Protocols for Algal Bloom Management - technology performance & optimisation assessments

Background

In 1878 George Francis documented the world’s first cyanobacterial, or blue green algal bloom, in Lake Alexandrina, South Australia. However, there may be a much longer history of blooms in Australia as the local Indigenous people were aware that the lake could be toxic before 1878.

Since then, Australia has been plagued with regular episodes of blue green algal blooms. Blue green algal blooms are a serious threat to humans and the environment. They have a major impact every year on the production of safe drinking water. Businesses and the water industry have developed different methods and equipment to monitor, control or manage algal blooms in isolation.

Description of trial

This project is to develop a customisable protocol to facilitate independent assessment and reporting on the performance of treatment technologies for reduction of algal blooms and their associated harmful and/or nuisance metabolites in reservoirs and lagoons or ponds.

The protocol is planned to be tested and proven in a technology field trial in regional Victoria. The field trial is designed to use surface water reservoirs managed by water utilities, in collaboration with Water Research Australia (WaterRA). The trial will seek to demonstrate the appropriateness of algal bloom management technologies so that bloom and reservoir characteristics, environmental conditions and operational issues can be studied and addressed.

The aim of this project is to ensure a consistent approach in assessing the performance of algal bloom management technologies, that is fit-for-purpose for the Victorian and Australian Water Industry.

Current status of the trial

Development