Development of technological processes for the protection of water resources threatened by harmful microalgal blooms.
TECNOHABs
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing in frequency and magnitude globally. Unusual weather conditions and high nutrient release rates seem to be the main causes. These events bring associated bacteria together with the generation of biotoxins, presenting a potential health risk to humans and animals. In parallel, the increasing industrial activity in coastal locations together with maritime transport increases the probability of HABs in coastal areas. Thus, the risk of translocation of toxic species could increase the bioaccumulation of toxins in the food chain through organisms of commercial interest. Consequently, the release of toxins and pathogenic bacterial growth associated with HABs can create major ecological, economic, and public health impacts; with adverse health effects on humans and animals exposed to them through drinking water, aquaculture, or bathing in recreational areas.
OBJECTIVEs
The efficient management of HABs must be based on a multibarrier approach which includes water treatment. To date, conventional water treatment systems have been focused on the reduction of organic matter and disinfection of pathogens; this last phase is also of special interest in treatments implemented in the aquaculture industry or for the correct management of ballast water.
Therefore, the main objective of this project is the development of technological processes that help to meet the control parameters or discharge standards associated with HABs.
Different Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) will be evaluated, studying not only the effectiveness in the inactivation of microorganisms such as bacteria or phytoplankton but also observing the degradation capacity of associated toxins, which will be the main risk to human health.
Well-implemented processes for water oxidation/disinfection (such as UV radiation) will be evaluated, optimized, and improved so that they can be easily implemented in any water treatment plant.
The Team In Detail
Javier Moreno-Andrés
IP Emergente
Dpto. Tecnologías del Medio Ambiente (Universidad de Cádiz)
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Dpto. Tecnologías del Medio Ambiente (Universidad de Cádiz)
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Ref.: FEDER-UCA18- 108023
Contact
Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR)
Campus Universitario
11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
+34 956 016 352