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Biofilm-based solution for cost-effective high-quality drinking water (2024-2027)

Abstract

Approximately 90% of the drinking water in Australia is sourced from surface water bodies, which are naturally rich in nutrients and organic matter. This leads to the growth of cyanobacteria, which are known to be a major cause of taste and odour compounds and cyanotoxins. Climate change is causing increased cyanobacterial growth due to higher temperatures, exacerbating this existing challenge to water utilities. This project proposes a novel biofilm-based approach for cost-effective drinking water treatment production. Our approach represents a simple retrofit to existing processes and drastically reduces the chemical dosing costs and improve climate resilience while ensuring the production of high-quality, safe drinking water.

Experts

Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho

Affiliate of Australian Centre for
Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Associate Professor
School of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Associate Professor
Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Gilda Carvalho
Gilda Carvalho

Associate Professor Shihu Hu

Affiliate of Australian Centre for
Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Dow Centre for Sustain
Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
UQ Amplify Researcher
Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
ARC Mid-Career Industry Fellow
Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Shihu Hu
Shihu Hu

Associate Professor Adrian Oehmen

Associate Professor
School of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Adrian Oehmen
Adrian Oehmen