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Everything a Manager Should Know About Algal Toxins but Was Afraid to Ask
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8833.2003.tb10447.x
Subject(s) - algae , eutrophication , algal bloom , geosmin , water treatment , cyanobacteria , environmental science , odor , environmental engineering , ecology , environmental chemistry , biology , chemistry , phytoplankton , nutrient , genetics , bacteria , neuroscience
The increased number of events of surface water eutrophication and utilities' increased use of surface water as a source have raised awareness of freshwater algae. An algal bloom can create several problems in drinking water treatment such as taste and odor compounds, shortened filter run times, increased chemical usage, and production of toxins. Evaluating individual treatment process units as well as the complete process for algae and toxin removal will allow a utility to make more responsible decisions and prepare for an event. Algae and their toxins can be treated provided the utility has implemented an algae‐monitoring program and developed a strategic plan for treatment. This aticle discusses a simple and rapid assessment of the degree of protection against algal toxins, monitoring and management of cyanobacteria in drinking water supplies, treatment barriers of cyanobacteria and their toxins, treatment used to remove cells, and dissolved algal toxins.