The impact of algogenic organic matter on water treatment plant operation and water quality: A review

Abstract

The proliferation of algal and cyanobacteria blooms globally has led to renewed interest in understanding the impact of cell populations on water treatment plant (WTP) performance and resultant water quality, particularly the role of algogenic organic matter (AOM). This review discusses current knowledge on the composition of AOM, how it interferes with water treatment † Address correspondence to Rita K Henderson, ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT process technologies applied for the treatment of algal blooms and how it affects water quality. Specifically, it was shown that AOM can lead to increased coagulant demand, increased propensity of membrane fouling and contribute to disinfection by-products. Identified knowledge gaps included a need for further research on the impact of cellular organic matter after an algal bloom collapses and the impact of interactions between AOM and natural organic matter.

Development of algae biorefinery concepts for biofuels and bioproducts; a perspective on process-compatible products and their impact on cost-reduction

“…Alternatively, harnessing extracellular polymers (algal organic matter) could provide a route to maximizing the polymeric substance utilization from algae. 197 The conversion of 'traditional' polysaccharides, such as starch and cellulose to high-volume, high-value bioplastics has been described extensively before. So far, the polymeric structures of polysaccharides in algal biomass have not been thoroughly described in the literature and it might be difficult to predict the characteristics and the properties of the bioplastics derived from microalgal carbohydrates.…”

Performance of titanium salts compared to conventional FeCl3 for the removal of algal organic matter (AOM) in synthetic seawater: Coagulation performance, organic fraction removal and floc characteristics

“…However, similar to RO, membrane fouling remains one of the major challenges impeding the high production capacity of this membrane system (Pearce, 2009). During seawater desalination, membrane fouling in UF pretreatment systems is largely associated with algal bloom events and it has been recently shown that algal cells and more specifically algal organic matter (AOM) were responsible for the severe permeability decline (Li et al, 2016;Merle et al, 2016;Pivokonsky et al, 2016;Villacorte, 2014).…”

Eliminating Cyanobacteria and Controlling Algal Organic Matter—Short Notes

“…Categorized as the autochthonous natural compounds in water, AOM contains polysaccharide, proteins, and humic-like substances [16]. Further, AOM has a considerable contribution to the aquatic ecosystem [17] since an essential fraction of NOM incorporates AOM [18]. Therefore, AOM brings about several issues in potable water treatment techniques like augmented coagulant request, development of biofilm provoking fouling of the membrane [19] [20] [21] [22], blocking the activated carbon adsorption sites, and augmented generation of precursors for disinfection by-products (DBP) through chlorination [12] [23]- [30].…”