to existing DON characterisation techniquesnot been assessed despite its potential. Hence, the aim was to compare the effectiveness of conventional total dissolved N-dissolved inorganic N (TN-DIN), and LC-OCND methods for analysing DON in AOM. A suite of N-containing model compounds representative of DON and AOM extracted from Chlorella vulgaris CS-42/7 and Microcystis aeruginosa CS-555/1 were used to evaluate the techniques. The DON of both model compounds and AOM was first analysed using the conventional method and, then, via LC-OCND. It was observed that LC-OCND had a better precision for DON when TN contained more DIN. LC-OCND provided direct quantitative measurements for bulk and fractionated DON and DIN, with little interference caused by DIN. Additionally, LC-OCND provided information on MW distribution and protein content of the AOM. For ex le, LC-OCND results showed that M. aeruginosa AOM contained more HMW material than C. vulgaris AOM. However, as LC-OCND uses UV oxidation, it could not completely oxidise complex aromatic structures, and thus had a lower recovery for HMW model compounds and algal DON in comparison to the conventional method that used high temperature catalytic oxidation. Overall, it is advised that a combination of LC-OCND and TN analysis be used to provide a more detailed characterisation of N-containing AOM and other similar HMW aquatic NOM s les.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1039/C6EW00048G
Abstract: There is a need for a rapid and robust method of organic matter (OM) monitoring during drinking water treatment.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2018.03.050
Abstract: Membrane photobioreactor (MPBR) technology is an emerging algae-based wastewater treatment system. Given the limitations due to the general use of conventional analytical approaches in previous research, this study aims to provide a more comprehensive assessment of MPBR performance through advanced characterisation techniques. New performance parameters are also proposed, encompassing five important aspects of MPBR system efficiency (i.e. biomass concentration, composition, production, nutrient uptake and harvesting potential). Under initial standard operating conditions, performance parameters, such as cell count/MLSS ratio, cell viability, proportion of bacteria and biomass yield coefficient, were found to offer new insights into the operation of MPBR. These parameters were then used, for the first time, to systematically investigate MPBRs operated under different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) and solids retention times (SRTs). Applying shorter HRT and SRT was observed to increase cell viability and productivity (up to 0.25 × 10
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2019.01.002
Abstract: A wide range of cyanobacterial species and their harmful metabolites are increasingly detected in water bodies worldwide, exacerbated by climate change and human activities. The resulting bloom conditions represent significant challenges to production of safe drinking water and cost effective water reuse, therefore their removal is a priority to ensure public safety. While current microscopic taxonomy identification methods provide valuable information about cell numbers during treatment, these methods are incapable of providing information about the fate of cells during treatment. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify the critical control points for breakthrough and accumulation of cells by investigating the fate of cells during treatment processes using a combination of taxonomy, cell integrity and next-generation sequencing (NGS), and (2) assess the impact of pre-treatment processes on breakthrough prevention at critical control points, and the benefits of cell integrity and NGS analysis for improved management purposes. This paper presents the results of an unprecedented cyanobacterial monitoring program conducted in four full scale water treatment plants located in three different climate zones. Cyanobacterial cell integrity and accumulation during operation process were assessed for the first time using next generation of gene sequencing methods. NGS analysis led to detection of cyanobacterial and melainabacteria orders in water s les that were not identified by microscopy. 80 ± 5% of cells were completely lysed post pre-oxidation (for both ozone and potassium permanganate). However unlike pre-ozonation, the remaining cells were undamaged cells with the potential to accumulate and grow within the plants post-KMnO
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1039/D1EW00831E
Abstract: FEEM and LC-OCD characterisation supplemented with an understanding of protein morphology, hydrophobicity and charge lends insights into protein fouling behaviour.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2013
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C5EW00090D
Abstract: Underperformance in RO membranes were detected using fluorescence spectroscopy.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2018.10.034
Abstract: In situ fluorometers can be used as a real-time cyanobacteria detection tool to maintain safe drinking and recreational water standards. However, previous studies into fluorometers have established issues arising mainly from measurement inaccuracies due to green algae interference. Therefore, this study focusses on developing correction factors from a systematic study on the impact of green algae as an interference source. This study brings a novel technique where the chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and phycocyanin measurements are used to correct the fluorometer output for interference bias four fluorometers were tested against three key cyanobacterial species and the relationship between phycocyanin output, green algae and cyanobacteria concentrations were investigated. Good correlation (R
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 24-12-2014
DOI: 10.2166/WS.2014.135
Abstract: The effects of heat treatment on membrane fouling resistance and the rejection of small and neutral solutes by reverse osmosis (RO) membranes were elucidated. RO membrane modification by heat treatment reduced fouling and improved boron rejection. However, heat treatment also caused a decrease in the water permeability of RO membranes. Significant improvement on fouling resistance by heat treatment was observed when RO concentrate was used to simulate a feed solution with high fouling propensity. The improved fouling resistance is likely to be due to changes in the hydrophobic interaction between the membrane surface and foulants. Boron rejection by the ESPA2 membrane was enhanced by heat treatment from 26 to 68% (when evaluated at the permeate flux of 20 L/m2 h). Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy revealed that heat treatment did not significantly influence the free-volume hole-radius of the membrane active skin layer. The results reported in this study suggested that changes in the other membrane properties such as free-volume fraction and thickness may be the main cause improving boron rejection.
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.2166/WST.2010.795
Abstract: A rapid, highly sensitive method for detection of cross-connections between recycled and potable water in dual reticulation systems is required. The aim of this research was to determine the potential of fluorescence spectroscopy as a monitoring tool at three Australian dual distribution (drinking and recycled water) systems. Weekly grab s les of recycled and potable water were obtained over 12 weeks at each site and analysed for fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy, UV254, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), electrical conductivity and pH. Fluorescence EEM spectroscopy was able to differentiate between recycled and potable water at each site by monitoring the protein-like fluorescence at peak T—an excitation-emission wavelength pair of λex/em = 300/350 nm. While electrical conductivity was also able to distinguish between recycled and potable water, the differentiation was greatest when using fluorescence. For ex le, the peak T fluorescence in recycled water was up to 10 times that of potable water in comparison with electrical conductivity that had a maximum 5 times differentiation. Furthermore, by comparing the protein-like fluorescence at peak T and humic-like fluorescence at peak A (λex/em = 235/426 nm), the three different recycled water systems were able to be differentiated. Overall, fluorescence shows promise as a monitoring tool for detecting cross-connections.
Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Date: 05-2012
DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2012000500007
Abstract: The objective of this work was to determine the contribution of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from a biochar mineral complex (BMC), so as to better understand the interactions between DOC, biochar, clay, and minerals during thermal treatment, and the effects of BMC on amended soils. The BMC was prepared by heating a mixture of a H3PO4-treated saligna biochar from Acacia saligna, clays, other minerals, and chicken manure. The BMC was applied to a sandy loam soil in Western Australia, where wheat was grown. Liquid chromatography-organic carbon detection (LC-OCD) tests were carried out on water extracts from the untreated biochar, the BMC, the BMC-amended soil, and on a control soil to measure the DOC concentration. LC-OCD tests provide a fingerprint of the DOC, which allows the fractions of DOC to be determined. Thermal processing enhanced the reaction of the A. saligna biochar with manure, clays and minerals, and affected the distribution of the DOC fractions. Notably, the process leads to immobilization of hydrophobic DOC and to an increase in the concentration of low-molecular-weight neutrals in the BMC. The application of the BMC to soil increases the DOC in the amended soil, especially the biopolymer fraction.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2014.04.046
Abstract: Coagulation-flocculation (C-F) is a key barrier to cyanobacterial and algal cell infiltration in water treatment plants during seasonal blooms. However, the resultant cell floc properties, in terms of size, strength and density, which dominate under different coagulation conditions and govern cell removal, are not well understood. This paper investigated the floc properties produced during C-F of the cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, under low and high doses of aluminium sulphate and ferric chloride coagulants and at different pH values, so as to promote charge neutralisation (CN) and sweep flocculation (SF) dominant conditions (or a combination of these). It was demonstrated that application of ferric chloride produced larger flocs that resulted in higher cell removal during jar testing. These flocs were also larger than those observed for natural organic matter (NOM) and kaolin, suggesting a role of algogenic organic matter (AOM) as an inherent bioflocculant. Under SF conditions, stronger flocs were produced however, these had lower capacity for size recovery after exposure to high shear. Analysis of particle size distribution demonstrated that large scale fragmentation followed by erosion dominated for CN while erosion dominated under SF conditions. Overall, marked differences were observed dependent on the coagulation regime imposed that have implications for improving robustness of cell removal by downstream separation processes. While the cyanobacterium, M. aeruginosa, appeared to share general floc characteristics commonly observed for NOM and kaolin flocs, there were distinct differences in terms of size and strength, which may be attributed to AOM.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-05-2018
DOI: 10.3390/W10050590
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1039/D2EW00416J
Abstract: Systematic evaluation of seven oxidant combinations for pre and post coagulation in direct filtration provides guidance on maximising NOM and manganese removal without increasing DBP formation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2017.12.065
Abstract: Microalgae represent the most promising new source of biomass for the world's growing demands. However, the biomass productivity and quality is significantly decreased by the presence of bacteria or other invading microalgae species in the cultures. We therefore report a low-cost spiral-microchannel that can effectively separate and purify Tetraselmis suecica (lipid-rich microalgae) cultures from Phaeodactylum tricornutum (invasive diatom). Fluorescent polystyrene-microbeads of 6 μm and 10 μm diameters were first used as surrogate particles to optimize the microchannel design by mimicking the microalgae cell behaviour. Using the optimum flowrate, up to 95% of the P. tricornutum cells were separated from the culture without affecting the cell viability. This study shows, for the first time, the potential of inertial microfluidics to sort microalgae species with minimal size difference. Additionally, this approach can also be applied as a pre-sorting technique for water quality analysis.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2023
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0EW00149J
Abstract: Removal of dissolved organic matter fractions via three different treatment processes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2011
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 2020
Abstract: The present understanding of how changes in climate conditions will impact the flux of natural organic matter (NOM) from the terrestrial to aquatic environments and thus aquatic dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations is limited. In this study, three machine learning algorithms were used to predict variations in DOC concentrations in an Australian drinking water catchment as a function of climate, catchment and physical water quality data. Four independent variables including precipitation, temperature, leaf area index and turbidity (n = 5,540) were selected from a large dataset to develop and train each machine learning model. The accuracy of the multivariable linear regression, support vector regression (SVR) and Gaussian process regression algorithms with different kernel functions was determined using adjusted R-squared (adj. R2), root-mean-squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). Model accuracy was very sensitive to the time interval used to average climate observations prior to pairing with DOC observations. The SVR model with a quadratic kernel function and a 12-day time interval between climate and water quality observations outperformed the other machine learning algorithms (adj. R2 = 0.71, RMSE = 1.9, MAE = 1.35). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve method (AUC) confirmed that the SVR model could predict 92% of the elevated DOC observations however, it was not possible to estimate DOC values at specific s ling sites in the catchment, probably due to the complex local geological and hydrological changes in the sites that directly surround and feed each s ling point. Further research is required to establish potential relationships between climatological data and NOM concentration in other water catchments – especially in the face of a changing climate.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2012
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2008.11.027
Abstract: A rapid, highly sensitive and selective detector is urgently required to detect contamination events in recycled water systems - for ex le, cross-connection events in dual reticulation pipes that recycle advanced treated sewage effluent - as existing technologies, including total organic carbon and conductivity monitoring, cannot always provide the sensitivity required. Fluorescence spectroscopy has been suggested as a potential monitoring tool given its high sensitivity and selectivity. A review of recent literature demonstrates that by monitoring the fluorescence of dissolved organic matter (DOM), the ratios of humic-like (Peak C) and protein-like (Peak T) fluorescence peaks can be used to identify trace sewage contamination in river waters and estuaries, a situation analogous to contamination detection in recycled water systems. Additionally, strong correlations have been shown between Peak T and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in rivers, which is indicative of water impacted by microbial activity and therefore of sewage impacted systems. Hence, this review concludes that the sensitive detection of contamination events in recycled water systems may be achieved by monitoring Peak T and/or Peak C fluorescence. However, in such systems, effluent is treated to a high standard resulting in much lower DOM concentrations and the impact of these advanced treatment processes on Peaks T and C fluorescence is largely unknown and requires investigation. This review has highlighted that further work is also required to determine (a) the stability and distinctiveness of recycled water fluorescence in relation to the treatment processes utilised, (b) the impact of matrix effects, particularly the impact of oxidation, (c) calibration issues for online monitoring, and (d) the advanced data analytical techniques required, if any, to improve detection of contamination events.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2010.06.003
Abstract: Dual distribution systems are becoming increasingly common in greenfield housing developments in Australia for the redistribution of recycled water to households for non-potable use. Within such schemes there exists the potential for cross-connections between recycled and drinking water systems. Due to the high level of recycled water treatment, these events are unlikely to lead to outbreaks of illness in the community. Nonetheless, they do represent a breach of the recycled water risk management strategy and therefore an elevated level of risk to consumers. Furthermore, cross-connection events have the potential to undermine public confidence in these types of water recycling. A rapid, highly sensitive method of cross-connection detection may therefore provide an additional level of confidence in these schemes. The aim of this research was to determine the potential for using fluorescence spectroscopy as a monitoring tool in water treatment plants and dual distribution systems. S les from both the water recycling plant and dual distribution system were collected on a weekly basis over 12 weeks. Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra and water quality parameters including dissolved organic carbon, UV(254), pH, conductivity, free chlorine and turbidity were obtained for each s le. The fluorescence EEM spectra of recycled and drinking water were distinctly different and exhibited low variability throughout the course of the s ling program, indicating a degree of stability of the fluorescent components within the organic matter. A ten-fold difference in mean fluorescence intensity was observed for recycled water compared to drinking water, which was greater than the difference observed for the other measured water quality parameters. Probabilistic analysis was used to determine the reliable detection limit of recycled water contamination of drinking water. Accounting for the inherent variability of both recycled water and drinking water, a 45% contamination of recycled water in drinking water could be detected with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 3 for more than 95% of in idual random s le pairs. Greater sensitivity can be assured by averaging numerous s les. In comparison, a 70% contamination of recycled water in drinking water was required for the same detection using conductivity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 03-2011
DOI: 10.1021/ES103015E
Abstract: Organic matter (OM) is a ubiquitous constituent of natural waters quantifiable at very low levels using fluorescence spectroscopy. This technique has recognized potential in a range of applications where the ability to monitor water quality in real time is desirable, such as in water treatment systems. This study used PARAFAC to characterize a large (n=1479) and erse excitation emission matrix (EEM) data set from six recycled water treatment plants in Australia, for which sources of variability included geography, season, treatment processes, pH and fluorometer settings. Five components were identified independently in four or more plants, none of which were generated during the treatment process nor were typically entirely removed. PARAFAC scores could be obtained from EEMs by simple regression. The results have important implications for online monitoring of OM fluorescence in treatment plants, affecting choices regarding experimental design, instrumentation and the optimal wavelengths for tracking fluorescent organic matter through the treatment process. While the multimodel comparisons provide a compelling demonstration of PARAFAC's ability to distill chemical information from EEMs, deficiencies identified through this process have broad implications for interpreting and reusing (D)OM-PARAFAC models.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2016.08.051
Abstract: A YSI EXO2 water quality sonde fitted with fluorometric sensors for chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and phycocyanin (CPC) was used to determine its applicability in cyanobacterial quantification in three small urban ponds in Sydney, Australia displaying considerable variations in cyanobacterial community composition and abundance, as well as eukaryotic algae, turbidity and chromophoric dissolved organic matter. CPC and Chl-a measured in situ with the instrument was compared against laboratory measures of cyanobacterial biovolume over two summer s ling periods. A good correlation was found between CPC and total cyanobacterial biovolume in two of the three ponds. The poor correlation in the third was due to the frequent dominance of picoplanktonic sized cyanobacteria. CPC did not correlate well with cell counts, and Chl-a was a poor measure of cyanobacterial presence. The relationship between CPC measured by fluorometry varied according to the dominant cyanobacterial taxa present in the ponds at any one time. Fluorometry has good potential for use in environmental monitoring of cyanobacterial biovolume, but may need to be based on predetermined relations applicable to local water bodies. Management guidelines based on CPC concentrations would also enhance the usefulness of in situ CPC measurements.
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 10-2009
DOI: 10.2166/WST.2009.515
Abstract: Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy was used to distinguish between two stages of reverse osmosis (RO) permeates as the first step towards investigating the potential application of fluorescence as a monitoring tool for membrane performance. The signal response of several fluorescence peaks present in Stage 1 and Stage 2 RO permeates of an advanced water treatment plant were compared. The humic-like fluorescence region was found to have the largest percentage difference between stages and therefore was the most appropriate for enabling differentiation. Increases in humic-like fluorescence did not correlate with increases in conductivity or dissolved organic carbon measurements. This suggests that fluorescence is a more selective and sensitive method for monitoring the organic composition of RO permeates than established methods. Fluorescence is therefore a promising tool for improved water quality monitoring of RO permeates.
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 10-2012
DOI: 10.2166/WST.2012.373
Abstract: Dissolved air flotation (DAF) incorporating filtration (DAFF) is used at the Bolivar wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to polish lagoon effluent for reuse. Elevated algal populations are frequently experienced and can lead to increased coagulant requirements and process control issues. Streaming current detectors (SCDs) and a charge demand analyser (CDA) were used to monitor the full-scale plant. This was followed by an optimisation study using a pilot plant with a CDA. It was found that the normal operational charge demand range for DAF at Bolivar was between −46 and −40 μeq L−1. Decreasing the pH of coagulation reduced coagulant consumption and facilitated more sensitive CDA responses to changes in alum dose.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2011.12.007
Abstract: Biochar, as a soil amendment, can increase concentrations of soil organic matter, especially water-extractable organic carbon (WEOC). This can affect the adsorption-desorption equilibrium between the dissolved solid phases in soil organic matter. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) represents a small proportion of soil organic matter, but is of significant importance in the soil ecosystem due to its mobility and reactivity. Here, water extracts obtained from twelve non-herbaceous biochars (before, and after, chemical treatment with either H(3)PO(4) or KOH), were tested by Liquid Chromatography - Organic Carbon Detection (LC-OCD) to identify the effects of both pyrolysis conditions and chemical treatments on WEOC content. LC-OCD has the capacity to provide a fingerprint of WEOC, which allows analysis of the various fractions present. WEOC content was affected by both the pyrolysis temperature and the feedstock used. High mineral ash contents deriving from the feedstock can prompt thermochemical reactions of lignocelluloses to produce a relatively high WEOC content, which includes low molecular weight neutrals and humic acids as dominant components. A significant change in WEOC occurred during pyrolysis due to secondary reactions which resulted in a much lower WEOC in the high temperature biochars where fractions of low molecular weight acids and neutrals are dominant. Chemical treatments with H(3)PO(4) or KOH increased WEOC concentration, possibly by promoting hydrolysis reactions on biochar surfaces. These observations assist in assessing the contribution of biochar additions to the soil ecosystem and demonstrate the utility of LC-OCD in providing an understanding of how biochar additions to soil can alter DOC.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
No related organisations have been discovered for Rita Henderson.
Start Date: 2011
End Date: 06-2014
Amount: $330,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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Amount: $152,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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Amount: $390,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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Funder: Australian Research Council
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End Date: 06-2021
Amount: $450,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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End Date: 11-2017
Amount: $390,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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