Novel Polyelectrolytes for Natural Organic Matter Removal from High Colour Water

Project Member(s): Vigneswaran, S.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Sydney Water Corporation
Sydney Water Corporation

Start year: 2020

Summary: Currently, the quality of the inlet water at the various WFPs is of low colour (low dissolved organic matter) and turbidity. The process at the Nepean WFP has been expertly optimized and is producing water volumes that meet both water demand and quality. The risk is that there could be strong rain events that would increase the dissolved organic carbon/NOMs in the inlet water to the plant. The issue is compounded due to the bushfires which are likely to further deteriorate the water quality entering the WFPs. If this were to happen, several plants will run the risk of failing to meet demand for drinking water supply because the increased NOM in the inlet water reduce floc strength. The latter results in more frequent backwash resulting in less water being produced in the plants. Hence the need to assess new polyelectrolytes to maximise floc strength while increasing NOM.

FOR Codes: Separation¿¿technologies, Urban and Industrial Water Management, Membrane and Separation Technologies, Terrestrial systems and management not elsewhere classified

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