Removal of cells and by-products of Microcystis spp. in double filtration, oxidation and adsorption processes

Author(s)

Emília Kiyomi Kuroda

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC/SBD)
• Defense date: 2006-12-18

Examining board members

Luiz Di Bernardo; Maria do Carmo Calijuri; Valter Lúcio de Pádua; Odete Rocha; Edson Rodrigues Filho

• Advisor: Luiz Di Bernardo

Abstract

Considering the increase in the frequency of cyanobacterial blooms and the possibility of by-product formation in water supply sources for human consumption, this work was carried out in order to evaluate the removal of cells and by-products of Microcystis spp. using the processes of double filtration (gravel upflow filtration of coagulated water followed by rapid sand downflow filtration), oxidation and adsorption in powdered and granular activated carbons. Bench scale assays were performed in phase 1 to determine the operational conditions of the tests to be performed in a continuous flow pilot plant, using a study water prepared with filtered water in the water treatment plant 2 of Sao Carlos and culture of a toxic strain of Microcystis spp. and/or microcystins extract. Based on the conditions stated in phase 1, phase 2 was carried out by performing tests in the pilot plant for study waters prepared with culture of toxic strain of Microcystis spp. and phase 3 of microcystins extract from material collect in the de Barra Bonita – SP reservoir. The double filtration system used resulted very efficient concerning the removal of cells of Microcystis spp., but, on the other hand, the removal or degradation of extracellular microcystins was significant with the use of complementary processes such as oxidation and or activated carbon adsorption. With regards to the waters studied, there wasn’t significant formation of by-products due to the oxidation of the effluent of each combination of processes, when submitted to chlorination with detention time of 1 day. Additionally, it was observed the toxicity effect by bioassays with crustaceans and mices, besides Danio rerio fish screening. (AU)