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In-reservoir destruction of cyanobacteria and their toxins

People Involved

Project Description

One of the greatest global challenges is access to reliable, safe, clean drinking water, especially in developing countries where human activities often reduce water quality. Water levels and quality in drinking water reservoirs across the globe are seriously depleted; the UN predicts 1.8 billion will suffer water shortages by 2025.

Water in depleted reservoirs contains high levels of nitrate and phosphate pollution which in turn results in mass growth of blue-green algal blooms which release toxins.

Using light with a simple catalyst (TiO2 photocatalysis) we aim to deal with blue-green algal contamination of reservoirs by developing and testing new photocatalytic treatment pods which are continually powered by integrated, floating solar panels which drive low energy LEDs.

On completion of this research we will launch a fully scalable in-reservoir water treatment system which will be transferable to any developing or developed country to eliminate hazardous blue-green algal blooms, other pathogens and a wide range
of toxic pollutants .

In collaboration and partnership with University of St Andrew’s, Queen’s University, Belfast, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) Universidade Federal do Ceará (Federal University of Ceara)

Status Project Complete
Funder(s) Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council
Value £440,347.00
Project Dates May 1, 2017 - Aug 31, 2021

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