Our Whole Water Community of Interest connects utilities with researchers to investigate and develop technological advances and innovative concepts around the interplay of water, wastewater and energy. Contributing to the development and delivery of a holistic research program with national benefits, our COI will enable utilities to become more resource efficient now and in the future.

The topic has been identified as ‘immense’ and is a high priority to industry. A collaborative and rapid response will enable the sector to realise proactive benefits:

Our Algal Innovation Community of Interest connects utilities with researchers to accelerate novel technology transfer for algal management into the water industry. The COI is a valuable forum for researchers, government and industry to share knowledge and challenges, discuss recent events, and stay up to date with the latest technologies, research progress and emerging issues in cyanobacteria.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a serious global issue in freshwater lakes, rivers and reservoirs, wastewater stabilization lagoons, and marine environment.

Although research has demonstrated multiple environmental factors as contributing to algal blooms outbreaks, the exact trigger that initiate their occurrence are still poorly understood. This is of significant concern to water industry and health authorities, as any breakthrough of cyanobacteria cells (both toxic and non-toxic) into water treatment plants, even in low cell numbers, can lead to chemical and/or microbial contaminants being released into treated water, which poses a serious public health risk.

Supported by an active and committed group of member organisations and trusted partners who form our Algal Innovation COI, WaterRA through it’s BIG Team of utility, research and health department members will build upon our vast collection of foundational cyanobacteria research to develop and implement a series of priority activities — delivered in four stages across three years — designed to address current and emerging HABs challenges and safeguard the future our water through innovative technology.

Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae (BGA), are a group of diverse photosynthetic bacteria that occupy a broad range of aquatic and terrestrial habitats, including extreme environments. Known as the earth’s oldest organism – dating back around 3.5 billion years – they are abundant components of aquatic ecosystems, particularly in eutrophicated waters, and may form blooms in water bodies.

For more information on the Algal Innovation COI Research Program or to join the COI please contact Dr Arash Zamyadi and Vincent Bianchini.

Have a significant or emerging challenge or need which you think others share? Contact one of our Research Managers and they can assist in creating a new COI and bring you together with like-minded peers to shape the future of research.