July 29, 2015 -- Through a collaborative effort with Hazen and Sawyer and Utah State University, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) has provided several free tools in its new online Cyanotoxins Resource Community. These tools can help utilities assess treatment responses to elevated levels of cyanotoxins.
The new web page (here) includes a spreadsheet tool to assess removal of extracellular cyanotoxins by chlorine, ozone, chlorine dioxide, and potassium permanganate. This calculator reflects the best available information on cyanotoxin oxidation from the peer-reviewed literature. The tool can be used to develop a preliminary assessment of either existing treatment process effectiveness or to consider treatment alternatives.
Also included are two protocols for benchtop tests that utilities can use to gather data on cyanotoxin removal using water from their own water treatment plants. There is a protocol for testing oxidation processes and a protocol for jar testing to assess removal by powdered activated carbon addition. A second spreadsheet is available to assist systems evaluate benchtop PAC jar test results.
See also:
"AWWA to Congress: Nutrient pollution reduction key to preventing cyanotoxins"
"EPA officially issues health advisories for cyanotoxins in drinking water"
About AWWA
Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life. For more information, visit www.awwa.org.
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