Algal toxicity is becoming a serious concern in water resources worldwide. Drinking water utilities have experienced water intake shutdowns caused by algal toxins. Microcystin-LR, -RR and -YR are the most common algal toxins (cyanotoxin) in freshwater. UV/H2O2 and UV/Cl2 advanced oxidation processes were assessed and compared as potentially practical and effective drinking water treatment methods. These methods were compared in terms of three principal aspects: 1) effectiveness of detoxifying algal toxins during the molecular changes in the treatment processes, 2) regulated chlorinated disinfection byproducts formation due to algal organic matter reactions with disinfectants, and 3) nitrogenous disinfection byproducts formation in the presence of algal organic matter and nitrate in drinking water. In order to achieve these goals, protein phosphatase inhibition assay, genotoxicity assay (the ‘Ames test’), and LC/MS/MS were applied for analysis of any toxic products. Disinfection byproducts were determined by the method suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency (551.1, 552.3 and 521). The results of this research demonstrate a method to remove algal toxins in drinking water and can be used as a guide for utilities, engineers and regulators for the selection of an optimal treatment process and condition.

Algal toxins in drinking water: UV/Cl2 and UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation processes as treatment method

2019 Fall National Meeting

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