Scalable and environmentally sensitive technologies for managing algal blooms in small and large constructed water bodies and related infrastructure - hydrogen peroxide dosing

An experimental plan for assessing the feasibility of a larger hydrogen peroxide
(H 2 O 2 ) dosing trial at Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant (WTP) treated
effluent lagoons has been outlined within this document. A report was previously
supplied to Melbourne Water in which oxidation options for WTP were evaluated
using a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis which identified H 2 O 2 as the most
appropriated oxidant.
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of H 2 O 2 as an
algaecide for the control of cyanobacteria within a managed water body. The
feasibility of this treatment approach will be determined chiefly by the ability for
peroxide to effectively reduce microbial activity, and the quantities required for
effective treatment. This trial will provide additional insights including H 2 O 2
decomposition rates, appropriate dosing quantities/ratios, resulting cyanotoxin
release, and impacts on microbiota diversity. Sampling will target surface scums
and water residing above the sludge/sediment layer. The initial phase of the trial
will investigate oxidation efficacy within lab-based testing, while subsequent
phases (to be planned in future projects) will trial pilot scale oxidation.