Abstract
The treatment and control of cyanobacterial blooms using copper-based algaecides in water reservoirs have historically been used; however, due to the adverse impact of copper on the environment, water authorities have been researching and studying new and innovative ways to control cyanobacterial blooms. Hydrogen peroxide has been investigated as an environmentally friendly alternative, and this research aims to determine the impact of water quality on its effectiveness based on the decay characteristics in different water samples. Natural water samples from South Australian reservoirs and riverwere used to evaluate hydrogen peroxide decomposition and provide a better strategy for water operators in using it as an algaecide. Our experiments show the dependency of hydrogen peroxide decomposition not only on water quality but also on the initial hydrogen peroxide dose. A higher initial hydrogen peroxide dose can trigger the increase of pH, leading to increased consumption of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, the hydrogen peroxide decomposition is significantly accelerated with the rise of copper concentration in water samples. Moreover, it is found that UV light can also affect the decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide decay is more significant under UV light for the samples with lower hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Our study also shows the impact of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on hydrogen peroxide decomposition is not substantial. The study also presents a modelling method to optimise hydrogen peroxide application based on water quality characteristics. Our findings can provide knowledge for the water industry to produce a suitable model which can be used to optimise the application of hydrogen peroxide for the control of cyanobacteria.
Highlights
Population increase, urban growth and expansion of agricultural practices have led to the increase of nutrient levels in the environment and waterways (Newcombe et al 2012)
Experimental waters were sourced from three South Australian locations that have had a history of cyanobacterial blooms and include Happy Valley Reservoir, Torrens River, and Myponga Reservoir
This study investigated hydrogen peroxide decomposition in different natural water samples from South Australia, including two reservoirs and a river, to provide a better understanding of its activity as an algaecide
Summary
Population increase, urban growth and expansion of agricultural practices have led to the increase of nutrient levels in the environment and waterways (Newcombe et al 2012). Humans can suffer from heart and kidney diseases, gastrointestinal irritation, liver failure or even death due to consumption of these toxins (Carmichael &Boyer 2016, Fitzgerald et al 1999, He et al 2012, Westrick et al 2010) This highlights the importance of having access to high quality and appropriately treated drinking water (Antoniou et al 2013, Chow et al 1999, Westrick et al 2010, Xing et al 2015). Cyanobacteria pose a challenge for water supply systems due to production of unpleasant taste and odour compounds (Garcıa-Villada et al 2004, Lee et al 2017). This requires more intensive and costly treatment process to eliminate their presence (Hitzfeld et al 2000)
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