1997-1998 Annual Report

Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment

Established and supported under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Program Water Quality and T r e a t m e n t

he Cooperative Research Centre wa for Small Business, Customs and T formed on June 14 1995, as an Construction and John Olsen, MP, South U n i n c o r p o rated Joint Ve n t u re between Au s t ralian Minister for Infra s t r u c t u re on seventeen participants to conduct February 19 1996. The Members re s e a rch and education pro g rams on the comprise a partnership of industry and quality of water for urban communities re s e a rch organisations that have in Au s t ralia. On June 19 1995, these extensive knowledge, skills and fa c i l i t i e s participants entered into an agre e m e n t to pursue the cost effective provision of with The Commonwealth of Au s t ra l i a water to the community. Researc h for the establishment of the Coopera t i v e p ro g rams have been established to R e s e a rch Centre for Water Quality and investigate various aspects of water Treatment and for the provision of a quality and treatment. This is the third g rant to supplement the re s o u rc e s Annual Report of the Centre, and deals available from the participants. The with its further establishment and C e n t re was officially launched by evolution in its third year of opera t i o n . Senator Chris Schacht, Fe d e ral Minister

C O N T E N T S

Introduction by the Chairman...... 2 Education and Training...... 35 Director’s Report...... 3 Application of Research...... 39 Structure and Management...... 5 Staffing and Administration...... 41 Cooperative Linkages...... 8 Publications...... 43 Research ...... 11 Grants and Awards...... 48 Public Health Risk Assessment...... 12 Public Presentations and Communication...... 49 Catchment and Source Water Management...... 18 Performance Indicators...... 50 Water Treatment Technology...... 24 Appendix A. Research Staff Resources...... 52 Maintaining Water Quality in Distribution Systems...... 29 Budget...... 57 Australia-Germany Program...... 33 Auditor’s Report...... 64

C O N T A C T D E T A I L S

Director: Prof Don Bursill Business Manager: Mr George Turelli PMB 3, Salisbury, SA 5108 PMB 3, Salisbury, SA 5108 Phone: (08) 82590240 Facsimile: (08) 82590228 Phone: (08) 82590274 Facsimile: (08) 82590228 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Deputy Director: Dr Tony Priestley CRC Home Page: Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC 3169 http://www.med.monash.edu.au/epidemiology/crc Phone: (03) 95452380 Facsimile: (03) 95452446 Email: [email protected]

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PAPA GG EE Introduction by the Chairman

N A N C Y M I L L I S reinforced in May 1998 at a research priorities workshop when the Board of Management re-examined the research and provided C H A I R M A N feedback to the Management Team. Further opportunity will be available to Board members to refine the research priorities through a detailed questionnaire based broadly around the outcomes of the workshop. However, it is clear that no substantial changes in direction are envisaged. The CRC continues to strengthen its links with overseas research o r g a n i s a t i o n s. Among the more significant international involvements and developments during the year was the This is the third annual report for the CRC for Water Quality and involvement of two CRC researchers, Mr Michael Burch and Professor Treatment. It marks a significant stage in the CRC’s development, Ian Falconer in the WHO Working Group on Protection and Control of having achieved a strong foundation for its activities and a successful Water Quality. Another important event was the Director’s inclusion outcome from the Second Year Review. It now remains for the CRC to in a review team that undertook a benchmarking evaluation of the achieve results from the first phase of its research program and to set American Water Works Association Research Foundation. This in place the balance of the work projected in the initial seven year review is part of a program of cooperation between a number of plan of its agreement with the Commonwealth. significant international water research organisations in North It is clearer than ever that the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment America, Europe, South Africa and Australia (with the inclusion of is of strategic value to the Australian water industry. This is the CRC). The program seeks to enhance the quality of water particularly true of the Public Health Risk Assessment Program, but research and water research administration through continuous it is equally important that appropriate management strategies are improvement and regular international benchmarking. This group is in place for water resources and for treatment and distribution also working on the development of a process for enhanced aspects of providing safe, good quality water to Au s t r a l i a n collaboration on key issues of common interest, such as health communities. The CRC has given the water industry its best chance effects studies. of working together to achieve this goal. On behalf of the Board of Management I commend the staff of the It was most satisfying to participate in the Second Year Review, CRC for a year of good achievement. I believe that the Centre is well culminating in the final interviews in November 1997. The clear placed to build on the research success achieved to date and to evidence of a corporate spirit among the researchers, the enthusiasm increase substantially its impact within the Australian water and imagination of the postgraduate students and the positive, industry, especially through commitment to effectively communicate supporting comments from a wide range of industry representatives research results to research users. were some of the highlights of the process. Although we have a long way to go, at least it is clear that we are on the right track. This was Emeritus Professor Nancy Millis, Chairman

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E D i r e c t o r ’ s R e p o r t

DON BURSILL The reports from these three specialist reviews were subsequently made available to a Stage I Review Panel established by the CRC and D I R E CTO R endorsed by the CRC Secretariat. This Panel comprised: • Dr James Manwaring, Executive Director of the American Water Works Association Research Foundation who acted as Chairman. • Mr Frans Schulting, Director of Research, KIWA, The Netherlands. • Mr Pieter Odendaal, Executive Director, Water Research Commission, South Africa. • Mr Neil Body, Centre Visitor.

The third year of the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment has been The value of this approach was that the earlier specialist reviews a very significant one in a number of ways. The first phase of could deal in some detail with individual research projects, research projects has been put in place and some have already examining the approach to the research question and the quality of reported significant progress and outcomes. Evidence is available the work being done by the individual researchers and research relating to the acceptance of the CRC by the water industry as a key teams, as appropriate. The Stage 1 Review Panel was comprised resource. The working relationships between the research partners essentially of heads of national water research programs who could are maturing and a corporate culture is developing and is becoming receive the specialist reports, make their own assessment of the clearly evident to outside observers. research program from a broader perspective and comment on its standing in relation to the international water research agenda. Our Perhaps one of the most significant developments in this reporting Centre Visitor, Mr Neil Body played a valuable role in providing a period was the extensive review that was undertaken on the CRC’s linkage to the Australian situation for the otherwise international first two years of operation. The Commonwealth Government Panel. The high level of international involvement in the review is a brought forward for some CRCs the review normally undertaken after the third year. This initially concerned the CRC as it felt that two reflection of the high level of representation of the Australian water years was too soon to be undertaking such a review. However, the industry in the CRC (ie we needed to go outside the country to find CRC decided to approach the review with enthusiasm and seek to use independent experts in our field of work) and the international the review to assist future planning activities. nature of the industry and the research issues it faces. Consequently, one additional step was added to the usual two stage The Stage II Review Panel comprised: review process. Normally the CRC is asked to arrange for an • Dr Geoffrey Vaughan, Chairman, CRC Committee independent peer review of the research and educational activities, • Mr Tom Fricke, Gutteridge Haskins and Davey, Consulting which is followed by an administrative review arranged by the Engineers Cooperative Research Centres Committee. The CRC for Wa t e r • Mr Neil Body, Centre Visitor. Quality and Treatment decided to commission three independent The Stage II Panel interviewed the CRC management team, the peer reviews of key research themes, as follows: Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Management, a • Public Health and Risk Assessment - reviewed by Professor Steve selection of Board of Management members, a selection of research Hrudey, University of Alberta, Canada. officers and a number of postgraduate students. Several •Toxic Algae - reviewed by Professor Geoff Codd, University of representatives of the water industry, not directly involved on the Dundee, Scotland. Board or with the management of the CRC were also interviewed on • Water Treatment Technology and Processes - reviewed by issues such as the impact that the CRC work was having in the industry Professor Vern Snoeyink, University of Illinois, USA. and industry views on future support for research and development.

The Board of Management meeting in Melbourne, February 1998

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E D i r e c t o r ’ s R e p o r t

The Management Committee meeting at Orica Au s t ralia, May 1998

The CRC was very pleased with the outcome of this review process more through 1998/99. The approach adopted by the CRC for the and it received an excellent report card. Throughout the review development of research plans has been adopted by WSAA and it process the CRC was seeking to learn how it might improve and has proved very successful in providing a clear focus on what is refine its work. The outcomes were carried forward into the Board of required and how it might be achieved. Management review of research priorities held in May 1998 and will, The year under review has been one of considerable strengthening no doubt be reflected in the research that is undertaken in the CRC’s of international linkages. The Second Year Review was a factor in second phase of the current seven year plan. itself in this regard, with six eminent persons from overseas One of the issues arising from activities of the CRC in its third year is universities and water research organisations involved in the process. that of communications, including technology transfer. The CRC has The Deputy Director, Dr Tony Priestley has been active in representing actioned a substantial proportion of the many identified actions in its the CRC on the AWW ARF / International Water Services Association’s Technology Transfer Plan, but it is clear that a substantial Specialist Group on Water Distribution Systems, while I have joined improvement in effectiveness of adopted communication the same organisation’s newly formed Water Research Committee. mechanisms is required. The CRC produces regular internal and The CRC’s linkage with a number of German research groups external newsletters which it circulates widely. The special “Health continues to grow under the Australian - German Collaboration Stream” quarterly newsletter is particularly well received by key Program on Water and the Environment. Our research activities industry people and has an international readership that is formed a significant part of the fifth progress meeting under this increasing faster than the Australian circulation. program held in Kar l s r u h e , Germany in May 1998. However, it would appear from feedback received, that outside of a Managing a collaborative venture with 19 partner organisations relatively small group of key Australian water industry and health spread across the country is not an easy task. However it is a job that authority representatives, the CRC documents are not as effective as has become quite satisfying because of the support of a number of expected. The communications and technology transfer strategies people on the Board of Management, the Management Committee are being revised with a view to overcoming this problem. Some new and among the many other people actively involved in the CRC approaches have already been implemented with immediate activities. The relationships that are strengthening with each year positive results, but this will be an issue for a future report. and the research results that are beginning to flow through are among the rewards that come from all the effort put in by so many. It should not be assumed from the above communications concerns Increasing encouragement is coming from the water industry that we that technology transfer is not achieving some successes. The CRC are seeking to assist with our research. continues to work very closely with its industry partners in addressing I would particularly like to thank our Chairman, Emeritus Professor issues of concern where CRC programs can provide valuable Nancy Millis and Deputy Chairman Mr Bob Gibbs for their support guidance. The CRC is being approached by the water industry to through this past year. Once again, I thank all members of the provide assistance, which is a welcome sign of acceptance for this Management Committee for another outstanding year. new research entity. At this relatively early stage of its life, the most significant impact is probably through influencing research and Finally I would like to thank our Centre Visitor, Mr Neil Body, who planning agendas. In this respect, the CRC has developed a strong provided valuable support to the CRC through the Review. Neil has alliance with the Water Services Association of Australia. The CRC decided to retire and devote his time to other pursuits and we wish has held joint workshops on key issues with WSAA and is planning him well in the future.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Structure and Management

TONY PRIESTLEY staffing, operating procedures associated with program areas of the Centre and approves projects. D E P U T Y D I R E CTO R The Board met five times during the reporting period and conducted additional business out of session. It is the practice of the Board to rotate half of its meetings at research locations away from the Centre head office. During the year the Board met twice in Adelaide (September and December 1997), Melbourne (February 1998) and Perth (June 1998). The Board also met for a special two-day workshop during May 1998 in Hahndorf, SA, to review its research priorities following the Second Year Review with a major emphasis The Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment is on the implementation of planning for the Centre’s future. Program an unincorporated joint venture between 19 participants Coordinators attended the workshop, made presentations on their representing government, industry and research organisations. A programs’ achievements and proposed future directions to Centre formal agreement, known as the Centre Agreement, between the activity. participating organisations defines the contributions of the parties During 1997/98, SA Water, Melbourne Water and the University of and the nature and scope of the cooperation. Adelaide representatives on the Board have changed; Mr John The Centre began operations in July 1995, under the Australian Caporn replacing Mr Cyril Wear, Mr Shane Haydon replacing Mr Government Cooperative Research Centres Program. The Centre’s Geoff Gardiner and Prof Ross Milbourne replacing Prof Ieva Kotlaski. head office is at the Australian Water Quality Centre in Adelaide with research nodes in Victoria, NSW, ACT and in SA. At the start of the year, the Victorian Department of Human Services and the University of New South Wales were admitted to the Centre by the Board of Management.

B O A R D O F MA N AG E M E N T The Centre is controlled by a Board of Management that includes a representative from each of the participants and an Independent Chairman. The Board selects and reviews the performance of the Director and Deputy Director, sets policies, the annual budget,

The Commercialisation Committee meeting in Hahndorf SA, May 1998

The Board of Management and invited participants at the Review of Research Priorities Workshop, Hahndorf SA, May 1998

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Structure and Management

The participating organisations and their representatives on the Program 5 Education and Training Board of Management at 30 June 1998 were: Assoc Prof Dennis Mulcahy, Emeritus Professor Nancy Millis (AC), Independent Chairman University of South Australia Mr Bob Gibbs, Deputy Chairman, ACTEW Corporation Ltd Administration Prof Don Bursill, CRC Director, Australian Water Quality Centre. Prof Don Bursill, Australian Water Quality Centre Within each Research Program there are a series of projects, each of Mr Pierre Alla, Australian Water Services Pty Ltd which are established by formal agreement between the Parties Mr Peter Fagan, Australian Water Technologies Pty Ltd involved. A Project Team Leader and a Project Team are appointed Dr Peter Nadebaum, CMPS&F Pty Ltd to manage the project, with the Project Team meeting regularly to Dr Tom Spurling, CSIRO assess progress and determine the direction of the research activities Dr Hung Nguyen, Orica Australia Pty Ltd towards achieving the agreed milestones and outcomes that are reported to the Board of Management. This year, a reporting format Mr Shane Haydon, Melbourne Water Corporation has been developed for the Board’s convenience in assessing Prof Peter Darvall, Monash University progress at project and program level. Prof Ian Bates, RMIT Mr John Caporn, South Australian Water Corporation M A N AG E M E N T CO M M I T T E E Mr Terry Simms, United Water International Pty Ltd The Centre is managed by the Director who reports to the Board of Management. The Director is assisted by the Management Prof Bob Douglas, Australian National University Committee. The Management Committee is primarily responsible Prof Ross Milbourne, University of Adelaide for recommendations to the Board on program policies, priorities and Dr Alan Wade, Water Services Association of Australia budgets, and plays a key role in ensuring coordination between Mr Keith Cadee, Water Corporation Research and Education programs and the development of a corporate spirit within the CRC. Prof Ian Davey, University of South Australia Membership of the Management Committee at 30 June 1998 was: Dr William Hart, Victorian Department of Human Services Prof Don Bursill, CRC Director, Chairman Prof Mark Wainwright, University of New South Wales Dr Tony Priestley, CRC Deputy Director P R O G R A M S T R U CT U R E O F T H E C R C Prof John McNeil, Monash University The Centre operates under a program structure, with a Program Dr Dennis Steffensen, Australian Water Quality Centre Coordinator responsible for each program. The programs and Ms Mary Drikas, Australian Water Quality Centre leaders are: Dr Ian Fisher, Australian Water Tec h n o l o g i e s Pty Ltd Program 1 Public Health Risk Assessment Assoc Prof Dennis Mulcahy, University of South Australia Prof John McNeil, Monash University Mr George Turelli, CRC Business Manager Program 2 Catchment and Source Water Management Dr Dennis Steffensen, The Management Committee met at various nodes throughout the Australian Water Quality Centre year to facilitate a sense of corporate identity and to assist in building communication and linkages between the participating Program 3 Water Treatment Technology o r g a n i s a t i o n s. At these meetings, presentations by selected Ms Mary Drikas, Australian Water Quality Centre researchers have become a regular feature. To maintain contact and Program 4 Maintaining Water Quality in Distribution Systems ownership of the Centre, regular travel to these nodes is conducted Dr Ian Fisher, Australian Water Technologies Pty Ltd by the Director. The Committee met on seven occasions during the

The Board of Management meeting at Water Corporation, June 1998

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Structure and Management

year and Program Coordinators have each met with their support Mr Terry Simms, United Water International Pty Ltd group at least once during the year. In addition to these meetings, Prof Don Bursill, CRC Director commencing this year with Program 1, researchers and Board members met for a complete update on research progress. This Dr Tony Priestley, CRC Deputy Director technology transfer will be further enhanced by including Mr George Turelli, CRC Business Manager commercial matters affecting the Centre’s operations, thereby encouraging greater networking and development of a Centre C E N T R E M A N AG E M E N T culture. One of the key outcomes from this working relationship is Figure 1 shows the management structure of the Centre. The Centre the basis for planning for the Centre’s future. is managed by Prof Don Bursill, the Centre Director, who is assisted An Education and Training Steering Committee has been formed to by Dr Tony Priestley, Deputy Director. Five Program Coordinators guide the development of new programs in this area. The consult with the Centre Director and Deputy Director to formulate Committee met on three occasions during its first full year and was project proposals and the education and training activities both chaired by Assoc Prof Felicity Roddick of the Royal Melbourne within and across programs. Institute of Technology, who has been assisting Program Coordinator, The Business Manager, Mr George Turelli, is responsible for providing Assoc Prof Mulcahy, from the inception of the CRC. It is the practice executive level support to the Director and the Program of this Committee to meet in Melbourne where most of the members Management Team and has been active in administering a are based. framework for the Centre’s financial, commercial and administrative requirements. C O M M E R C I A L I SAT I O N C O M M I T T E E Because of its unincorporated joint venture structure, the CRC has This Committee comprises representatives of the Board of contracted for management services support to Techsearch in the Management, to work closely with the Centre Director and Deputy areas of personnel and commercialisation operations. Towards the Director to develop policies and procedures for the end of the year, Techsearch outsourced its in-house legal advisory commercialisation of all intellectual property. This has been service and the Centre obtained Board approval to retain RED especially important in refining project approval processes and Commercialisation Pty Ltd for the provision of this service. providing feedback from end users of the CRC. The Committee reports directly to the Board and met on three occasions during the CE N T R E VI S I TO R ye a r , generally prior to a Board meeting. The committee has three The Centre Visitor is Mr Neil Body, the former Deputy Chief, CSIRO research outcomes under consideration for commercial development. Division of Water Resources. In this role, Mr Body liaises between the Membership of the Committee is: Australian Government’s CRC Committee and the Centre. Mr Body Mr Pierre Alla, Chairman, Australian Water Services Pty Ltd has visited the CRC on two occasions during the year, in addition to the Second Year Review. The CRC has been very appreciative of his Prof Ian Bates, RMIT advice and guidance; unfortunately, Mr Body decided to retire at the Dr Tony Chiffings, Australian Water Technologies Pty Ltd end of the year, with his replacement yet to be formally confirmed. Dr Hung Nguyen, Orica Australia Pty Ltd

Board of Management

Business Manager Director Deputy Director

Public Health Water Management Water Treatment Distributions Systems Education and Program 1 Program 2 Program 3 Program 4 Training Program

F i g u re 1. The Management Structure

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Cooperative Linkages

S T R U C T U R E A N D S T R A T E G Y All 24 actions identified in the plan involve cooperation between the CRC partners for their implementation, a fact agreed and understood During the third year of its existence, the CRC undertook a myriad of by all when the CRC Board officially endorsed the plan. activities directed at enhancing cooperative linkages. While some of these are outlined below, it is best to understand them within the overall strategic concept of the CRC as developed in three key C O O P E R A T I O N I N R E S E A R C H documents - The Strategic Plan, the Marketing Plan and the One of the actions identified to achieve Goal 6 in the Strategic Plan Technology Transfer Plan. These documents are in the middle of their was to insist on research projects having a number of different working life and will be reworked before the fifth year review. partners. As a result, all the current CRC research projects involve H o w e v e r, many of the cooperative activities currently being between two to four research partners on a number of different sites. undertaken were initiated as a result of these plans. While this cooperation is too large to fully detail at the project level, In the Strategic Plan, two of the seven Strategic Goals for the CRC are a good indication can be obtained by looking at Research Program directly related to enhancing cooperative linkages: involvement as outlined in Table 1. • Goal 1: Develop Targeted Strategic Links Within the Australian Examples of research collaboration from Program 1 include the Water Industry strong involvement of industry partners in the Water Quality Study • Goal 6: Build a Constructive Corporate Culture (Project 1.3.3.1) and the multiple partner input to the study on disinfection byproducts and bladder epithelial cells (Project 1.3.5.1). As is clear from the titles, Goal 1 is mainly concerned with external The latter study expanded from being only a single site to a dual site links between the CRC and the industry it seeks to serve, while Goal study through the cooperative involvement of CRC partners. 6 is more concerned with enhancing internal cooperation between the CRC partners. A few examples of the many activities undertaken In Program 2, AWQC and AWT are pooling expertise to investigate to pursue each of these goals are given below. alternative methods for measuring cyanobacterial toxins at low levels (Project 2.3.1.1). An agreed position on the best technology The Marketing Plan is largely designed around promoting for undertaking these measurements is important for future knowledge of the CRC to a broad spectrum of receivers. However, the investigations of cyanobacterial blooms in source waters. SA Water action plan specifies a number of tasks that strongly contribute to Corporation have recently agreed to make available to the CRC the formation of cooperative linkages, eg market research, customer several large surface aerators for undertaking large scale studies on database, newsletters, etc. methods for controlling cyanobacterial blooms in reservoirs (Project While the Technology Transfer Plan is more concerned with the 2.5.1). This study would be prohibitively expensive without access to Application of Research (see later section), its very construction and this expensive equipment. implementation leads to the development of cooperative linkages.

TA B L E 1 - CRC PA RT N E R S I N VO LV E M E N T I N RE S E A R C H PR O G R A M S

R E S E A R C H P R O G R A M R E S E A R C H PA RT N E R S I N VO LV E D I N D U S T R Y PA RT N E R S I N VO LV E D

Program 1 • Monash University • Melbourne Water Corporation Public Health Risk Assessment • Australian National University • Victorian Department of Human Services • University of Adelaide • SA Water Corporation • CMPS&F • Water Services Association of Australia • ACTEW Corporation

Program 2 • AWQC • SA Water Corporation Catchment & Source • University of New South Wales • Melbourne Water Corporation Water Management • University of Adelaide • Water Corporation (WA) • CSIRO • ACTEW Corporation

Program 3 - • AWQC • Orica Australia Water Treatment Technology • CSIRO • AWS • RMIT • SA Water Corporation • University of South Australia • Water Corporation (WA) • University of New South Wales

PR O G R A M 4 • AWT • Orica Australia Maintaining Water Quality in • University of New South Wales • United Water Distribution Systems • AWQC • Melbourne Water Corporation • SA Water Corporation • Water Services Association of Australia

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Cooperative Linkages

Program 3 projects are not only multi-partnered but are also written for all members to consider the current research portfolio and its around a number of common themes, eg natural organic matter in relevance to their present and future needs. w a t e r, cyanobacteria and pathogens. Consequently, there is The review was held on May 28 and 29 1998 at the Hahndorf Resort considerable cooperation not only between partners but also across in the Adelaide hills. While no radical change of priorities emerged pr o j e c t s . Examples include the use of commonly agreed water sources from this intensive process, a common understanding of the strategic for both laboratory and pilot plant experiments in Projects 3.1.2 direction of the current research portfolio was reached, as well as (polyelectrolytes), 3.1.3 (hybrid membranes) and 3.2.1 (removal of agreement on the steps to be undertaken in developing future natural organics), as well as shared analytical facilities for measuring research projects. These steps are outlined in Figure 1 below and experimental results. This close integration of both partner and were designed to give industry partners a key role in reviewing and project involvement means not only an efficient use of resources but approving new research project proposals. also that the results obtained will be widely comparable. External to the CRC, success has been achieved in getting the Program 4 has developed a close link between industry and research NHMRC to put a rolling revision of the 1996 Australian Drinking partners as the former have become involved in field research Water Guidelines onto their current work agenda. The Director, Don ac t i v i t i e s . Two projects, one in Melbourne and one in Ade l a i d e , are Bursill, has been appointed chair of an NHMRC working group to currently at the project approval stage and will lead to field projects pursue this vital issue for the water industry. facilitated by the industry partners. This collaboration will complement On the international scene, 1997/98 saw a range of activities. The the more fundamental laboratory studies presently underway (Projects current program of activities under the Australia-Germany research 4.1.1, 4.1.3 and 4.2.2). The CRC is also planning a major industry collaboration agreement reached one of its key milestones with a workshop in August 1998 on water quality in distribution systems at major workshop in Germany at which both reports on work to date which the possibility of blending these field studies into a major and plans for the future were discussed. Overall, the program is Australia wide research initiative will be considered. considered a success story and a good example of how to undertake international collaboration in research. I N D U S T R Y A N D I N T E R N A T I O N A L The Director undertook a major overseas trip to cement links with a L I N K A G E S number of international research partners. He was part of an invited The CRC has represented on its Board a large fraction of the panel reviewing the activities of the American Water Wo r k s Australian water supply industry and need look no further than its Association Research Foundation, a key international research own members to establish strong industry linkages. Making these group. This same panel will also take part in reviews of other major l i n kages work productively is one of the prime focuses of the international research groups in water supply eg CGE-France, KIWA- management team. A key step to achieving this goal was the Netherlands, TZW-Germany, the Water Research Commission, South undertaking by the CRC Board of a major strategic review of the Africa, as well as the CRC in Australia, thus forming an international current research activities. This internal review was a natural follow- group of key research agencies. He also attended a meeting of the on to the 2nd year external review and provided a good opportunity Emerging Technologies Group, with representatives from 22

FIGU RE 1 Q U A L I T Y C O N T R O L O F R E S E A R C H P R O P O S A L S

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Cooperative Linkages

Fe d e ral Minister John Moore, MP, and members of the CRC Association Conference Planning Committee at the opening of the Conference held in Ad e l a i d e, April 1998

countries exchanging detailed information on current activities in Program 1 has established a collaborative link with the School of R&D. This group forms the larger network of international research Public Health at the University of California, Berkel e y . This group is activity on the quality of water supplies. Another major meeting he being funded by the USEPA and Centres for Disease Control to carry attended was in Germany for the review of progress in the Australia- out a study of drinking water and gastroenteritis using similar Germany collaborative program. methodology to the Melbourne Water Quality Study (Project 1.3.3.1). The Deputy Director also travelled overseas to attend a meeting of the A member of the USA team, Ms Asheena Khaladina, visited Emerging Technologies subgroup on Water Quality in Distribution Melbourne in December 1997 to meet with CRCWQT researchers and Sy s t e m s . This subgroup is working to identify all international research discuss their practical experiences with the study. The exchange of related to this topic and ensure that there is good coordination and ideas will be continued later in 1998 when Assoc. Prof. Christopher communication between the various research groups, thus ensuring Fairley will meet other members of the California group in the USA. the best utilisation of resources on an international scale.

The Grampians Water Edenhope Water Treatment Plant

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E R e s e a r c h

RESEARCH DIRECTIONS RESEARCH STAT U S C O M P L E T E A C T I V E C O M M E R C I A L PROGRAM 1: PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT Project 1.1.1 Development and evaluation of a model for predicting the fate of Cryptosporidium ✓ and Campylobacter in drinking water supply systems Project 1.2.2 Early Detection of Outbreaks of Waterborne Gastroenteritis ✓ Project 1.2.3 The Effect of Chlorination on the Rates of Gastroenteritis; Information necessary for an ✓ informed discussion Project 1.2.4 Fluoridation of Drinking Water Supplies ✓ Project 1.3.1.1 Cyanobacterial Tumour Promotion ✓ Project 1.3.1.2 Cyanobacterial Bloom Occurrence in Drinking Water Sources and Health Effects ✓ Project 1.3.3.1 The Water Quality Study ✓ Project 1.3.5.1 Disinfection By-products in Drinking Water and micronucleated Bladder Epithelial Cells ✓ Project 1.3.6.1 Environmental Arsenic Exposure and Human Absorption ✓ Project 1.3.7.1 Aboriginal Water Supplies ✓ Project 1.3.8.1 Validation and Pilot - Case Control Study of Cryptosporidiosis ✓ Project 1.4.1 Health Stream Newsletter ✓

PROGRAM 2: CATCHMENT AND SOURCE WATER MANAG E M E N T Project 2.1.1 Characterisation of Natural Organic Matter ✓ Project 2.1.2 The Influence of NOM on the Movement of Phosphorous in Soils ✓ Project 2.1.3 Photochemical Degradation and Remineralisation of Dissolved Organic Carbon ✓ in the Warren Reservoir Project 2.3.1.1 Development of Analytical Methods for Rapid Detection of Toxin in Water ✓ Project 2.3.1.2 Characterisation and Determination of PSP Toxins in Neurotoxic Cyanobacteria and ✓ Methods for their Removal Project 2.3.1.3 Determination of the Hepatoxin Cylindrospermopsin Produced by the Cyanobacteria ✓ Cylindrospermopsis Raciborskii Project 2.3.2.1 Genetics of Microcystin Production by Cyanobacteria ✓ ✓ Project 2.3.2.2 Genetics of Saxitoxin Production by Anabaena Circinalis ✓ Project 2.3.2.3 Characterisation of Toxins Produced by the Cyanobacterial Genus Anabaena in ✓ Australian Water Supplies and Factors Influencing their Production Project 2.3.2.4 Regulation of Cylindrospermopsin Production by Cylindrospermopsis Raciborskii ✓ Project 2.4.1 Critical Flow and Population Development of the Cyanobacteria Anabaena and ✓ Microcystis in the Murray-Darling System Project 2.4.2 Life History and Ecology of Bloom-Forming Cyanobacteria in the Lower Murray River ✓ Project 2.5.2 Short-Term Forecasting of Blue-Green Algal Blooms in Drinking Water Reservoirs by ✓ Artificial Neural Network

PROGRAM 3: WATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY Project 3.1.2 Polyelectrolytes in Water Treatment ✓ ✓ Project 3.1.3 Hybrid Membrane Processes in Water Treatment ✓ Project 3.2.1 Development of Treatment Systems for Removal of Natural Organics ✓ Project 3.2.2 Optimisation of Adsorption Processes ✓ Project 3.2.3 Alternative Disinfection Regimes ✓ Project 3.2.5 Regeneration of Activated Carbon ✓ ✓

PROGRAM 4: MAINTAINING WATER QUALITY IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS Project 4.1.1 Factors Affecting Biofilm Development ✓ Project 4.1.3 Modelling Biofilms and Interventions ✓ Project 4.2.2.1 Interactions Between Cryptosporidium Oocysts and Drinking Water Pipe Biofilms ✓

Note: Three projects with potential commercial opportunities have been identified

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program One

J O H N M C N E I L P R I N C I PA L A I M S To develop a risk analysis methodology based on the best available data, subject it to critical peer review by international experts and develop an accepted consensus on risk assessment. The project involves multiple stages to refine the model.

MI L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D • Proposed Methodology and Scoping Documents are complete and will soon be sent to CRCWQT personnel for review.

MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT • The First Report (Tentative Position) and the Sensitivity Analysis Report will be sent out during August 1998. P R O G R A M C O O R D I N ATO R: P R O F J O H N M C N E I L ( MO N A S H • A workshop of national and international experts will take place U N I V E R S I T Y ) in October 1998.

PROGRAM SCOPE TE C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R This program is concerned with investigating the human health This project will assist water authorities in predicting public health risk impacts of microbiological and chemical constituents of drinking where such a risk is too low to be measured by epidemiological means. water, to ensure that water treatment decisions can be based on soundly researched public health priorities. Particular emphasis has 1 . 2 . 2 : E A R LY D E T E CT I O N O F O U T B R E A K S O F been placed on developing methods to measure the effects of water WA T E R B O R N E G A S T R O E N T E R I T I S quality on human health, in contrast to past emphasis on measuring - F E A S I B I L I T Y S T U D Y chemicals and microbes in water. PR O J E CT LE A D E R: AS S O C PR O F CH R I S TO P H E R FA I R L E Y ( MO N A S H UN I V E R S I T Y) During the three years since its establishment, Program 1 has RE S E A R C H STA F F: DR AL E X A N D E R PA D I G L I O N E, GE O F F SI M M O N S achieved or made substantial progress towards all the milestones set ( MO N A S H UN I V E R S I T Y) out for this period in the Commonwealth Agreement. Two projects have been completed, ten are in progress, and two more are under Budget: $44,193 development. Program 1 has also continued to attract substantial Duration: Oct 96 – Dec 97 external research funding and has forged a strong relationship with P R O J E CTBAC KG R O U N D the water industry. Several projects have been recognised as having Current surveillance mechanisms are unable to rapidly identify a international importance, and collaborative links have been waterborne outbreak of gastroenteritis. This project examined the established with public health researchers in the US and Europe. potential of utilising existing data sources to enhance the sensitivity P R O J E CT S and speed of surveillance.

P R I N C I PA L A I M S 1.1.1: D E V E L O P M E N T A N D E VA L U AT I O N O F A M O D E L F O R P R E D I CT I N G T H E FAT E O F C RY P TO S P O R I D I U M To investigate the feasibility of establishing a rapid surveillance A N D C A M P Y L O BAC T E R I N D R I N K I N G WA T E R system for detection of waterborne gastroenteritis outbreaks. S U P P LYS Y S T E M S MI L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR PE T E R NA D E BAU M ( C M P S & F ) • Initial phase of project completed in 1998. RE S E A R C H STA F F: DR DA N I E L DE E R E ( C M P S & F ) MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R Budget: $129,738 • Commencement of PhD project on this topic. Duration: Jul 97 - Jun 98 Members of The Water Quality Study project team P R O J E CTBA C KG R O U N D Cryptosporidium and Campylobacter are detected at low densities in raw water supplies across Australia. However, there is no accepted means of interpreting this monitoring data in terms of health risk to drinking water consumers. Mathematical modelling of risks can be performed based on a series of assumptions but the validity of these is subject to debate.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program One

T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R MI L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D This project will enhance the ability of health authorities and water • The literature review has been completed and a draft report utilities to detect outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease and compiled and delivered to the funding body (Victorian determine whether they are likely to be waterborne. Department of Human Services).

MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R 1.2.3: T H E E F F E C T O F C H L O R I N AT I O N O N T H E R AT E S O F G A S T R O E N T E R I T I S - I N F O R M AT I O N N E C E S SA R Y • Final version of report to be completed. F O R A N I N F O R M E D D I S C U S S I O N T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R PR O J E CT LE A D E R: AS S O C PR O F CH R I S TO P H E R FA I R L E Y ( MO N A S H This project will provide both water and health authorities with a UN I V E R S I T Y) critical summary of the evidence on fluoridation, for communication Budget: $9,059 with the public and lobby groups. Duration: Jul 97 – Dec 97 1 . 3 . 1 . 1 : C YA N O B AC T E R I A L T U M O U R P R O M OT I O N P R O J E CTBA C KG R O U N D PR O J E CT LE A D E R: PR O F IA N FA L C O N E R ( UN I V E R S I T Y O F AD E L A I D E) There is increasing public resistance to the use of chlorination RE S E A R C H STA F F: DR AN D R E W R HU M PAG E, EM M A J MO O R E, because of concerns over the possible adverse health effects of SU Z A N N E M FR O S C I O disinfection by-products in drinking water. Beneficial effects of Budget: $923,412 disinfection on rates of gastrointestinal disease are easily Duration: Jul 96 – Jun 00 demonstrated in the developing world, but there is little documented P R O J E CTBAC KG R O U N D evidence in developed countries with higher quality drinking water and adequate sanitation. There is increasing international evidence of enhanced tumour growth in experimental animals that have been exposed to P R I N C I PA L A I M S cyanobacterial toxins. Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can grow in To assess the impact of chlorination on gastroenteritis in Melbourne our water sources and their toxins may be present in drinking waters by examining morbidity and mortality figures in children for the in low concentrations. This project focuses on the toxins produced by interval spanning the introduction of chlorination. two species of major concern in Australia, Microcystis aeruginosa and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii. MI L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D • The first phase examining metropolitan Melbourne has been P R I N C I PA L A I M S completed. • To experimentally evaluate the interactions between dietary and environmental carcinogens and tumour promotion by M I L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R cyanobacterial toxins. • A research project for a Masters of Public Health student will be • To define mechanisms by which these toxins act and to developed to examine the impact of chlorination in regional and determine the concentrations required to trigger these rural water supplies. mechanisms. T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R •To create a research design that is relevant to the health of This project has the potential to provide water authorities with Australians. evidence of the benefit of chlorination of Australian water supplies. L to R: Emma Moore, Suzanne Froscio, Prof Ian Falconer and Dr Andrew Humpage 1.2.4: F L U O R I D AT I O N O F D R I N K I N G WA T E R S U P P L I E S PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR FL AV I A CI C U T T I N I ( MO N A S H UN I V E R S I T Y) RE S E A R C H STA F F: HA N A KA Z DA, DR MA RT H A SI N C L A I R, AS S O C PR O F CH R I S TO P H E R FA I R L E Y ( MO N A S H UN I V E R S I T Y) Budget: $17,212 Duration: Jul 97 – Dec 97

P R O J E CTBA C KG R O U N D Fluoridation of drinking water is a controversial issue with lobby groups periodically raising health concerns, sometimes selectively quoting the relevant literature.

P R I N C I PA L A I M S To critically review evidence of adverse health effects of fluoridation which has been published since the NHMRC review of 1991.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program One

M I L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D 1 . 3 . 3 . 1 : T H E WA T E R Q UA L I T Y S T U D Y • Completion of experiments examining the effect of Microcystis PR O J E CT LE A D E R: AS S O C PR O F CH R I S TO P H E R FA I R L E Y ( MO N A S H toxins in drinking water on tumours of the upper intestine UN I V E R S I T Y) initiated by the common food carcinogen, nitrosamine. RE S E A R C H STA F F: DR MA RT H A SI N C L A I R, DR MA R GA R E T • Definition of tumour promotion mechanisms for the Microcystis HE L L A R D, KI M B E R L E Y GI B S O N, JOA N N E FE R G U S O N, ISA B E L GU I S E, toxins in a cell culture system. FIO N A SAVI O (M ON A S H UNI V E R S I T Y ), IAN WATS O N (M EL B O U R N E WATE R ) • Commencement of toxicological characterisation of Budget: $2,791,683 Cylindrospermopsis toxins. Duration: Jan 96 – Jun 99

MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R P R O J E CTBAC KG R O U N D • Completion of experiments on the effect of Microcystis toxins in There is an international trend towards increasingly stringent drinking water on the growth of liver and colon cancers. guidelines and standards for drinking water quality, but little • Commencement of a PhD project on further characterisation of evidence that these changes result in improved public health. This the Cylindrospermopsis toxins. study is one of several seeking to measure whether drinking water is presently contributing to gastrointestinal illness in the community. T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R

Information from this work has already been used by the World P R I N C I PA L A I M S Health Organisation to derive a Guideline Value for microcystin in To determine whether filtration of drinking water to remove drinking water. Knowledge gained from the study of microorganisms reduces the incidence of gastrointestinal disease in cylindrospermopsin will similarly help to derive a Guideline Value for an area served by a disinfected water supply drawn from protected this toxin. The setting of these Guideline Values is of vital interest to catchments. both producers and consumers of drinking water because they provide scientifically justifiable targets for the water industry whilst P R O G R E S S helping safeguard the health of Australian water users. A pilot study was successfully completed in July 1997, and the main study commenced in September 1997. The study is running well with 1 . 3 . 1 . 2 : C YA N O B AC T E R I A L B L O O M O C C U R R E N C E I N high levels of compliance from participants and a low drop out rate. D R I N K I N G WA T E R S O U R C E S A N D H E A LT H E F F E C TS

PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR LO U I S PI L OT TO (A N U) MI L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D Budget: $160,635 • Establishing this study achieved one of the milestones listed in Duration: Jul 96 – Mar 98 the Commonwealth Agreement. • Development of collaborative links with US researchers planning P R O J E CTBA C KG R O U N D a similar study. Low level exposure to cyanobacterial toxins in drinking water may occur intermittently in some rural and regional communities, and the MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R health impact of such exposure is uncertain. • The study will complete data collection in early 1999.

P R I N C I PA L A I M S T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R To link health data collections, including perinatal morbidity data This study will impact significantly on water treatment decisions in and mortality data with historical cyanobacterial bloom occurrence Australia and internationally. and toxicity data and to correlate exposure estimates with recorded health outcomes. 1 . 3 . 5 . 1 : D I S I N F E CT I O N BY- P R O D U C T S I N D R I N K I N G WA T E R A N D M I C R O - N U C L E AT E D B L A D D E R MI L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D E P I T H E L I A L C E L L S This project is now complete. It has resulted in a Project Report and PR O J E CT LE A D E R S: DR LO U I S PI L OT TO, DR GE E T H A RA N M U T H U GA L A a publication which is currently under consideration. A series of (ANU) hypotheses generating correlative analyses were undertaken to test Budget: $409,297 the possibility that human populations in areas affected by Duration: Jan 97 – Jun 99 cyanobacterial blooms might have higher experience of poor perinatal and/or neoplastic outcomes. At this relatively crude level P R O J E CTBAC KG R O U N D of analysis, no positive correlations were found. The work was part Some epidemiological studies have suggested a link between funded by Environment Australia and resulted from active disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water and increased risks collaboration between SA Water and NCEPH, and the acquisition of of some cancers including bladder cancer. However the methodology data from a variety of health agencies around Australia. of these studies has created considerable uncertainty, particularly in the retrospective determination of long term exposure to DBPs. T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R The findings suggest that widespread adverse effects related to P R I N C I PA L A I M S cyanobacterial blooms are not occurring at the community level. Nor This study is exploring the relationship between DPBs in chlorinated was there any evidence to suggest that overall gastrointestinal drinking water and the frequency of micronucleated bladder epithelial mortality is increased in areas of high cyanobacterial bloom occurrence. cells in residents in three communities with different water supplies.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program One

M I L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D P R O J E CTBA C KG R O U N D Fieldwork in Bungendore, NSW, Canberra, ACT, and Adelaide, SA, and The project has been establishing links to allow the CRC to make an scoring of micronuclei completed. This project has involved effective contribution to improving water supplies for Indigenous collaboration with scientists at the University of California, Los communities, particularly in rural and remote locations. A n g e l e s, the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the P R I N C I PA L A I M S Australian National University, and ACT Electricity and Water. • To provide definitive responses to local government and MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander regional councils to • Data analysis to be completed. improve the quality of water supplies. •To develop research proposals to clarify the relationship between T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R poor Indigenous health and the quality and quantity of water This project may establish the utility of bladder cell micronuclei as a supplies in Indigenous communities. biomarker of exposure to DBPs, which will assist in the assessment of health risks. MI L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D Two summer scholarship projects have been completed, involving an 1 . 3 . 6 . 1 : E N V I R O N M E N TA L A R S E N I C E X P O S U R E audit of remote communities with and without swimming pools, and A N D H U M A N A B S O R P T I O N a review of monitoring for biological and chemical hazards in water PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR MA L C O L M SI M ( MO N A S H UN I V E R S I T Y) used for recreational purposes in remote locations. A report of one RE S E A R C H STA F F: AN D R E A HI N W O O D ( MO N A S H UN I V E R S I T Y) Summer Scholarship project has been sent to the participating communities for approval before it is made public. Budget: $31,380 Contacts have been established with a range of communities and Duration: Jul 96 – Dec 97 researchers to develop other projects relating to ‘water’ and the P R O J E CTBA C KG R O U N D health of Aboriginal communities. These include: the Australian Chronic exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic is associated Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, the Menzies with adverse health effects including a range of cancers and vascular School of Health Research, the Australian Geological Survey disease. High environmental arsenic concentrations occur in many Organisation and Nganampa Health Council. rural areas of Victoria; however, there is no Australian data MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R documenting the amount of human absorption from different exposure sources such as drinking water and soil. • Develop projects focussed on quality and quantity of drinking water in remote communities. P R I N C I PA L A I M S • Develop proposals for external funding. To determine the potential public health significance of TE C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R environmental arsenic exposure in rural Victoria, and the relative The feasibility of employing an Indigenous technology transfer contribution of arsenic contaminated drinking water and soil to the officer who could also initiate research projects is being explored. total body burden of arsenic. Technology transfer to Indigenous communities would involve an M I L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D understanding across all programs of the CRC which is a significant Data and sample collection, and laboratory analysis stages have been challenge. completed. Data analysis has also been completed and reports have been delivered to the funding organisation (Dept. of Human Services). 1 . 3 . 8 . 1 : VA L I D AT I O N A N D P I L OT - C A S E C O N T R O L S T U DY O F C RY P TO S P O R I D I O S I S M I L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R PR O J E CT LE A D E R: AS S O C PR O F CH R I S TO P H E R FA I R L E Y ( MO N A S H • Completion of PhD thesis by student Andrea Hinwood. UN I V E R S I T Y) T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R RE S E A R C H STA F F: DR BR E N T RO B E RT S O N ( MO N A S H UN I V E R S I T Y) This project will impact on decisions regarding guideline values for Budget: $93,217 arsenic in drinking water. Duration: Oct 97 – Apr 98 1 . 3 . 7 . 1 : A B O R I G I N A L WA T E R S U P P L I E S P R O J E CTBA C KG R O U N D PR O J E CT L E A D E R: DR GA B R I E L E BA M M E R ( A N U ) Cryptosporidium parvum has recently been recognised as a RE S E A R C H S TA F F: PR O F BO B DO U G L A S, PR O F TO N Y ADA M S, significant cause of gastroenteritis. Some outbreaks of infection have DR CA R M E N AU D E R A, SH A R O N IN G R A M (ANU), A N D S U M M E R been associated with contaminated water supplies, but little is S T U D E N T S: AN D R E W PE A RT, CA S SA N D R A SZ O E K E ( FL I N D E R S UN I) , known about risk factors for sporadic cases which probably number NI G E L VI V I A N ( CE N T R E F O R AP P R O P R I AT E TE C H N O L O G Y, AL I C E more in total than recognised outbreaks. This is the first stage of a SP R I N G S) larger project to determine such risk factors. Budget: $9,000 Duration: Dec 97-Mar 98

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program One

P R I N C I PA L A I M S • Continuing favourable feedback To develop and validate a water consumption questionnaire. To from water industry and other develop and trial procedures for case and control identification and readers. recruitment, and to pilot a risk factor questionnaire. • Electronic version of newsletter produced for Web page. MI L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D The project has been successfully completed. Questionnaires and MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R procedures developed and validated. Efforts to further increase the international readership are MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R planned. Larger scale studies to commence in Melbourne and Adelaide. Assoc. Prof Christopher Fa i r l e y T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R This publication informs the water industry of relevant health This project will indicate whether drinking water plays a significant research and assists in understanding the strengths and weaknesses role in Cryptosporidium gastroenteritis and will guide water of research findings. authorities in water treatment decisions. P R O J E CTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT 1 . 4 . 1 : H E A LT H S T R E A M N E WS L E T T E R PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR MA RT H A SI N C L A I R ( MO N A S H UN I V E R S I T Y) 1 . 3 . 1 . 3 : R A N D O M I S E D T R I A L O F R E C R E AT I O N A L E X P O S U R E TO YA N O B AC T E R I A A N D RE S E A R C H STA F F: PA M LI G H T B O DY ( MO N A S H UN I V E R S I T Y) C A S S O C I AT E D H E A LT H E F F E C TS Budget: $271,980 PR O J E CT LE A D E R S: DR LO U I S PI L OT TO, DR CH A R L E S GU E S T Duration: Jan 96 - June 01 (ANU), MR MI C H A E L BU R C H ( AW Q C ) BAC KG R O U N D P R O J E CTBA C KG R O U N D This project seeks to determine the health effects of individual exposure Discussions with water industry partners during the establishment of to cyanobacteria and to follow up an earlier study which was conducted Program 1 identified concerns about their lack of familiarity with in three states of Australia showing health effects from recreational epidemiological research methods, and consequent difficulty in cyanobacterial exposure. Preliminary approval has been received for a evaluating medical literature. It was felt that a regular publication pilot project, supported by ARMCANZ, with more substantial support providing critical assessment of the relevant literature would be of being sought to undertake proposed studies in multiple sites. great value to the industry.

P R I N C I PA L A I M S 1 . 3 . 5 . 2 : D I S I N F E CT I O N BY- P R O D U C T S I N D R I N K I N G WA T E R A N D P R E G N A N CY O U TC O M E S To provide the water industry with reviews of current literature and ( P I L OT S T U DY ) critical analyses of research relating to drinking water and health. To PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR WAY N E SM I T H ( A N U ) publicise the research being undertaken in Program 1 among health professionals in the areas of environmental and public health. BAC KG R O U N D A recently published study from the US has suggested a possible link M I L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D between DBPs and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This pilot project • Ten quarterly issues of this 20 page newsletter have been produced. developed by NCEPH and Monash seeks to test recruitment • Circulation increased from 110 copies for Issue 1 to 527 copies strategies and develop a workable and fundable proposal for a major for Issue 10. cohort study examining this issue in Australia. The proposal is undergoing peer review.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program One

PROGRAM MILESTO N E S

C O M M O N W E A LT H S C H E D U L E MI L E S TO N E S C O N T R I B U T I O N F R O M P R O J E CT MI L E S TO N E S

F I R S T T H R E E Y E A R S Production of a regular newsletter, providing information on major Health Stream Newsletter commenced production in 1996 (Project health and risk assessment issues relevant to water supplies 1.4.1) Establishment of a central library and data resource monitoring Initial development begun with Early detection of outbreaks of health statistics and water quality data waterborne gastroenteritis (Project 1.2.2) Production of over five peer reviewed publications on issues Twelve peer reviewed publications produced to date concerning public health aspects of water quality Establishment of an epidemiological study designed to identify Cyanobacterial bloom occurrence in drinking water and health health effects of cyanobacteria toxins effects completed in 1997 (Project 1.3.1.2) Relevant animal toxicology data will be provided by Cyanobacterial tumour promotion (Project 1.3.1.1) A proposal for a Randomised trial of recreational exposure to Cyanobacteria has been developed and external funding support is being sought (Project 1.3.1.3) Establishment of a study to evaluate health effects attributable to Disinfection by-products in drinking water and biomarkers in bladder disinfection by-products epithelial cells due for completion in 1999 (Project 1.3.5.1) Disinfection by-products in drinking water and pregnancy outcomes is under development (Project 1.3.5.2) Commenced development of improved microbiological indicators of Information on the appropriateness of current indicators will be the safety of drinking water provided by the water quality study (Project 1.3.3.1) Improved understanding of what contribution aluminium species Project development has been postponed pending the outcome of present in drinking water make to total body load of aluminium. research by the Water Services Association of Australia A series of workshops held covering major water quality-related public Workshops held on Public Health Priorities, Aluminium, Aboriginal health issues water supplies, Toxic Blue-Green Algae Establishment of an intervention trial to assess the effectiveness of The water quality study commenced in 1997 and will be completed domestic water filters in reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal in 1999 (Project 1.3.3.1) illness in the community

L O N G E R T E R M Understanding the major public health benefits achieved by The effect of filtration on rates of community gastroenteritis will be filtration of water containing varying levels of micropollutant shown by the water quality study (Project 1.3.3.1) contamination Models developed to indicate the most important microbiological Development and evaluation of a model for predicting the fate of and chemical micropollutants and allow priorities for other research Cryptosporidium and Campylobacter in drinking water supply to be determined on a rational basis systems (Project 1.1.1) will provide the basis for further work Improved knowledge to allow research and expenditure on water All projects in Program 1 contribute to a better understanding of treatment in Australia to be based on rigorously assessed public the relationship between water quality and human health health priorities and cost-benefit analysis Provision of scientifically based guidelines to the Australian water CRCWQT personnel are involved in the Rolling Revision of industry, particularly in those cases where international guidelines Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and practices conflict and where problems are unique to Australian Workshop held as part of Project 1.1.1 will form part of revision water suppliers process for Cryptosporidium Communication / education mechanisms in place to provide Program 1 personnel are involved in the development of plain authoritative advice to the community on water-related issues language materials under the Education program Construction of computer-based models to account for the various Computer based models will be developed following on from Project processes whereby exposure to microorganisms and other 1.1.1 microcontaminants can occur in water supply systems

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program T w o

DENNIS STEFFENSEN Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (DRIFT) as a routine method to characterise NOM. • Determination of pH, alkalinity and method of alum application on the amount and nature of NOM coagulated. • Determination of the effect of transport path, time after a storm event, soil pH and the nature of soil mineral content on the nature of NOM transported in a catchment.

MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R • Validation of Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) as an analytical method to characterise NOM. C A T C H M E N T A N D • Application of Py-GC-MS characterisation to the study of S O U R C E W A T E R M A N A G E M E N T variations in the nature of NOM. • Determination of the relative importance of catchment PR O G R A M CO O R D I N ATO R: DR DE N N I S ST E F F E N S E N ( AW Q C ) characteristics on the nature of NOM in a reservoir. PROGRAM SCOPE • Determination of the origin of NOM as it relates to problems in water treatment. This program covers issues which relate to health risks, treatment costs or palatability of water, and which have some scope for control T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R by manipulation of processes in the catchments or source waters. • Refinement of analytical techniques for the characterisation of The major topics are natural organic carbon, infectious pathogens, NOM will assist in the management of catchments to reduce the cyanobacteria and iron and manganese, while the major NOM in reservoirs, and the optimisation of water treatment to management options are soil amelioration, flow manipulation of remove the problem NOM fraction. rivers, destratification of storages, chemical manipulation in storages • Improved understanding of the interactions between NOM and and biomanipulation. phosphorus will assist in designing catchment management programs. P R O J E CT S 2 . 2 : I N F E CT I O U S M I C R O O R G A N I S M S I N C AT C H M E N T 2.1: C H A R A C T E R I S AT I O N O F N AT U R A L A N D S O U R C E WA T E R S O R G A N I C M AT T E R BAC KG R O U N D PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR KAY E SPA R K ( AW Q C ) Knowledge of the sources of pathogens in the catchment and an RE S E A R C H STA F F: DR JO H N VA N LE E U W E N, LI D I A SL E D Z, understanding of the catchment processes which influence the RO L A N D O FA B R I S ( AW Q C ) transport of pathogens into water supplies may provide cost effective management opportunities for their control. A discussion Budget: $907,780 paper has been prepared and a workshop on research priorities Duration: Jul 97 - Jun 00 held at the AWQC in April. Seventeen representatives of ten

BA C KG R O U N D member organisations attended the workshop on research The amount and character of naturally occurring organic matter p r i o r i t i e s. The workshop proposed that the CRC support the (NOM) significantly impacts on the transport of pollutants through development of key methods and approaches to pathogen catchments, on water treatment costs, on disinfection efficiency and detection in drinking water, targeting the pathogens of most by-product formation. Improved knowledge of the functionality and c o n c e r n .

reactivity of NOM will provide a more precise assessment of which R E C O M M E N DAT I O N S : compounds are of most concern in water treatment, and which • The pathogens of most importance, are C r y p t o s p o r i d i u m, processes in the catchments or source waters hold most promise for Giardia, Campylobacter and viruses, with viruses not subdivided management. There is close collaboration with the NOM studies in into any particular group of importance. Program 3 and with the CRC for Soil and Land Management studies • Projects should employ methods which can be applied to other on phosphorus movement through soils. organisms of similar size, environmental resistance, regrowth

P R I N C I PA L A I M S potential, treatment resistance, or other key factors. • Investigate methods that improve the characterisation of NOM. • The use of concurrent data produced in other CRC projects • Determine the climate and catchment factors that influence the should be maximised. nature and concentration of NOM and its treatability. • The projects should include epidemiologists and risk assessment • Improve understanding of the interactions between NOM and experts from program 1. phosphorus. A project proposal is under development.

M I L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D • Validation and application of Diffuse Reflectance Fo u r i e r

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2 . 3 : C YA N O B AC T E R I A TOX I N S • Improved levels of detection for hepatotoxins in water by HPLC Toxins from cyanobacteria are of increasing concern within the water through solid phase extraction methods and selective removal of industry. Development of methods for the detection of toxic species co-extracted NOM. and their toxins, and an understanding of the factors influencing • Assessment of the suitability of commercial ELISA kits for toxin production are essential for management. Australian hepatotoxins. • Assessment of colorimetric phosphatase assays for detection of 2 . 3 . 1 . 1 : D E V E L O P M E N T O F A N A LY T I C A L M E T H O D S F O R hepatotoxins. R A P I D D E T E CT I O N O F TOX I N S I N WA T E R • Assessment of capillary electrophoresis for detection of PSP PR O J E CT LE A D E R : DR BR E N TO N NI C H O L S O N ( AW Q C ) neurotoxins. RE S E A R C H STA F F: JOA N N A RO S I TA N O A N D TA M I L A HE R E S Z T Y N MI L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D ( AWQC), DR JI N G CAO A N D DR NI M A L CH A N D R A S E N A ( AW T ) • HPLC detection limits for peptide hepatotoxins have been lowered. Budget: $619,355 •Two phosphatase inhibition methods have been evaluated. Duration: Jul 96 - Jun 99 •Two commercial ELISA kits have been evaluated. B AC KG R O U N D • Reports on all of the above are being finalised. The ability to detect toxins produced by cyanobacteria in water is • Satisfactory progress on capillary electrophoresis methods. essential for determining the safety of water for consumers, as well MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R as evaluating the effectiveness of water treatment processes. • Prepare final reports on all aspects by June 1999. P R I N C I PA L A I M S T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R The aim of this project is to improve methods of analysis of peptide Significant improvement in the accuracy and reliability of toxin detection hepatotoxins and paralytic shellfish poisons (PSPs) produced by in source waters and water supply distribution systems is expected. cyanobacteria.

Elizabeth Putt with some of the many strains of toxigenic cyanobacteria isolated during the investigation of the genetic basis for toxin production by green algae

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2 . 3 . 1 . 2 : C H A R A C T E R I S AT I O N A N D D E T E R M I N AT I O N O F 2 . 3 . 2 . 3 : C H A R AC T E R I S AT I O N O F TO X I N S P R O D U C E D BY PSP TO X I N S I N N E U R OTO X I C A N A BA E N A A N D T H E CYA N O B AC T E R I A L G E N U S A N A BA E N A I N M E T H O D S F O R T H E I R R E M O VA L A U S T R A L I A N WA T E R S U P P L I E S A N D FACTO R S PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR BR E N TO N NI C H O L S O N ( AW Q C ) I N F L U E N C I N G T H E I R P R O D U CT I O N RE S E A R C H STA F F: JOA N N A RO S I TA N O A N D TA M I L A HE R E S Z T Y N PR O J E CT LE A D E R: PE T E R BA K E R ( AW Q C ) ( AW Q C ) RE S E A R C H STA F F: RE N AT E VE L Z E B O E R ( AW Q C ) Budget: $219,560 Budget: $49,572 Duration: Jul 95 - Dec 97 Duration: Jul 95 - Dec 97

B AC KG R O U N D BAC KG R O U N D Neurotoxicity in Australian Anabaena circinalis is due to paralytic The neurotoxins produced by Anabaenacircinalis were identified as shellfish poisons (PSPs). As this species is very common in surface Paralytic Shellfish Poisons in 1994 at the AWQC. Further waters in Australia, the development of detection methods suitable investigation was required to determine the distribution throughout for use in water supplies is urgently required. This study was Australia of PSPs and other cyanobacterial toxins in Anabaena and supported by a grant from UWRAA. to examine factors which may contribute to variability in toxin profile. This study was supported by a grant from UWRAA. P R I N C I PA L A I M S

• Adapt methods used for detection of PSPs in shellfish for use in water. P R I N C I PA L A I M S • Determine the behaviour of PSP toxins in water treatment • Investigate geographic patterns of occurrence and composition processes especially oxidation. of toxins in naturally occurring blooms of Anabaena in Australia. MI L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D • Determine the influence of environmental factors on the • Methods for extraction and concentration of PSPs successfully production of PSPs in cultured isolates of Anabaena circinalis developed. under experimental conditions. • Toxin profiles obtained from over 100 samples of Anabaena MI L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D circinalis. • Final report released as an UWRAA publication in March 1998. • Preliminary experiments with oxidants, chlorine and ozone for • Comprehensive database established of PSP occurrence, toxin removal completed. composition and potency in strains of A n a b a e n a c i rc i n a l i s • Final report completed and accepted by UWRAA. throughout Australia. T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R • Evidence that A. ci rc i n a l i s is the only species of An a b a e n a in Monitoring of PSP toxins in source waters and water supplies is now Australia that produces PSPs and confirmation that PSPs are the possible. ma j o r , if not only, agents of cyanobacterial neurotoxicity in Aus t r a l i a . • Data on the effect of nitrogen sources and nitrate concentrations 2 . 3 . 1 . 4 : D E V E L O P M E N T O F A N E L I SA M E T H O D F O R on the growth and PSP levels in cultures of A. circinalis. M I C R O CY S T I N S T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR DE N N I S ST E F F E N S E N (I N T E R I M) The project provides information to the water industry on the Duration: Jan 97 - Dec 99 presence, composition and potency of toxins produced by Anabaena B AC KG R O U N D in Australia. This is a collaborative project between the CRC and the Technical 2 . 3 . 2 . 1 : G E N E T I C S O F M I C R O CY S T I N P R O D U CT I O N BY University of Munich. In order to develop a method capable of CYA N O BAC T E R I A detecting all microcystins, antibodies will be generated using PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR BR E T T NE I L A N ( U N S W ) synthetic ADDA, which is the amino acid unique to all microcystins. Budget: $312,741 M I L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D Duration: Jan 97 - Jan 00 CSIRO have synthesised adequate quantities of ADDA which have BAC KG R O U N D been provided to the researchers in Munich. Funding for the This project investigates the mechanism for production of the toxin antibody study at Munich has yet to be confirmed but is expected microcystin in the cyanobacterial genus Mi c ro c y s t i s . The research later this year. offers the opportunity to identify the genes responsible for microcystin 2 . 3 . 2 : FACT O R S C O N T R O L L I N G TOX I N P R O D U CT I O N biosynthesis which will allow the discrimination of toxigenic and non- There is evidence that both genetic and environmental factors toxigenic strains. The development of genetically engineered influence toxin production in cyanobacteria. Knowledge of the cyanobacteria will enable a detailed study of the environmental factors influencing toxin production of particular species in conditions that affect toxicity observed in cyanobacterial blooms. particular circumstances will assist in developing cost effective P R I N C I PA L A I M S control measures. The initial studies were conducted at the AWQC by • Isolate and characterise the gene(s) responsible for microcystin Peter Baker. The new initiatives are collaborative studies involving production in M. aeruginosa. AWT, AWQC and the University of New South Wales.

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• Design molecular probes, based on these “toxin genes”, to biosynthesis of saxitoxin and other purine alkaloids have been discriminate between toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains. isolated. • Determine the influence of selected environmental factors on MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R the regulation of microcystin production within natural • Inactivation of these candidate toxin synthesis genes by genetic Microcystis populations. transformation of A. circinalis and characterisation of these M I L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D genes. • Microcystis gene library has been constructed and clones of T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R microcystin synthetase have been isolated and sequenced. Presence/absence data on toxigenic strains and an understanding of • The gene has been detected in a broad range of microcystin- their capacity for saxitoxin production will allow more effective producing cyanobacteria. management of A n a b a e n a blooms in drinking and recreational • By inactivating microcystin synthetase, a non-toxic mutant of M. water supplies. a e r u g i n o s a was made and methods for further genetic manipulation of this cyanobacteria have been established. 2 . 3 . 2 . 4 : R E G U L AT I O N O F C Y L I N D R O S P E R M O P S I N P R O D U CT I O N BY C Y L I N D R O S P E R M O P S I S M I L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R R AC I B O R S K I I • Development of RNA analysis and gene reporter systems for PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR CH R I S SA I N T ( AW Q C ) Microcystis. RE S E A R C H STA F F: DR MA R K SC H E M B R I, PE T E R BA K E R A N D KI M • Determination of ecological conditions which will alter the WI L S O N ( AWQC), DR PE T E R HAW K I N S A N D EL I Z A B E T H PU T T expression of microcystin synthetase and production of toxin. ( AWT), DR BR E T T NE I L A N A N D LE I G H HA R D M A N ( U N S W ) T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R Budget: $774,629 Presence/absence data on toxigenic strains and an understanding of Duration: Jul 97 – Jan 01 their capacity for microcystin production will allow more effective BA C KG R O U N D management of Microcystis blooms in drinking and recreational water supplies. Molecular probes may be commercialised. Clylindrospermopsin is a potent protein synthesis inhibitor produced by the cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii This species is

2 . 3 . 2 . 2 : G E N E T I C S O F SA X I T O X I N P R O D U CT I O N BY common in tropical and subtropical areas of Australia, and was A N A BA E N A C I R C I N A L I S responsible for the most serious recorded case of human poisoning PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR BR E T T NE I L A N ( U N S W ) by cyanobacteria in Australia when 149 people from Palm Island were hospitalised in 1978. It poses a major threat to the water Budget: $323,987 supplies in Queensland. Duration: Dec 96 - Jan 00

B AC KG R O U N D P R I N C I PA L A I M S The saxitoxin class of cyanobacterial toxins (PSPs) exhibit neurotoxic • Ascertain the types and distribution of C. raciborskii strains. effects and are often fatal. In Australia, saxitoxin is most often • Determine the environmental factors which regulate toxin associated with blooms of A. circinalis. This research project aims to production. identify the genes responsible for saxitoxin production in • Determine the pathways concerned with toxin production and cyanobacteria and also to study the evolution of A. circinalis in the regulation. context of the genus A n a b a e n a and other cyanobacteria from MI L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D overseas which produce the same toxins. • A variety of genetic techniques have been trialed to assess the most appropriate for characterisation of C y l i n d ro s p e r m o p s i s P R I N C I PA L A I M S isolates. 16S rRNA gene analysis and rpoC1 analysis have been • Determine the phylogeny of saxitoxin-producing cyanobacteria the most successful and 20 isolates are now being screened. and assess the relatedness of toxic and non-toxic strains of A. •Actively growing cultures of a variety of isolates have been circinalis. obtained. • Isolate and characterise the gene(s) responsible for saxitoxin • The hunt for candidate toxin encoding genes has begun. production in A.circinalis. • Determine the influence of selected environmental factors on MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R the regulation of saxitoxin production within natural Anabaena • Completion of generic characterisation. populations. • Isolation of candidate toxin genes. • Evaluation of recombinant DNA techniques. MI L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D • The genetic relationships and evolution of the group of TE C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R saxitoxin-producing cyanobacteria and non-toxic strains of A. • Improved management of water storages. circinalis has been determined. • Rapid methodologies for the identification of cyanobacteria. • Several candidate genes believed to be involved in the • Commercially viable production of cylindrospermopsin.

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2.4: CO N T R O L O F CYA N O BACT E R I A I N R I V E R S populations in the lower River Murray. • Determine the importance of wetlands as a source for 2 . 4 . 1 : C R I T I C A L F L O W A N D P O P U L AT I O N D E V E L O P M E N T recruitment of cyanobacteria to the river channel. O F T H E CYA N O B AC T E R I A A N A BA E N A A N D MI C R O CY S T I S • Examine the influence of environmental conditions which trigger I N T H E MU R R AY- DA R L I N G R I V E R SY S T E M the onset of key life cycle stages. PR O J E CT LE A D E R: MI C H A E L BU R C H ( AW Q C ) MI L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D RE S E A R C H STA F F: AS S O C PR O F GE O R G E GA N F A N D JU S T I N BR O O K E S ( UN I AD E L A I D E), DR IA N WE B S T E R A N D DR MY R I A M • Information on the distribution and abundance of resting stages BO R M A N S (CSIRO), PE T E R BA K E R A N D DR HO L G E R MA I E R of Anabaena in the sediments of the river and adjacent wetlands ( AW Q C ) and their contribution to population development. Budget: $280,490 • Quantification of the advection of cyanobacteria from wetlands Duration : Jul 95 – Apr 98 to the river channel. • Assessment of environmental influences on akinete germination B AC KG R O U N D under laboratory conditions. There is a strong association between periods of low flow in summer and the occurrence of cyanobacteria. Studies by the CSIRO at Maude TE C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R Weir, 1992-1995, demonstrated that low flow and the associated This project can assist in the development of management strategies stratification of the water column were critical in determining the for control of cyanobacterial blooms, particularly in wetland occurrence of A n a b a e n a. This relationship provides a possible ecosystems. mechanism for controlling cyanobacteria through manipulation of f l o w. Funding from the Land & Water Resources Research & P R O J E CTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT Development Corporation was obtained under the National River 2 . 5 . 1 : R E S E R VO I R M A N AG E M E N T Health Program to examine this issue in the lower reaches of the River Murray. Impoundment of water can cause stagnation and stratification of the water column with serious deterioration in water quality. The most P R I N C I PA L A I M S promising option for counteracting the influence of impoundment is • Determine the relationship between cyanobacterial abundance artificial mixing or destratification. With the completion of the and flow in the River Murray and develop management studies in the River Murray, reservoir management will become a strategies to set critical flow targets for specific sites. major focus for Program 2.

M I L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D D E S T R AT I F I C AT I O N • All fieldwork was completed and a final report provided to the Vertical stratification of reservoirs in summer promotes the release LWRRDC. of iron and manganese from the bottom waters while promoting • The report included a conceptual model for the interaction of cyanobacterial growth in the surface waters. Destratification is f l o w, wind, temperature and turbulence in determining commonly used to overcome these problems but with variable stratification and for the interaction between water column s u c c e s s, especially with regard to control of cyanobacteria. There is stability and nutrients on cyanobacterial growth potential. increasing evidence that a key issue is surface heating during

T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R periods of hot calm weather. A project proposal is being developed This study will assist in developing a flow management strategy for which will examine alternative methods for surface mixing at control of cyanobacteria in the River Murray. Myponga and Happy Valley Reservoirs in South Au s t r a l i a . Downloading a weather station in the River Murra y 2 . 4 . 2 : L I F E H I S TO RY A N D E C O L O G Y O F B L O O M F O R M I N G CYA N O B AC T E R I A I N T H E L OW E R R I V E R MU R R AY PR O J E CT LE A D E R: PE T E R BA K E R ( AW Q C ) Budget: $173,500 Duration: Oct 95 - Jun 98

BA C KG R O U N D This project addressed a knowledge gap in the life history of the bloom-forming and toxin-producing cyanobacterium A n a b a e n a circinalis, and has provided broader understanding of the ecological processes which trigger the development of blooms in the lower River Murray. This project was funded by LWRRDC.

P R I N C I PA L A I M S • Determine the significance of resting stages of A n a b a e n a c i rc i n a l i s in the sediments to seasonal development of

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Negotiations are also under way with the Water Corporation of projects is essential to ensure that the investigations are targeted at Western Australia and Melbourne Water for destratification the needs of the industry. To facilitate this involvement the partner p r o j e c t s. water authorities will be contacted for their input and a workshop will be held in 1998/99. OT H E R R E S E R VO I R M A N AG E M E N T O P T I O N S Other reservoir management options which may be considered in 2 . 3 . 3 : I D E N T I F I C AT I O N A N D E N U M E R AT I O N O F 1998/99 include: CYA N O BAC T E R I A • Development of alternative algicides Methods currently available for identification and enumeration of • Biomanipulation cyanobacteria are time consuming, require high levels of taxonomic • Reduction in retention time expertise and are a major cost to the water industry. A proposal with • Reduction in internal nutrient load. a focus on the use of image analysis is being finalised and work Active involvement of the water authorities in the reservoir research should begin in late 1998.

PROGRAM MILESTO N E S

C O M M O N W E A LT H S C H E D U L E MI L E S TO N E S C O N T R I B U T I O N F R O M P R O J E CT MI L E S TO N E S

F I R S T T H R E E Y E A R S Methods for quantifying hepato- and neurotoxins produced by Methods are now available for all toxins; see Projects 2.3.1.1, 2.3.1.2, cyanobacteria 2.3.1.3, and 2.3.1.4 Determination of the factors influencing the link between river flow Achieved through Project 2.4.1 and cyanobacterial growth Assessment of the significance of catchments and source waters as Extensive literature review conducted including a report on a major sources of pathogens including Cryptosporidium and Giardia international conference on Cryptosporidium in California; project proposal nearing completion Preliminary assessment of the relative importance of genetic and Assessment well advanced including the identification of the gene environmental factors in controlling toxin production in for microcystin production; see Projects 2.3.2.1, 2.3.2.2, 2.3.2.3, and cyanobacteria 2.3.2.4 Improved methods for the concentration and isolation of NOM which This topic was transferred to Project 3.2.2 of Program 3 are more representative of the whole NOM Monitoring of DOC from selected catchments before and after the Achieved in a collaborative Project (2.1.1) with the CRC for Soil and application of soil ameliorants Land Management

L O N G E R T E R M Development of rapid, simple to use analytical kits for Available kits for microcystin evaluated in Project 2.3.1.1; cyanobacterial toxins development of a novel antibody approach will be considered in Project 2.3.1.4 Development of analytical methods for lipopolysaccharides from Not considered as a high priority due to the lack of evidence of cyanobacteria significant health impacts Development of rapid, sensitive methods for monitoring toxic Will be part of the project currently under preparation and may also cyanobacteria flow from the outputs of Projects 2.3.2.1, 2.3.2.2 and 2.3.2.4. Development of flow management strategies for control of A report is being prepared in collaboration with CSIRO Land and cyanobacteria in rivers Water for completion in late 1998 Development of mixing regimes for control of cyanobacteria in A major project is at the final stages of development reservoirs Development of mixing regimes for control of iron, manganese and See above dissolved oxygen in reservoirs Assessment of chemical manipulation as a method for controlling This topic will be considered in 1999/00 water quality in reservoirs Confirmation of the effectiveness of calcium application (lime or This will be addressed in the continuing collaboration with the CRC gypsum), leading to an improvement in water quality as well as soil for Soil and Land Management and crop production

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program Three

M A R Y D R I K A S BAC KG R O U N D Polyelectrolytes are used in water treatment in two distinct ways: as coagulant aids and as primary coagulants. In the latter role, polymers have a number of advantages over inorganic coagulants, notably the smaller volume of sludge produced resulting in longer filter runs and reduced sludge management costs. In both roles, most of the added polyelectrolyte will be removed along with the destabilized colloidal impurities, but some may remain in the treated water. If so, there may be health implications from the polymer itself, and any by- products formed from its interaction with disinfectants. However, W A T E R T R E A T M E N T T E C H N O L O G Y little reliable information on flocculant carryover is available; present-day regulations governing polyelectrolyte use are P R O G R A M C O O R D I N ATO R - M A RY D R I K A S ( AW Q C ) consequently quite arbitrary and vary widely from country to country.

PROGRAM SCOPE P R I N C I PA L A I M S • Develop a rapid and reliable method, based on fluorescent This program aims to determine the most cost effective treatment labelling, for determining residual polymer in water treated with methods for the best water quality production while minimising risk polymeric flocculants or coagulant aids. associated with water quality by • Explore the range of raw water compositions for which • Enhancing operating treatment systems by developing new polyelectrolytes can be used as primary coagulants. chemicals and treatment products and optimising current treatment practices, particularly for the removal of natural MI L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D organics and problem organisms and compounds; • Jar tests were undertaken on six representative waters with • Studying the adsorption ability of activated carbon and tagged and commercial polyDADMAC flocculants. High polymer determining the most economic application of activated carbon doses were needed except for highly turbid water from the River for water treatment; Murray. The significance of turbidity as a variable controlling • Evaluating alternative approaches to disinfection and flocculant performance of polyDA D M AC at low doses was determining their applicability in Australian waters. improved by spiking Horsham water with clay. Ta g g e d polyDADMAC was shown to be as effective in treating the During the three years since its establishment, Program 3 has made various waters as commercial polyDA D M AC flocculants of substantial progress towards all the milestones set out for this similar molecular weight. period; six of the proposed nine projects are progressing well and are • The evaluation of the contribution of flocculants to disinfection reported below. Several projects have been recognised as having by-product formation was deferred, with the approval of the international importance and strong collaborative links continue Board, until enough information on polymer residuals had been with researchers in Europe and the US. The new project assessing the gathered to confirm the need for this work. Staff will be “Removal of Pathogens by Water Treatment Processes” is under appointed shortly at AWQC to undertake this work. development. The project on “Controlling Aluminium in Treated • Some tagged polyacrylamides were prepared. Water” has been delayed pending the outcome of studies on • CSIRO was appointed commercialisation agent and is discussing aluminium which were initiated by the Water Services Association of commercial arrangements with a potential manufacturer of the Australia (WSAA). These studies will determine the need for further technology. work to be undertaken within the CRC. Preliminary information suggests that the bioavailability of aluminium in water is no more Mary Drikas chairing the WaterTECH 98 Conference stream on “ Treatment of Water for Drinking Purposes”, with keynote speaker than that in food; as the ingestion of aluminium from food is 24 times P rof. Geoff Codd from the Department of Biological Sciences higher than that from water this appears to diffuse the health at the University of Dundee concerns and reduce the need for detailed studies of aluminium.

P R O J E CT S

3 . 1 . 2 : P O LY E L E CT R O LY T E S I N WA T E R T R E AT M E N T PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR RO B EL D R I D G E ( C S I R O ) RE S E A R C H STA F F: DI A N E BE N N E T T, DR BR I A N BO LTO, DR DAV I D DI XO N, NG O C LE( C S I R O ) JI M MO R R A N, JE R E M Y LU C A S ( AW Q C ) Budget: $1,016,925 Duration: May 96 - May 99

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program Three

M I L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R resin and powdered activated carbon. • Identify major disinfection by-products from reaction of • Preliminary discussions were held with Melbourne Water staff representative polymers with selected disinfectants. regarding the possible use of data and water samples from the • Assess removal of Cryptosporidium oocysts by polyelectrolytes two new Healesville MF plants. compared with alum treatment of water. • A reverse osmosis unit was purchased and methodology • Determine polymer residuals from alum/coagulant aid developed for concentrating water.

treatment. MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R • Measure polymer residuals after continuous treatment with • Design, construction and commissioning of flexible pilot plant tagged polyDADMAC. facility suitable for use at remote locations. T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R • Complete screening of currently available adsorbents such as • An understanding of the behaviour and fate of polymeric c l a y s, resins, oxides etc. Complete testing of commercially flocculants, providing a rational basis for regulating their use. available coagulants and flocculants in conjunction with MF. • Cost-effective, confident and safe use of flocculants by the water • Selection of suitable sites for pilot plant test work. industry. •Technical and economic comparison of hybrid approach with conventional and emerging alternative technologies. 3 . 1 . 3 : H Y B R I D M E M B R A N E P R O C E S S E S I N WA T E R • Synthesis and testing of new adsorbents and polymers. T R E AT M E N T T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR NI C BO O K E R ( C S I R O ) The project will result in a range of simple, rapid and cost effective RE S E A R C H STA F F: DR TI M CA R R O L L, DR ST E P H E N GR AY A N D processes that could be used in combination with low pressure ST E P H A N FE L L N E R ( C S I R O ) microfiltration processes for the removal of dissolved as well as ANDREA SCHAFER AND PROF TONY FANE (UNSW) NATA S H A RU T H E R F O R D, CU N L I XI A N G A N D insoluble impurities from drinking water; thus allowing for improved AS S O C PR O F FE L I C I T Y RO D D I C K ( R M I T ) drinking water quality whilst minimising fouling and increasing the life of membrane processes. Budget: $1,575,762 Duration: Jul 97 - Jul 00 3 . 2 . 1 : D E V E L O P M E N T O F T R E AT M E N T SY S T E M S B AC KG R O U N D F O R R E M O VA L O F N AT U R A L O R G A N I C S Membranes are reliable, use low amounts of chemical and are low PR O J E CT LE A D E R: MA RY DR I K A S ( AW Q C ) maintenance, potentially making them cost effective and ideally RE S E A R C H STA F F: DR CH R I S CH O W, UW E KA E D I N G, JI M MO R R A N, suited for small communities. Both microfiltration and ultrafiltration DR KAY E SPA R K ( AW Q C ) membrane processes have been found to be particularly suitable in DR BRI A N BOL TO, SIM O N KIN G , DR DAVI D DIXO N , DR RO B EL D R I D G E ( C S I R O ) potable water treatment for the removal of finely divided suspended AS S O C PR O F FE L I C I T Y RO D D I C K, solids, especially bacteria, algae and protozoa such as Giardia and AS S O C PR O F MA L C O L M HO B DAY, Cryptosporidium. They have been less successful in cost terms for AD E L E PA R K I N S O N ( R M I T ) the removal of dissolved contaminants such as colour and chemical SH AU N TH O M A S, DR DAV I D DAV E Y, pollutants. The application of ultrafine membrane structures (eg. AS S O C PR O F DE N N I S MU L C A H Y ( UN I SA ) nanofiltration and reverse osmosis) to the removal of soluble Budget: $1,584,141 contaminants from drinking water suffers from high operating costs Duration: Apr 97 - Nov 00 associated with high pressure drops and irreversible membrane fouling. BA C KG R O U N D Natural organics are one of the key factors in determining both P R I N C I PA L A I M S coagulant and disinfectant dose, react with disinfectants to produce This project focusses on the role of coagulation and adsorption by-products, are a food source for bacterial growth in distribution processes in combination with microfiltration membrane processes. s y s t e m s, foul membranes limiting their use, and are adsorbed It is hoped that by studying such process combinations, the removal strongly by activated carbon reducing its lifetime and usefulness for of natural organic compounds on conventional microfiltration removal of pollutants. The character of the organics are of membranes can be achieved with minimal fouling of the membrane significance - for example the assimilable component of the organics surface. This combination of processes could potentially develop a (AOC) appears to be one of the controlling factors of bacterial low operating cost membrane system that is capable of removing regrowth occurring in the distribution system. both soluble and particulate pollutants from drinking water. It is clear that there is a need to reduce both the assimilable and total M I L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D amount of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) present in our waters if • A pilot membrane filtration unit was built to test the response of water authorities are to maximise the cost effective use of a range of the microfiltration membrane to loading with a range of treatment processes and are to meet future limits on both particulate solids. These included magnetite, clays, ion exchange disinfectant dose and disinfection by-products.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program Three

P R I N C I PA L A I M S 3 . 2 . 2 : OP T I M I SAT I O N O F A D S O R P T I O N P R O C E S S E S This project seeks a better understanding of the removal of natural PR O J E CT LE A D E R: GAY L E NE W C O M B E ( AW Q C ) organics by a range of currently available treatment processes, RE S E A R C H STA F F: JA N I N A MO R R I S O N, CH R I S HE P P L E W H I T E, focussing on coagulation, oxidation and ion exchange resins. Some DAV I D CO O K ( AWQC), assessment of metal oxides and clays will also be undertaken. This DR PHI L L I P PEN D L E TO N , DR CLAU D I A SAUE R L A N D should lead to the identification of particular components of the (U NI SA) natural organic matter (NOM) that contribute to AOC or are reactive AS S O C PR O F FE L I C I T Y RO D D I C K, RE B E C C A to disinfection, forming by-products. It should also identify steps MCCA L L U M ( R M I T ) within these processes which are more suited for removal of the Budget: $1,129,146 problematic components of NOM. Duration: May 96-Feb 00

M I L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D BAC KG R O U N D • Initial work has focussed on the impact of enhanced and Powdered activated carbon is used extensively for the removal of sequential coagulation of two types of water, as well as tastes and odours from drinking water; however, it does not always determining the impact of pH on coagulation. Data so far produce the desired water quality. Preliminary studies have shown confirms that increased coagulation leads to removal of the that activated carbons produced from different raw materials display larger molecular weight NOM fraction and that the lower a range of capacities for taste and odour removal. This effect has molecular weight (MW) fractions for these two waters differ. The been shown previously for the algal hepatotoxins nodularin and enhanced coagulation experiments indicate that optimum DOC microcystin-LR. If the necessary characteristics of activated carbon removal occurred at pH 5 but to concurrently minimise for a particular contaminant (or a mixture of contaminants) are aluminium residuals, pH 6 was required. known, the best carbon can then be chosen (or produced), ensuring • Considerable evaluation of all types of commercially available the most cost-effective use of activated carbon. polymers using fractionated material from three different P R I N C I PA L A I M S natural waters was undertaken, as well as the use of polymers in This project combines the study of adsorption of compounds that are conjunction with alum. Waters from Bell Bay and Hope Va l l e y of particular interest to the water industry of Australia (namely algal reservoir were best treated with a high MW polyDA D M AC for toxins, taste and odour compounds and dissolved natural organic the removal of UV absorbing compounds and a cationic material) and the simultaneous detailed study of the surface polyacrylamide of high charge was also effective. Chitosan also properties of the adsorbents. This information will define the performed reasonably for both waters. The synthesis of new mechanisms responsible for adsorption behaviour on different polymers has been delayed due to this more detailed adsorbents, as well as the effect of NOM on removal of problem e v a l u a t i o n . c o m p o u n d s. The solids under investigation include a range of • Testing of available clays and oxides has been initiated. commercially-available activated carbons and several alternative, • The effects of pH and dissolved oxygen concentration on the low cost adsorbents. impact of ultraviolet irradiation on NOM have been i n v e s t i g a t ed. PhD Student Rebecca McCallum at RMIT University

M I L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R • Testing of commercially available ion exchange resins. • Synthesis of new resins and testing of new resins and new syntheses. • Modification of clay/oxide and testing for the removal of NOM. • Assess the impact of UV/peroxide on NOM. • Assess nature of NOM changes with other coagulants. • Undertake coagulation studies in other waters. • A new Ph.D. project will focus on the use of electroanalytical techniques to study the complexation of NOM with aluminium.

T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R This project will enable the modification of currently utilised treatment systems to maximise efficiency of treatment and removal of natural organic matter and will identify treatment systems which focus on removal of problematic components. This may lead to development of novel processes to better and more economically reduce NOM.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program Three

MI L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D MI L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D • Innovative application of small angle neutron scattering for the • Analytical methods for chlorination by-products such as clarification of activated carbon pore volume distributions and haloacetic acids have been put in place. In addition, methods for the degree of interconnectivity of the pores. ozonation by-products such as aldehydes, ketoacids, carboxylic • Application of the homogenous surface diffusion model to acids and bromate have also been established. describe and predict the kinetics of adsorption of MIB (a musty • NOM has been fractionated using resins and ultrafiltration and odour compound) onto a range of activated carbons in the preliminary ozonation experiments performed. presence of NOM of different character. MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R • It was found that, under certain activation conditions, an • Application of the fractionation schemes to various waters. activated carbon produced from power station char exhibits the • Determination of the by-products formed on ozonation and same results in terms of rate and capacity of removal as the most ozonation/chlorination using fractionated material. widely-used commercially-available product. • Studies on brominated disinfection by-products to be completed M I L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R • Study of the competitive effects of three NOM fractions on seven The water industry will be in a better position to assess the suitability commercial activated carbons and one low cost adsorbent will be of ozone as a replacement for chlorine in primary disinfection of completed. drinking water. • Comprehensive characterisation of NOM isolated by three techniques will be completed. 3 . 2 . 5 : R E G E N E R AT I O N O F AC T I VAT E D C A R B O N • A range of activated carbons will be produced using different PR O J E CT LE A D E R: AS S O C PR O F FE L I C I T Y RO D D I C K ( R M I T ) activation conditions. These will then be characterised and RE S E A R C H STA F F: DR TH A N G NG U Y E N ( R M I T ) compared with commercially-available adsorbents. Budget: $185,577 T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R Duration: Dec 97 - Dec 98 The outcomes will be the more cost-effective use of adsorbents in water treatment by the establishment of reliable criteria for the Preliminary work at the AWQC demonstrated the basic concept for this choice of a particular adsorbent under specified water quality novel process with regeneration efficiencies of approximately 70% conditions. A possible commercial outcome from the work is the being obtained at small laboratory scale. The concept has been refined production of a low-cost, brown coal-based adsorbent which may and further developed at RMIT over the ten months to December 1997. have specific application in water treatment. This work has lead to the determination of critical factors and regeneration efficiencies of up to 93% at both the 5 and 50 gram scales. 3 . 2 . 3 : A LT E R N AT I V E D I S I N F E CT I O N R E G I M E S The Director has sought the assistance of the Commercialisation PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR BR E N TO N NI C H O L S O N ( AW Q C ) Committee and an industry partner is being sought to take this RE S E A R C H STA F F: CH R I S KO S TA K I S ( AW Q C ) process to full commercialisation. A project proposal to continue this RO D N E Y MAGA Z I N OV I C, DR DAV I D DAV E Y, work for one year was approved by the Board at the December AS S O C PR O F DE N N I S MU L C A H Y ( UN I SA ) meeting to scale up the process prior to completing a Budget: $621,289 commercialisation agreement. Keen interest has been shown by Duration: Mar 97 - Mar 00 industry partners.

B AC KG R O U N D PhD Student Rodney Magazinovic and Masters Student Chris Ko s t a k i s With increasing regulation of water quality, in particular the disinfection by-products (DBPs) produced by chlorine, there has been a move to replace chlorine with ozone. Ozone has its own associated p r o b l e m s, namely the production of AOC leading to biological growth in the distribution system, and the formation of by-products with their own health problems, eg bromate.

P R I N C I PA L A I M S An understanding of the factors affecting the formation of, and the nature of the precursors of AOC and DBPs in water treatment processes involving ozone or ozone/chlorine, and factors which affect the formation of brominated DBPs such as bromate in ozonated water. This understanding should lead to management strategies for these problems.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program Three

PROGRAM MILESTO N E S

C O M M O N W E A LT H S C H E D U L E MI L E S TO N E S C O N T R I B U T I O N F R O M P R O J E CT MI L E S TO N E S

F I R S T T H R E E Y E A R S Clarification of the usefulness of on-line aluminium monitors in This project not given a high priority operating treatment plants Determination of the factors influencing aluminium speciation Work on speciation has been delayed pending the outcome of studies during flocculation initiated by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA); complexation of NOM with aluminium will be studied within Project 3.2.1 New polyelectrolytes for water treatment developed and evaluation This will occur later due to longer time taken for synthesis of tagged begun polyelectrolytes and evaluation of available polyelectrolytes within Projects 3.1.2 and 3.2.1 Assessment of the impact of current water treatment processes on Good progress made within Project 3.2.1 removal of natural organics completed Identification of the physical characteristics of activated carbon Activated carbons with a high primary micropore volume and low which are responsible for the adsorption of taste and odour oxygen content display the highest equilibrium capacity for taste compounds and neurotoxins and odour compounds, while chemically-activated wood-based carbons show very low equilibrium adsorption, but much higher adsorption rates; preliminary results indicate PSP neurotoxins are influenced by the same factors Evaluation of the effectiveness of a range of available alternative Methods for analysis of by-products likely to be formed by ozone and disinfectants in Australian waters will be completed ozone/chlorine have been established; evaluation of disinfectants now being undertaken within Project 3.2.3

L O N G E R TE R M Optimisation of the coagulation/flocculation process to minimise This milestone is no longer an industry need bioavailable residual aluminium Development of an effective polyelectrolyte with high efficiency and Will be undertaken within Project 3.1.2 minimal by-products for use in water treatment Development of a membrane system with optimum efficiency and Project 3.1.3. initiated late last year minimal fouling by natural organics (either alone or in conjunction with another process to remove organics) Identification of the most effective treatment methods for the Project proposal will be prepared this year removal of pathogens Development of a cost-effective treatment system to remove natural Possible outcome of Project 3.2.1 or at least optimisation of current organics processes to maximise NOM removal Identification of the most cost-effective applications of activated Considerable progress made within Project 3.2.2 carbon Production of a cheaper, effective adsorbent Possible adsorbents currently being prepared and evaluated within Project 3.2.2 Development of a new, effective disinfectant with minimal Project proposal will be prepared following literature review disinfection by-products

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program Four

I A N F I S H E R between key ‘environmental’ (in-pipe) variables and biofilm development in real systems. Instead, this project simulates pipe flow in distribution systems using annular reactors under controlled laboratory conditions. Relationships derived will be validated in research area 4.3.

P R I N C I PA L A I M S • Compare and improve methods of measuring nutrients available to bacteria and biofilm formation. • Determine nutrient(s) limiting bacterial growth in various Australian waters. M A I N T A I N I N G W A T E R Q U A L I T Y I N • Determine influences of nutrient levels in bulk water on biofilm D I S T R I B U T I O N S Y S T E M S development. • Determine significance of spatial structure and diversity of P R O G R A M C O O R D I N ATO R: D R I A N F I S H E R ( AW T ) microorganisms in biofilms.

P ROGRAM SCOPE MI L E S TO N E S AC H I E V E D Research Program 4 aims to understand the mechanisms by which • Improvements to BDOC method measuring low levels of water flow and its influent quality, biofilms and pathogens interact in bioavailable carbon in bulk water, and inclusion of bacterial pipes and service reservoirs, affecting health-related and aesthetic regrowth potential (BRP) method. dimensions of water quality at consumers’ taps. From this basis, • New, rapid, cost-effective and accurate method developed to sound cost-effective management strategies can be developed to determine AOC.; existing methods are unsuited to large-scale control water quality and hence meet the increasingly stringent investigation in either laboratory or field conditions. quality guidelines and standards imposed on water supplies. •Validation of methods for estimating biofilm biomass (marked Program 4 has therefore set specific goals within three research cell counts, protein and carbohydrate content) for these areas: conditions. 4.1. Biofilm and flow interactions under controlled conditions

4.2. Pathogen and biofilm interactions under controlled conditions P rototype Biofilm Reactor developed within CRC project 4.1.1 4.3. Management strategies for biofilms and pathogens in specifically for drinking water re s e a rch distribution systems. There are projects proposed within each research area to be completed within the period of Commonwealth funding. Priorities were set in consultation with research and industry participants. Currently, two projects are operating in area 4.1 and one in 4.2. Setting up projects in area 4.3 is more demanding, as instrumentation must be installed in real distribution systems to obtain data to validate the process models developed in 4.1 and 4.2. However, the content and contributions for major projects in the Melbourne and Adelaide systems have recently been agreed.

P R O J E CT S

4 . 1 . 1 FACT O R S A F F E CT I N G B I O F I L M D E V E L O P M E N T U N D E R C O N T R O L L E D C O N D I T I O N S PR O J E CT LE A D E R: DR MA R K AN G L E S ( AW T ) RE S E A R C H STA F F: DR JO S E P H CH A N DY, JA N I N E FL O O D, MA L C O L M WA R N E C K E, GE O R G E KA S T L, DR RA J SH A N K E R ( AWT), MA RY DR I K A S A N D NAO M I WI T H E R S, (AW Q C ) Budget: $892,000 Duration: Feb 97 - May 99

BA C KG R O U N D Flow and quality in real distribution systems fluctuate widely in a relatively uncontrolled fashion and are difficult to measure in situ. It is consequently difficult and expensive to determine relationships

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program Four

• Annular reactors enable study of biofilm development under • Extend bulk chlorine decay model to include biofilm and pipe controlled nutrient conditions. Reactors purchased from USA did surface effects. not meet performance criteria, so a prototype that meets all of MI L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D these criteria was developed in cooperation with a local • Analysis of pre-existing experimental data from nitrification manufacturer. studies in annular reactors provided estimates of chlorine M I L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R consumption rates by nitrifying biofilm and resistance to • Complete rapid method for determining AOC in bulk water that different concentrations of chlorine. However, data were also determines nutrient limiting bacterial growth in bulk water, insufficient to derive general biofilm process descriptions. with validation in real distribution systems. • A carbon mass balance was attempted across three annular • Implement program to fast track investigation of the influence of reactors (connected in series). For feed rate and bacterial surface nutrients in water on biofilm formation, after new prototype densities, carbon consumption was undetectable by available reactor has been fully commissioned. techniques. Further experiments were designed to overcome this • Use microscopy to characterise biofilms by area, spatial problem. organisation and diversity, to determine biofilm responses to in- • Experiments with various phosphorus concentrations are in pipe conditions. progress to determine whether phosphorus is a limiting nutrient that needs to be balanced in the model. T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R • Delays and long lead times in Project 4.1.1 have allowed greater • The new method for AOC measurement and limiting nutrient progress in development of disinfection models. The biofilm determination will provide the water industry with tools for model now includes chlorine decay due to bulk water, wall characterising changes in microbiological quality within surface and biofilm, as well as growth retardation by chlorine. distribution systems and for identifying measures to improve it. • The new annular reactor design and prototype will eliminate MI L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R some inconsistencies in biofilm formation data obtained from • Results from nutrient limitation experiments (4.1.1) will be laboratory, pipe rigs and real systems. evaluated and used to produce a model of bacterial growth in • Process models in Project 4.1.3, based on experiments in Project water and biofilm. 4.1.1, are critical to developing quality models of real system • Improved process descriptions from experiments to separate n e t w o r k s. These provide a sound basis for comparison of rigorously effects of wall surface and biofilm on chlorine decay. management strategies. • Chloramination models further developed because chloramination is generally considered to control bacterial 4 . 1 . 3 M O D E L L I N G B I O F I L M S A N D I N T E RV E N T I O N S growth further into distribution systems. Nitrification will also be PR O J E CT LE A D E R: GE O R G E KA S T L ( AW T ) included. RE S E A R C H STA F F: VE E R I A H JE GAT H E E SA N, DR IA N FI S H E R ( AWT), MA RY DR I K A S ( AW Q C ) TE C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R Budget $448,500 • Accurate representation of the interaction of chlorine with bulk Duration: Nov 96 – Jun 99 water has already been developed. This adequately represents re-chlorination for the first time - a critical requirement for BA C KG R O U N D optimisation of chlorination in real systems. Although models of flow in distribution systems have been used for many years, quality models are relatively new and often inaccurate. This project develops a dynamic model of interactions between bulk Anabeana Circ i n a l i s water and biofilm development in a pipe element, including the managerial intervention of disinfection. Experimental results from Project 4.1.1 are compared initially with process descriptions contained in existing models. Modifications will result in a robust mathematical description of experimental results. Model accuracy can then be demonstrated, prior to incorporation into a network flow/quality model.

P R I N C I PA L A I M S • Evaluate pre-existing annular reactor experiments and identify major variables. • Produce mass balance of critical substances (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria). • Evaluate nutrient limitation experiments for development of bacterial growth model in water and biofilm.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program Four

• Applying adequate process models of interactions between flow, P R O J E CT UNDER DEVELOPMENT biofilm, wall surface and chlorine would result in major capital and operating cost savings in distribution systems. 4 . 3 . 2 O P T I M I S AT I O N O F C H L O R I N E R E S I D UA L I N D I S T R I B U T I O N S Y S T E M – ME L B O U R N E 4 . 2 . 2 . 1 C RY P TO S P O R I D I U M O O CY S T I N T E R A C T I O N S PR O J E CT LE A D E R: GE O R G E KA S T L ( AW T ) W I T H D R I N K I N G WA T E R P I P E B I O F I L M S

PR O J E CT LE A D E R: MA L C O L M WA R N E C K E ( AW T ) BA C KG R O U N D RE S E A R C H STA F F: DR MA R K AN G L E S, ST E V E LE MO E N I C ( AW T ) The process models derived in project 4.1.3 must be validated Budget: $192,500 against water quality and biofilm data obtained from real pipes, Duration: Jan 98 - Mar 99 before using them to derive management strategies, such as maintaining specified maximum and minimum chlorine residuals BA C KG R O U N D throughout a distribution system. A rationale for specifying these Microbiological health risks may be substantially modified within limits is also needed. distribution systems, if pathogens entering the system accumulate or As fluctuations in flow can have substantial impact on measured grow in pipe or service reservoir biofilms. This project examines the quality, flow time series for each pipe must first be derived from potential of a significant pathogen to accumulate in real pipe biofilm existing pipe network models. These flows will then be provided as and subsequently be released to the water phase by biofilm inputs to the quality models, to produce the predicted quality for sloughing. direct comparison with measured data during validation. A range of P R I N C I PA L A I M S realistic flows will also be generated from the network models for • Build a small pipe rig to conduct experiments on biofilms grown evaluation of management strategies. in situ on real pipe sections in the distribution system. Agreement has been reached recently regarding content and • Determine the role of pipe surface attachment in participant contributions for a project to carry out a monitoring Cryptosporidium oocyst persistence, survival and detachment program of water quality and biofilms within the Melbourne due to an inoculation event and its aftermath. distribution system, and to use the data to validate the models in the

M I L E S TO N E S A C H I E V E D manner indicated above. The project will also attempt to use probability of zero coliform occurrence as a criterion for setting the • A recirculating loop comprised of a pump and exhumed pipes minimum chlorine target levels to be attained in subsequent runs of containing developed biofilms has been constructed and the validated models, to determine optimal chlorine dosing locations commissioned. and concentrations in the reticulation system. • The first inoculation with a known number of Cryptosporidium oocysts has been completed and analysis of accumulation in Application of validated models to derive optimal disinfection biofilm samples is in progress. strategy will demonstrate potential for capital and operating cost savings, while meeting microbiological quality criteria. M I L E S TO N E S P L A N N E D F O R N E X T Y E A R • Samples from water phase and biofilm will be enumerated by flow cytometry to determine degree of closure of a mass balance of oocysts. Dr Ian Fisher (rear) and George Kastl discuss Biofilm Model • Subsequent treatments to mimic the aftermath of a main break or service reservoir chlorination will be similarly investigated to show the impact of management measures on oocyst persistence. • Structure and diversity of biofilms will be examined to determine degree of sloughing and its effects.

T E C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R • Accuracy of latest detection method determined in realistic pipe conditions. • Loss of cysts over a prolonged period assessed. •Tool developed to assess impact of management measures after system “events”.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Research Program Four

PROGRAM MILESTO N E S

C O M M O N W E A LT H S C H E D U L E MI L E S TO N E S

F I R S T T H R E E Y E A R S C O N T R I B U T I O N F R O M P R O J E CT M I L E S TO N E S

Reviews and method development for biofilms and representative Existing methods compared for biofilms and bioavailable carbon pathogens completed (project 4.1.1) New AOC method under development (4.1.1) New Cryptosporidium method from AWT

Pathogen survey completed in collaboration with partner agencies Outcome of CRC pathogen workshops was to survey source waters first (under Program 2)

Process descriptions for flow-biofilm interactions developed Alternative process descriptions included in several different models (project 4.1.3)

Models of biofilm dynamics in annular reactors calibrated and New reactor prototype constructed (4.1.1), calibration based on validated preliminary experiments completed (4.1.3), but full calibration and validation delayed until nutrient limitation experiments (4.1.1) complete

Pipe rig constructed Small pipe rig constructed for pathogen projects (initially project 4.2.2.1)

L O N G E R T E R M

Models of biofilm dynamics in controlled pipe flow calibrated and Priority is now to validate models directly in real systems, initially validated in Melbourne (4.3.2)

Process descriptions for pathogen-biofilm-flow interactions Initial descriptions will be based on data from 4.2.2.1. Further developed for controlled conditions projects will be based on its outcomes

Models of pathogen-biofilm-flow calibrated and validated for Replaced by projects in real distribution systems controlled conditions

Biofilm dynamics monitored in selected distribution systems Incorporated in project 4.3.2; and in proposed Adelaide project (4.3.3)

Model of pathogen-biofilm-flow incorporated into pipe network model Subject of later independent proposal

Network model calibrated against system monitoring Will be conducted in Melbourne and Adelaide projects

Management strategies tested using network model Initial strategy testing on selected pipelines included in Melbourne and Adelaide projects

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Australia-Germany Program

I M P R O V I N G D R I N K I N G W A T E R An additional component of this project is being conducted at AWT, Q U A L I T Y F R O M S U R F A C E W A T E R Sydney by T Tran and M Houghton. It aims to determine the impact S O U R C E S of ozone on formation of AOC from raw waters containing different types of NOM and the subsequent removal capability of granular This has been a very successful collaboration with experimentation activated carbon. The laboratory studies have been completed, but utilising both group’s abilities and exchange of researchers between the pilot scale experiments are still in progress. the two countries. A number of papers have been presented at conferences and published in the literature, both nationally and I M PACT O F D I S S O LV E D O R GA N I C C A R B O N O N WAT E R internationally. These projects were funded primarily by SA Water, T R E AT M E N T PR O C E S S E S - DE V E L O P M E N T O F A Australian Water Technologies and the Department of Industry, PR E D I CT I V E M O D E L F O R P R O C E S S OP T I M I S AT I O N Tourism and Finance with some support for one project by the Urban Water Research Association of Australia. The projects were reported A 2 year project with researchers J van Leeuwen, D Bursill and M at the 5th meeting of the Australia - Germany Collaboration on Drikas. The aim of this completed project was to evaluate the impact Water and Environment Research and Development held on the 6 - of DOC on flocculation for a range of operating conditions and to 8th May in Karlsruhe, Germany. develop a predictive model for control and optimisation of coagulation. Linear and multiregression analysis for prediction of T H E R E M OVA L O F A L GA E A N D A L GA L PR O D U CT S BY alum doses based on raw water parameters using various F L O C C U L AT I O N / F I LT R AT I O N combinations of parameters as independent and interactive variables, untransformed or transformed to their logarithms were This 3 year project with researchers, C Chow, M Drikas, J House and developed. The use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) was also M Burch has been completed. The aim was to assess the effect of applied for predictive modelling where parameters used were tested water treatment processes on the removal of cyanobacterial cells as untransformed variables. and their metabolites. This focussed particularly on the coagulation of two types of algae with aluminium and ferric chloride in laboratory RE S E R VO I R M A N AG E M E N T tests and the impact of coagulation with aluminium sulphate on Microcystis aeruginosa in a pilot plant, which better simulates the A two-year project by I Fisher (AWT), D van Senden (ESE), I King impact of filtration and sludge accumulation, as well as the effect of (RMA) and F Recknagel (University of Adelaide). The aim is to treatment with micro and ultrafiltration membranes. develop models of reservoir hydrodynamics and NOM dynamics that can be used to investigate the efficacy of in-lake management I M PACT O F WAT E R T R E AT M E N T P R O C E S S E S O N options such as destratification. The project has been considerably A S S I M I L A B L E O R GA N I C C A R B O N delayed by problems associated with intellectual property, but the hydrodynamic component is nearing completion and the model of A 3 year project with N Withers and M Drikas. The aim of this NOM dynamics is in progress. completed project was to determine the assimilable organic carbon ( AOC) in different water supplies in Australia and the impact D I S T R I B U T I O N S Y S T E M A S P E CT S different treatment processes have on the AOC, using a technique developed by the German collaborators which we have named the A two-year study by M Angles and J Chandy at AWT, Sydney. Its aim bacterial regrowth potential (BRP). This also compared the is to compare the rate and composition of biofilm development in Australian data with German data. Data were obtained from raw and treated water under simulated pipe conditions (annular different stages of the treatment process and from various reactors), including their effect on chlorine demand. Simple dynamic distribution systems with additional experimentation undertaken to models of chlorine demand and biofilm development are also to be explain observed trends in distribution systems. This work also calibrated against the data obtained. The final report is in developed the use of acetate equivalents as a simpler means of preparation. describing the BRP.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Education and T r a i n i n g

D E N N I S M U L C A H Y Our first graduate, Dr Andrew Humpage of the University of Adelaide, represented us at the Young Water Scientist of the Year Award presentations in Brisbane in April 1998.

P O S TG R A D U AT E ST U D E N T C O N F E R E N C E Two postgraduate student conferences were planned as part of the CRC’s charter of Education and Training Program activities. The first of these took place during June 1998. It began with a workshop at CSIRO Molecular Science, Clayton, on 15 June with the focus on career opportunities and career planning, P R O G R A M C O O R D I N ATO R: A S S O C PR O F D E N N I S MU L C A H Y international perspectives, lateral thinking skills and the practical ( UN I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H AU S T R A L I A ) matter of thesis writing. The next phase was a three day residential session at Warburton, A I M consisting mainly of presentations by twenty five students and a We aim to provide specialist undergraduate and postgraduate good deal of healthy discussion, networking and social interaction. experience in water science and technology. Students will have Researchers and representatives of several supporting organisations unique opportunities to broaden their knowledge of water quality swelled our ranks, though few were able to be present for the full and treatment through a range of activities including: period. · PhD and Masters research projects, Graduate Certificate, The event was unanimously voted a success and there has been Graduate Diploma and coursework Masters programs. considerable follow up exchange of information between · Final year undergraduate, honours and Summer Scholarship participants. Cross program interchange was a notable feature. It is projects. hoped that this will now be increased. · Undergraduate lectures, honours assignments. · Overseas exchange student placements. JUMP P R O G R A M A N D UN D E R G R A D U AT E T E AC H I N G Strong interaction between academics from the participating ACT I V I T I E S universities and water industry staff is a special feature of these The latest intake to the Joint Universities Masters Program in programs. Hydrology and Water Resources included one student from Workshops are currently the major training activity. Participants are Cambodia, one from Japan and two from Oman. exposed to state of the art information on water quality, including Participation of CRC academics and researchers continued in 1998 health risk assessment, and water treatment system maintenance. and a new promotional brochure was produced with CRC support. Internal training with a business skills focus is also being introduced. Feedback was excellent. Many constructive suggestions were made, particularly regarding order of presentation of various topics.

1 9 9 7 / 9 8 A C T I V I T I E S In addition, two JUMP students from the current intake have opted to do their projects with CRC staff.

S U M M E R R E S E A R C H SC H O L A R S H I P S The Bachelor of Civil Engineering course at University of South Australia has recently been renamed Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Another round of Summer Research Scholarships was offered at the & Water Engineering). Water Environment Fundamentals, a third end of 1997. Fifteen students participated (target six) and a year undergraduate subject, was presented for the second time, with combined seminar session was held over two days at the Australian Water Quality Centre, Bolivar, SA, in late February. Assoc. Prof Felicity Roddick showing CRC Education and Tra i n i n g Of the thirty Summer Scholarship students to date, seven have either C o o rd i n a t o r, Assoc. Prof Dennis Mulcahy, around postgraduate re s e a rc h facilities in the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering continued directly or returned later as postgraduate students and at RMIT University one has taken up a position as Research Officer within the CRC. Of the remainder, two are currently undertaking CRC Honours projects.

P O S TG R A D U AT E S T U D E N T S The number of postgraduate students has been increased from sixteen to twenty six (target fifteen). Of these, eight are receiving CRC support (target ten), thirteen are receiving scholarship supplements (target five), one is fully supported by NH&MRC, two are Research Officers within the CRC and two are Australian Water Quality Centre employees. Twenty-five of the twenty-six are enrolled on a full time basis. One is an overseas student. Three are undertaking Masters programs.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Education and T r a i n i n g

the Microbiology component expanded. Website information gathered by the students in this subject will be more broadly disseminated within the CRC. For example, a listing was given out at the Postgraduate Student Conference. Prof Amanda Goodman of Flinders University attended the lectures on Disinfection and plans to make use of them as part of the broadening of one of her teaching p r o g r a m s. Further CRC interaction with Professor Goodman is planned. RMIT plans to make use of the Health Risk Assessment and Monitoring lectures.

S P O N S O R S H I P The CRC is sponsoring and mentoring an indigenous student, Angela Flynn. Angela is undertaking a double degree in Chemical Engineering and Science at the University of Adelaide. Support has been provided to help defray the costs of books and her computer. She will be undertaking work experience at the Australian Water Quality Centre at the next mid-semester break. Dr Rob Eldridge at the Ian Wark Labora t o r y, CSRIO, Victoria

W O R K S H O P S mini workshop was included to give participants the benefit of A workshop on The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: problem solving in small groups. The workshop was run in cooperation Implications for System Operation and Public Health was presented in with Grampians Wa t e r. AW WA Victorian Branch assisted with Ararat on July 25 1997. The presenters were Dr John Cugley of the pu b l i c i t y . There were 90 attendees and the event was rated as highly SA EPA, Dr Peter Nadebaum of CMPS&F and Assoc Prof Christopher successful by all involved. The Daylesford Community Consultation Fairly and Dr Malcolm Sim from Monash University. An interactive Workshop which followed was partly triggered by this event.

SUMMER RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS 1997-98

S T U D E N T S U P E RV I S O R ( S ) L O C AT I O N P R O J E CT

BOULTON, Adrian Drs P Pendleton & University of South Australia Adsorption Studies of MIB and Model NOM R Schumann Compounds by Selected Activated Carbons CONSIDINE, Robert Drs D Dixon & CSIRO Molecular Science Water Purification with Polymeric Reagents R Eldridge COLVILLE, Vicki & Dr F Recknagel University of Adelaide, Diversity & Abundance of Blue-Green Algae KELLY, Leanne Roseworthy in Controlled and Non-Controlled Lower Murray Wetlands and in Myponga Reservoir HALIM, Carlos Assoc Profs M Hobday RMIT Investigation of the Anion and Cation & F Roddick Exchange Capacity of Brown Coal Chars HO, Lionel Mr G Kastl & AWT Ensight Contribution of Disinfection By-Products to Dr M Angles Assimilable Organic Carbon in Drinking Water LUCAS, Jeremy Drs D Davey & University of South Australia & Determination of Trace Aluminium in Drinking C Chow Australian Water Quality Centre Water Using Voltammetric Techniques in Flow Injection Mode MIHAJLOVIC, Aleks Dr J Morrall Australian Water Quality Centre A Colorimetric Protein Phosphatase Inhibition Assay for Peptide Hepatotoxins MOFFITT, Michele Dr B Neilan University of New South Wales Detection of Genes Associated with Toxicity in Nodularia PEART, Andrew, Dr G Bammer NCEPH Community Development to Improve Water Supplies SZOEKE, Cassandra & Dr C Audera & in Remote Aboriginal Communities VIVIAN, Nigel Ms S Ingram Dr B Lloyd Centre for Appropriate Technology, Alice Springs, NT RUTHERFORD, Natasha Dr N Booker CSIRO Molecular Science Hybrid Membrane Studies THOMAS, Shaun Dr K Spark Australian Water Quality Centre Determination of the Likely Impacts of the Reuse of Wastewater on Water Treatment Processes WILSON, Kim Mr U Kaeding & Australian Water Quality Centre Isolation of Brominated Disinfection By-Product Dr C Saint Degrading Bacteria

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Education and T r a i n i n g

Two Workshops linked to the Australian Society of Microbiology LI N K S W I T H W I E TAA A N D R E L AT E D BO D I E S Conference in Adelaide, in October 1997, were very well supported. Links with the Water Industry Education and Training Association of Both were held at the Australian Water Quality Centre, Bolivar, on Australia (WIETAA) have been maintained chiefly through October 3. Viable Non-Culturable Organisms attracted 40 attendance of the annual conference of WIETAA and the National participants and Detection, Identification and Enumeration of Algae Utilities Industry Training Advisory Board (NUITAB). The Technology and Cyanobacteria in Water supplies, 18 participants. Transfer Officer is presently representing the CRC in this arena. An internal training Workshop on Methods and Applications of Statistics was held at the Australian Water Quality Centre, Bolivar, on EDTR ANE T / CRC AS S O C I AT I O N December 3 and 5 1997. There were 35 participants and feedback Contact with Education and Training Program Coordinators in other was excellent. Dr Brenton Dansie of University of South Australia CRCs is maintained primarily through the EdTraNet network and was the presenter. attendance of the Education and Training Session at the CRC Association Conferences. The Session at the 1998 Conference in I N T E R N AT I O N A L T R A I N I N G A CT I V I T Y Adelaide was particularly useful in terms of the exchange of ideas on The CRC Water Forum, in conjunction with the University of South Internal Training. Water forum links remain our closest. Australia’s International Projects Office and a wide spectrum of other organisations, arranged a Training Seminar for 22 Environmental F U T U R E PL A N S Water Quality Protection Officers from Taiwan. This commenced on Up to twelve Summer Research Scholarships will be advertised for February 16, 1998 in Adelaide and concluded on March 10 in 1998/99. S y d n e y. There were Melbourne and Canberra segments. The At least six Postgraduate Scholarships will be advertised in the next itinerary involved a wide range of presentations and field trips. The round. The CRC will also advertise the Evangelo Cotsaris participants rated the Seminar very highly. The Governor of Taiwan Postgraduate Research Scholarship, sponsored by S.A. Water, in Province and a delegation of Ministers and senior government memory of an Australian Water Quality Centre employee, and Ph.D. officials attended the reporting session and closing ceremony in Student at the University of South Australia, whose untimely death Sydney. The CRC played a major coordinating role in this exercise in 1995 ended a highly promising career in water research. and CRC member organisations participated strongly. The date of the next Postgraduate Student Conference has been A follow up Expert Instruction visit to Taiwan took place over 10 days provisionally advanced to April 2000. Ph.D. and Masters graduates in April/May 1998. Mr Keith Cadee of Water Corporation (WA) of the CRC will also be invited to this event. represented the CRC within the team of three visitors. A series of further workshops is being planned to dovetail with the E D U C AT I O N A N D T R A I N I N G ST E E R I N G CO M M I T T E E various specific Program Workshops, some of which also involve the postgraduate students. The CRC will seek to influence curriculum A Steering Committee for the Education and Training Program was development in Civil & Chemical Engineering programs and in Public formed in August 1997 and has held three meetings so far. The last Health programs through interaction with academics nationally. of these had as its major agenda items the Postgraduate Student Interest in the CRC Website suggests that access to our expertise on Conference and the Education and Training Plan. the Web would be influential in this regard.

Diane Bennett operating a TOC Analyser at the Ian Wark Labora t o r y, CSIRO, Victoria

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Education and T r a i n i n g

P O S TG R A D UATE STUDENTS

S T U D E N T S U P E RV I S O R ( S ) L O C AT I O N P R O J E CT

Carolina BELTRAN Dr B Neilan / School of Microbiology & Genetic Basis of Saxitoxin Production by (started May 1997) Mr P Baker* Immunology, UNSW Anabaena circinalis Ph.D. CRC Support (2.3.2.2) Paul CHUO Dr J Ball / School of Civil and Environmental Hydraulic & Water Quality Modelling in Service (started October 1997) Dr I Fisher* Engineering, UNSW, Reservoirs (4.1.3.1) M.Eng. CRC Support Robert CONSIDINE Dr D Dixon / CSIRO Molecular Science & A Study of Cryptosporidium Oocysts and (started March 1998) Dr C Drummond / University of South Australia Particulates (Program 3.1.4) Ph.D. Dr D Davey US-APA & CRC Support Margaret HELLARD Prof J McNeil / Department of Epidemiology & Intervention Studies Using Water Filters to (started January 1996) Assoc Prof C Fairley Preventive Medicine Determine Desirable Drinking Water Criteria Ph.D. (supported by Monash University (1.3.3.1) Project Panel)* NH & MRC Support Andrea HINWOOD Dr M Sim Department of Epidemiology & Environmental Arsenic Exposure & Human Absorption (started October 1995) Preventive Medicine (1.3.6.1) Ph.D. Monash University APA & CRC Support Christopher Assoc Prof D Mulcahy / University of South Australia The Characterisation of Natural Organic Matter from HEPPLEWHITE Ms M Drikas* (placed at Australian Water Water & Its Effect on Removal of Taste & Odour (started March 1996) Quality Centre) Compounds by Activated Carbon Ph.D. USAPA & CRC Support (3.2.2.1) Andrew HUMPAGE Prof I Falconer University of Adelaide Tumour Promotion by the Cyanobacterial Toxin (started March 1995) CRC Research Officer at Microcystin (1.3.1.1) Ph.D. University of Adelaide Graeme JABLONSKAS Dr F Recknagel / Department of Environmental Photochemical Degradation and Remineralisation of (started October 1996) Dr K Spark* Science & Management, Dissolved Organic Carbon in the Warren Reservoir Ph.D. University of Adelaide (2.1.3) S.A. Water and CRC Support Tanja JANKOVIC Dr F Recknagel / Department of Environmental Microbial Decomposition of Dissolved Organic Carbon (started April 1998) Dr D Steffensen* Science & Management, in the Warren Reservoir Ph.D. University of Adelaide (2.1.3) APA(I) & CRC Support Melanie KAEBERNICK Dr B Neilan / School of Microbiology & Genetics of Microcystin Production by Microcystis (started June 1997) Prof S Kjellenberg / Immunology, UNSW aeruginosa : Regulation of Microcystin Synthetase Ph.D Dr P Hawkins* APA & CRC Support Expression (2.3.2.1) Uwe KAEDING Assoc Prof D Mulcahy / University of South Australia Coagulation of Natural Organic Matter (started March 1997) Dr D Davey / CRC Research Officer at (3.2.1) M.App.Sc. Ms M Drikas* Australian Water Quality Centre SA Water Support Chris KOSTAKIS Assoc Prof D Mulcahy / University of South Australia Effects of the Character of Naturally Occurring (started April 1997) Dr B Nicholson* CRC Research Officer Organic Matter in Water on Organic Disinfection M.App.Sc. at Australian Water Quality Centre By-Products Formed with Ozone (3.2.3) Rebecca McCALLUM Assoc Prof F Roddick / Department of Chemical & Development of Coal-Based Carbon Adsorbents for (started Feb 1997) Ms M Drikas* Metallurgical Engineering, RMIT Organics Ph.D. APA & CRC Support (3.2.2) Rodney MAGAZINOVIC Assoc Prof D Mulcahy / University of South Australia Effect of Halide Species on Disinfection By–Product (started March 1997) Dr D Davey / CRC Support Formation Ph.D. Dr B Nicholson* (3.2.3) Declan PAGE Assoc Prof D Mulcahy / University of South Australia Characterisation of Natural Organics in Source Waters (started April 1997) Dr K Spark*/ (placed at Australian (2.1) Ph.D. Dr J van Leeuwen* Water Quality Centre) USAPA & CRC Support

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Education and T r a i n i n g

P O S TG R A D UATE STUDENTS (C O N T I N U E D)

S T U D E N T S U P E RV I S O R ( S ) L O C AT I O N P R O J E CT

Adele PARKINSON Assoc Prof F Roddick / Department of Chemical & Ultraviolet Oxidation as a Pretreatment of Natural (started April 1997) Ms M Drikas* Metallurgical Engineering, RMIT Organic Matter Prior to Removal by Biological M.App.Sc. CRC Support Activated Carbon (3.2.1) Geetha RANMUTHUGALA Prof R Douglas (Chair National Centre for Epidemiology Chlorine, Trihalomethanes & Micronuclei (started April 1996) of Supervisory Panel)* & Population Health, Australian (Genotoxic Change) in Bladder Epithelial Cells Ph.D. National University (1.3.5.1) CRC Support Brent ROBERTSON Assoc Prof C Fairley / Department of Epidemiology Case Control Studies into Specific Pathogens (started April 1997) Mr M Kirk* & Preventive Medicine, (1.3.8.1) Ph.D. Monash University CRC Support Giovanna (Jo) ROSITANO Dr B Nicholson */ University of South Australia The Destruction of Cyanobacterial Toxins in Drinking (started April 1998) Assoc Prof D Mulcahy Research Officer at Water by Ozone : By-Products Determination & Ph.D. Australian Water Quality Centre. Toxicity Assessment Supported by CGE/Thames Water, United Water and AWWARF Andrea SCHAFER Prof T Fane / UNESCO Centre for Membrane Hybrid Membrane Processes for Water Treatment (started June 1997) Prof D Waite / Science and Technology (3.1.3) Ph.D. OPRS, DAAD & CRC Support Michael STOREY Assoc Prof N Ashbolt & School of Civil & Environmental The Ecology of Viruses within Distribution Pipe (started March 1998 ) Ms J Flood* Engineering, UNSW Biofilms Ph.D. APA & CRC Support (4.2.2.1) Shaun THOMAS Dr D Davey / University of South Australia & The Role of Natural Organic Matter in Flocculation (started March 1998) Assoc Prof D Mulcahy / Australian Water Quality Centre with Inorganic Coagulants Ms M Drikas* CRC Support (3.2.1) Daniel TILLETT Dr B Neilan / School of Microbiology & Genetics of Microcystin Production by Microcystis (started April 1997) Dr P Hawkins Immunology, UNSW aeruginosa : Characterisation of Microcystin Ph.D. APA & CRC Support Synthetase (2.3.2.1) Karen WESTWOOD Assoc Prof G Ganf / Department of Botany, Blue Green Algal Ecology (started April 1996) Mr P Baker* University of Adelaide (2.4.2) Ph.D. Faculty of Science & CRC Support Hugh WILSON Dr F Recknagel / Department of Environmental Forecasting of Blue-Green Algal Blooms in Australian (started April 1996) Dr H Possingham / Science & Management Drinking Water Reservoirs and Implications for Real Ph.D. Mr M Burch* University of Adelaide Time Monitoring and Control SA Water & CRC Support (2.5.2) Cunli XIANG Dr N Booker / CSIRO Molecular Science & The Development of a Hybrid Membrane Process for (started February 1998) Assoc Prof F Roddick RMIT the Treatment of Potable Water Ph.D. CRC Support (3.1.3)

*Industry Partner Supervision

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Application of Research

1997/98 was a year in which research project activity reached full viewpoint of application of research, the Technology Transfer Plan is steam and effort was focussed on monitoring research output and of most relevance and a good overall picture of activity can be implementing the action items identified in the Strategic Plan, the gained by looking at the initiatives taken to address the 24 M a r keting Plan and the Technology Transfer Plan. From the individual action items identified. A summary is given in Table 2.

TA B L E 2 - A CT I O N S TA K E N TO I M P L E M E N T TE C H N O L O G Y T R A N S F E R PL A N I N 1 9 9 7 / 9 8

C O D E P L A N N E D AC T I O N AC T I O N U N D E RTA K E N I N 1 9 9 7 / 9 8 N O. 1 Present conference papers 55 papers presented in year 2 Publish learned journal articles 33 papers published in year 3 Publish trade journal articles 6 articles published in year 4 Run seminars/workshops on specific topics Four specific workshops organised and run for the water industry; see list below 5 Publish and widely distribute a quarterly Water Quality News is now published quarterly with 625 people on industry newsletter the mailing list; 125 town Councils are presently being added 6 Publish and distribute a quarterly research digest Health Stream summarises research information on water quality and public health, and is currently distributed quarterly to 432 people in Australia and 14 other countries 7 Publish and widely distribute the CRC Annual Report 1,300 copies distributed in 1997/98 8 Prepare and present reviews on major industry issues Plans are in hand to produce a document similar to Health Stream to cover issues relevant to Research Programs 2, 3 and 4 9 Present lectures at public forums 25 public lectures presented; see Public Presentations and Communications 10 Establish strong links with key players in the print Key links established and multiple media interviews given; see Publications and electronic media 11 Establish and continually upgrade a home page on Web page further updated and expanded in 1997/98, eg 1996 Australian the World Wide Web Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) added as a resource document 12 Establish and maintain appropriate graduate and Multiple CRC members involved in delivery of Joint Universities Masters undergraduate courses Program, with plans in place to expand delivery to other universities 13 Maintain a strong PhD program linked to CRC 27 PhD students on books during year with links to all four research projects programs 14 Maintain a summer scholarship program 14 students employed in 8 member organisations over summer vacation 15 Establish strong working relationships with major Industry workshops and conference streams organised with cooperation of industry associations WSAA and AWWA; see workshop listing 16 Establish effective linkages with government Victorian Department of Human Services joined CRC and working relationship regulatory bodies developed with NHMRC on drinking water quality; see item 24 17 Develop communication with public and private SMEs Workshops run to assist regional water authorities; see list of workshops 18 Establish feasibility of video conferencing Discussed but not proceeded with to date 19 Develop international linkages Strong links with Germany through the Australia-Germany program- see Cooperative Linkages and project details on page 33 20 Target leading edge customers for trial and Industry partners directly involved in research projects; see Cooperative demonstration of new approaches and technologies Linkages 21 Set up appropriate procedures for licensing of new Commercialisation Committee met 3 times in 1997/98; overall strategy for technology to CRC members and establish conditions commercialisation of CRC research output discussed and agreed at CRC for use by non-members Strategic Review 22 Explore opportunities for contract research and Not a high priority item for 1997/98 advisory services 23 Develop staff exchange programs for technology CRC research staff work at a variety of locations and share research transfer and communication. equipment; a Staff Directory, totalling 163 people involved in CRC activities, was distributed, with plans to set up the Directory on the CRC Web site 24 Have a significant involvement in the ongoing Director chairs the NHMRC steering committee overviewing the rolling revision of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines revision of the 1996 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Application of Research

A key strategy for communicating research output to the water particular topics. These workshops not only provide a forum for industry and their customers (i.e. the general public) is the CRC researchers, but also allow direct feedback on the relevance organisation and running of specific industry workshops on of the CRC’s research program. A listing is given in Table 3.

TA B L E 3 - S P E C I F I C I N D U S T R Y W O R K S H O P S O R GA N I S E D BY T H E C R C

W O R KS H O P TO P I C TA R G E T PA RT I C I PA N T S / AU D I E N C E DAT E A N D P L AC E H E L D

The 1996 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines Operational and management personnel from July 1997 - implications for water system operation regional water authorities Ararat, Victoria General public (endorsed by AWWA) Daylesford Community Workshop on Citizens of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs November 9 - 10 1997 Water Supply Issues (Requested by Central Highlands Water) Daylesford Town Hall, Victoria Environmental Water Quality Protection 25 Taiwanese Government officials responsible for February - March 1998 water quality protection Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney Algal Toxins Workshop Representatives from WSAA, water authorities and March 23 - 24 1998 government regulators responsible for water quality Adelaide

Drs Nic Booker, Tim Carroll and Stephen Gray examining a single fibre macro f i l t ration apparatus constructed at the Ian Wark Labora t o r y, CSIRO, Victoria.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E S t a f f i n g a n d A d m i n i s t r a t i o n

GEORGE TURELLI Other new CRC research appointments include: Rolando Fa b r i s, Jeremy Lucas, Janina Morrison and Lidia Sledz (AWQC), Eleanora B U S I N E S S M A N AG E R Barbu, Alex Donald and Steve Le Moenic (AWT), Dr Sim Ooi and Daniel Deere (CMPS&F), Dr Tim Carroll, Dr Stephen Gray and Heather St John (CSIRO), Dr Flavia Cicuttini and Pam Lightbody, Hana Kazda and Geoff Simmons (Monash), Dr Carmen Audera, Dr Gabriele Bammer and Sharon Ingram (ANU), Dr Andrew Humpage (UoA), Martyn Kirk (DHS), Ian Watson (Melbourne Water), and Assoc Prof Nick Ashbolt and Leigh Hardman (UNSW). A total of 14 new (in- kind funded) researchers joined the CRC this year and forthcoming N EW APPOINTMENTS research projects are likely to require more staff in the next year. Some problems in recruiting specialist staff in certain disciplines The expansion in the number of staff and students working for the were encountered during the year, and are being addressed by the CRC has continued in the third year. In the period covered by this Management Committee. report, some 28 staff and research students have been added to the Centre’s previous year’s complement of 118 people from partner During the year, some administrative support to the Business organisations. Some part-time technical assistants have also been Manager was provided by AWQC and by contract staff. The diversity employed. and complexity of the CRC has provided quite a challenge for the administration to provide quality support to all participants. The A number of key appointments were made during the year: Dr Chris growth of the CRC this year necessitated the employment of one Saint of AWQC was appointed to lead Project 2.3.2.4 on regulation additional staff member to assist in administration, and Ms of cylindrospermopsin production by Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii Rosemary Williams commenced duties as Executive Assistant to the while Michael Burch was appointed to the position of National Algal Business Manager in July 1997. Manager for two years at 30%. Mr Malcolm Warnecke of AWT was appointed to lead Project 4.2.2.1 on interactions between A further 10 PhD scholarships were awarded during the year, with a Cryptosporidium oocysts and drinking water pipe biofilms. Dr Peter total of 26 PhD scholarship students making significant Nadebaum of CMPS&F was appointed to lead Project 1.1.1 on contributions to the research activities of the four research programs evaluating Cryptosporidium and Campylobacter in drinking water of the CRC. Details are listed under Education and Training. supply systems. Dr Nic Booker of CSIRO Molecular Science was appointed to lead Project 3.1.3 on hybrid membrane processes in SPECIFIED RESEARCH PERSONNEL water treatment. Assoc Prof Christopher Fairley of Monash The details of Specified Research Personnel as intended in the University was appointed to lead two projects: Project 1.2.3 on the Commonwealth Agreement and as actually utilised in 1997/98 are effects of chlorination on the rates of Gastroenteritis and Project shown in the table below . 1.3.8.1 the case control study of specific pathogens.

SPECIFIED RESEARCH PERSONNEL 1997/98

NA M E TI T L E A N D OR GA N I SAT I O N % TI M E % TI M E IN T E N D E D ACT UA L

Prof D Bursill Director, AWQC 90 80 Dr A Priestley Deputy Director, CSIRO 60 80 Prof J McNeil Program Coordinator, Monash 25 22 Dr D Steffensen Program Coordinator, AWQC 50 64 Ms M Drikas Program Coordinator, AWQC 60 69 Dr I Fisher Program Coordinator, AWT 45 52 Assoc Prof D Mulcahy Program Coordinator, UoSA 25 67 Assoc Prof F Roddick Deputy Program Coordinator, RMIT 45 39 Prof R Douglas Deputy Program Coordinator, ANU 25 7 Prof I Falconer Deputy Program Coordinator, UoA 15 67 Assoc Prof C Fairley Deputy Program Coordinator, Monash 80 78 Mr G Turelli Business Manager, AWQC 100 100 Dr G Vaughan Government/Industry Liaison Officer, CSIRO 28 48 Mr F Lijauco Technology Transfer Officer, UoSA 100 100 Mr K Hayes Liaison Officer, AWQC 80 76

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E S t a f f i n g a n d A d m i n i s t r a t i o n

PROFESSIONAL STA F F contractual obligations to the Commonwealth Government. Staff Details of professional staff involved in the CRC projects on an throughout the CRC went to a great deal of effort to produce high organisation and program basis are shown in Appendix A. This quality documentation, posters and reports for the Stage I scientific information is summarised by in-kind and CRC funded research staff. review. The Stage I Reviewers’ comments and Stage I documentation were provided to the Stage II Review Panel. The overall comments The tables includes Researchers shown under the activity R, from both Review Panels were very favourable and the Centre was Education under E, Commercialisation under C and Administration most pleased with the outcome. The cost of this review (excluding support under A. salary) exceeded $78,000. At the end of June 1998, there were 111 researchers and support staff contributing to the Centre activities. This was equivalent to EQUIPMENT PURCHASES 47.7 full-time staff. Major equipment items purchased during the year are listed below with the respective research project: AC C O M M O DAT I O N • Water Filters to enable double blinded water testing of The administration office for the CRC is based in South Australia at pathogens (Project 1.3.3.1 at Monash) the Australian Water Quality Centre, Bolivar, but research activity is • A Dynamic Vacuum Pump to freeze dry samples for analysis being carried out in a number of sites in Victoria, NSW, ACT and SA. (Project 2.1.1 at AWQC) The participating organisations provide accommodation for the Centre’s activities. • An Injection Port (Split/Splitless) System for analysis of NOM (Project 2.1.1 at AWQC) COMPUTING RESOURCES • A Microcystins Envirogard Kit for determination of algal toxins The CRC has established a computing infrastructure that serves the (Project 2.3.1.1 at AWQC) needs of management and researchers. A financial reporting and • A Temperature Control Unit of Dynex Plate Reader (Project project management system was developed in the first two years. 2.3.1.1 at AWQC) During the Second Year Review, the Stage II Review Panel reported • A Reverse Osmosis Unit to concentrate NOM (Project 3.1.3 at that “the Financial Statements for the Centre have been well CSIRO) managed by the Business Manager.” With regards to project • An Ultrafiltration Membrane Unit for characterisation of NOM costings, the Report also noted that “the Panel was impressed with (Project 3.1.3 at CSIRO) the financial management systems that have been put in place.” The • An Emulsion and Dispersion Analyser, a Fluoresscene Detector management information system provides all the financial and Diode Array Scanning Detector to analyse DOC (Projects information needs of the CRC. 3.1.2 and 3.2.1 at CSIRO) The CRC administration office is connected to the AWQC area • An Autosampler for Dionex ion chromatograph (Project 3.2.3 at network, allowing sharing of printers, files and the provision of IT UoSA) support. This support has been of great benefit during the three years of the Centre’s growth. • A TOC Analyser to determine organic carbon levels (Project 4.1.1 at AWT) REVIEW OF CENTRE ACT I V I T I E S • A Biofilm Liquid Surface Reactor, EPI-Flourescence Microscope The CRC underwent its major Year 2 Review (normally Year 3), Stage and Video Camera capable of monitoring biofilm regrowth I and Stage II during the first half of the year, as part of fulfilling its (Project 4.1.1 at AWT)

Business Manager George Tu relli (right) acting as facilitator at business workshop on best practice in IP management during the CRC Association Confere n c e, Ad e l a i d e, April 1998

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E P u b l i c a t i o n s

The Centre makes available for distribution member organisations’ Fairley, C., Sinclair, M., Hellard, M. & Robertson, B., ‘Gastroenteritis - technical notes and reports relating to Centre activities. Centre how much is due to our water?’ Joint Scientific Meeting of the Royal researchers prepared a total of 121 papers during the year. These Australasian College of Physicians and the Australian College of are listed below. Pediatrics, Melbourne, May 1998

Fisher, I., ‘Reservoir management for NOM’, 5th Germany-Australia Workshop on Water and Environment Research and Development, C O N F E R E N C E P U B L I C A T I O N S Karlsruhe, Germany, May 1998

Fisher, I., Angles, M. & Kastl, G., ‘Biofilm development in an Australian CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS – th I N T E R N AT I O N A L water supply system’, 5 Germany-Australia Workshop on Water and Environment Research and Development, Karlsruhe, Germany, Hellard, M., Sinclair, M., Hogg, G. & Fairley, C., ‘The prevalence of May 1998 enteric pathogens among community based asymptomatic individuals’, Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Society for Gillogly, T., Snoeyink, V., Elardel, J. & Newcombe, G., ‘A simplified Infectious Diseases, Hobart, May 1998 method to determine PAC dose required to remove MIB’, F i f t h International Symposium on Off-Flavours in the Aq u a t i c Kastl, G., Fisher, I., Jegatheesan, V., Angles, M., Chandy, J. & Flood, J., Environment, Paris, France, October 1997 ‘Modelling water quality in drinking water distribution systems: the impact of biofilm activity and chlorine decay’, Proceedings of the First Hellard, M., Sinclair, M. & Fairley, C., ‘The Water Quality Study’, International Conference on Master Plans for Water Utilities, Praha, Annual Scientific Meeting of the Au s t ralasian Epidemiological June 1998, pp. 243-248 Association, Melbourne, October 1997

Newcombe, G., Hepplewhite, C., Pelekani, C., Drikas, M. & Snoeyink, Hellard, M., Sinclair, M. & Fairley, C., ‘The Water Quality Study’, Joint V., ‘Comparison of characteristics of fractionated NOM from two Scientific Meeting of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and reservoirs’, The role of humic substances in ecosystems and in the Australian College of Pediatrics, Melbourne, May 1998 th environmental protection, Proceedings of the 8 Meeting of the Hinwood, A., Bastone, E., Sim, M., Jolley, D., McNeil, J. & Drummer, O., International Humic Substances Society, (Drozd, J., Gonet, S., Senesi, ‘Urinary inorganic arsenic concentrations in residents living in areas N., Eds.), Wroclaw, Poland, September 1996, pp. 629-634, published with high residential soil and drinking water arsenic concentrations’, 1997 9th Annual International Society for Environmental Epidemiology Recknagel, F., ‘Predictive limnology: inductive or deductive ecological Conference, Taiwan, August 1997 models?’, Pr oceedings of the International Conference on Modelling and Hinwood, A., Jolley, D., Sim, M. & Bastone, E., ‘An ecological study of Simulation, MODSIM 97, Hobart, December 1997, pp.1754-1759 cancer incidence and high environmental arsenic concentrations in t h Recknagel, F., ‘Predictivity of deterministic and neural network rural populations’, 9 Annual International Society fo r models for lake water quality management’, Proceedings of the Environmental Epidemiology Conference, Taiwan, August 1997 International Specialised Conference on Water Quality and its Pilotto, L., ‘Health effects of recreational exposure to cyanobacteria’, Management, New Delhi, 1998, pp. 71-78 Institute for Wa t e r, Soil and Air Hygiene Conference on Cyanobacteria, Berlin, Germany, September 1997 C ONFERENC E PRES ENTATION S – I N T E R N ATIONAL (NO PROCEEDINGS) van Leeuwen, J., Chow, C., Bursill, D. & Drikas, M., ‘Impact of dissolved organic carbon on water treatment processes-development of a Assemi, S., Newcombe, G., Hepplewhite, C., Drikas, M. & Beckett, R., predictive model for process optimisation’, 5th Germany-Australia ‘Use of flow field-flow fractionation to characterise natural organic Workshop on Water and Environment Research and Development, matter, separated by ultrafiltration’, Rose, Symposium on Refractory Karlsruhe, Germany, May 1998 O rganic Substances in the Enviro n m e n t, University of Ka r l s r u h e, Germany, October 1997 Withers, N. & Drikas, M., ‘Impact of water treatment processes on assimilable organic carbon’, 5th Germany-Australia Workshop on Bolto, B., Dixon, D., Eldridge, R. & King, S., ‘Cationic polyelectrolytes as Water and Environment Research and Development, Ka r l s r u h e, primary coagulants in drinking water production’, IAWQ Biennial Germany, May 1998 Conference, Vancouver, June 1998 Bursill, D., ‘The Water Quality Study’, E m e rging Te c h n o l o g i e s CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS – DOMESTIC Conference, Breckenridge, Colorado, USA, April 1998. Angles, M., Chandy, J., Kastl, G., Jegatheesan, V., Cox, P. & Fisher, I., Bursill, D., ‘Toxic Algae Research in Australia’, Emerging Technologies ‘Influence of disinfection and organic carbon on biofilms in drinking Conference, Breckenridge, Colorado, USA, April 1998. water’, P roceedings of the 2n d AW WA WaterTECH Confere n c e, Brisbane, April 1998 (CD-ROM) Chow, C., Drikas, M., House, J. & Burch, M., ‘The removal of algae and algal products by flocculation/filtration’, 5t h Ge r m a n y - Au s t ra l i a Burch, M. & Steffensen, D., ‘New developments in monitoring and Workshop on Water and Environment Research and Development, management of toxic blue-green algae in water supply storages’, Karlsruhe, Germany, May 1998 P roceedings of the 60t h Annual Water Industry Engineers and Operators Conference, Bairnsdale, September 1997, pp. 79-87

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E P u b l i c a t i o n s

Burch, M., Maier, H. & Bormans, M., ‘Flow management strategies to Schäfer, A., Fischer, M., Fane, A. & Waite, T., ‘Pysicochemical aspects control cyanobacterial blooms in the lower River Murray’, on microfiltration of suspensions of colloids and humic substances’, Proceedings of the 2nd AWWA WaterTECH Conference , Brisbane, Proceedings of the 2nd AWWA WaterTECH Conference , Brisbane, April 1998 (CD-ROM) April 1998 (CD-ROM) C h o w, C., Drika s, M., House, J. & Burch, M., ‘Removal of intact Sirait, H., Samaan, N., Mulcahy, D. & Davey, D., ‘Characteristics of cyanobacterial cells by conventional water treatment processes’, thick film microsensor arrays for determination of pH and S2-‘, Micro Proceedings of the AWWA South Australian Regional Conference- ‘97 Conference, Melbourne, September-October 1997, pp. 216-220 Toward the Coming of Age of the SA Water Industry, Adelaide, Spark, K., Stevens, D., Cox, J. & Chittleborough, D., ‘The differentiation October 1997, pp. 71-81 of natural organic matter in soil leachates using Drift spectroscopy’, C h o w, C., Drika s, M., House, J. & Burch, M., ‘Removal of intact Proceedings of the 2nd AWWA WaterTECH Conference , Brisbane, cyanobacterial cells - a pilot plant study’, Proceedings of the 2nd April 1998 (CD-ROM) AWWA WaterTECH Conference , Brisbane, April 1998 (CD-ROM) Spark, K., Stevens, D., Cox, J. & Chittleborough, D., ‘The effect of Chow, C., Yeow, T., Burch, M. & Davey, D.E., ‘Comparison of free and transport path on the nature of soluble organic matter in soil total copper values in natural waters by stripping voltammetry and leachates’, National Soils Conference, Australian Soil Science Society potentiometry’, Proceedings of the 14th Australian Symposium on Inc., Brisbane, April 1998, pp. 361-368 Analytical Chemistry, Adelaide, July 1997, pp. 91-93 Tran, H., Roddick, F. & O’Donnell, J., ‘Comparison of chromatography nd Fairley, C. & Sinclair, M., ‘Water Quality to the year 2000, is Australia and desiccant silica gels for metal ion uptake’, Proceedings of the 2 leading the way?’, Proceedings of the 2nd WaterTECH Conference of AWWA WaterTECH Conference , Brisbane, April 1998 (CD-ROM) AWWA, Brisbane, April 1998 (CD-ROM) Withers, N. & Drikas, M., ‘Acetate carbon equivalents: a quantitative nd Kaeding, U., Bursill, D. & Drikas, M., ‘Improving disinfection by using measure of bacterial regrowth potential’, Proceedings of the 2 enhanced coagulation’, 60th Annual Water Industry Engineers and AWWA WaterTECH Conference, Brisbane, April 1998 (CD-ROM) Operators Conference, Bairnsdale, September 1997, pp. 2-8 Kaeding, U., Smith, M. & Drikas, M., ‘Enhanced coagulation: giving CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS disinfection a helping hand’, P roceedings of the AW WA South – DOMESTIC (NO PROCEEDINGS) Australian Regional Conference-Toward the Coming of Age of the SA Baker, P., ‘The significance of resting stages (akinetes) in population Water Industry, Adelaide, October 1997, pp. 83-91 development of Anabaena Circinalis in the Lower River Murray’, 36th N e w c o m b e, G., Cook, D., Drika s, M., Sztjanbok, P. & Zeghal, S., Congress of the Australian Society for Limnology, Albury, September ‘Optimisation of powdered activated carbon for the removal of 1997 musty-earthy odours’, Proceedings of the 2nd AWWA WaterTECH Bond. P., Chow, C., Burch, M., Velzeboer, R., Davey, D. & Mulcahy, D., Conference, Brisbane, April 1998 (CD-ROM) ‘Determination of the electrochemical lability of a chelated algicide’, Othman, M., Roddick, F., Snow, R. & Hobday, M., ‘Evaluation of 14th Australian Symposium on Analytical Chemistry, Adelaide, July Victorian brown coal-based activated carbons for DOC removal’, 1997 Proceedings of the 2nd AWWA WaterTECH Conference , Brisbane, Burch, M., Baker, P., Brookes, J., Maier, H., Ganf, G. & Bormans, M., April 1998 (CD-ROM) ‘Cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) blooms in the River Murray, South Pelekani, C., Newcombe, G., Hepplewhite, C. & Nguyen, K., ‘Size is Australia’, Au s t ralian Society for Microbiology Annual Scientific important (or the effect of molecular weight distribution of NOM on Meeting, Adelaide, September-October 1997 water treatment processes)’, P roceedings of the 2n d AW W A Burch, M., Baker, P., Brookes, J., Maier, H., Ganf, G. & Bormans, M., ‘Life WaterTECH Conference, Brisbane, April 1998 (CD-ROM) in the lazy river, where speed kills and starvation is a worry’, Au s t ralian Society for Microbiology Annual Scientific Meeting, Pilotto, L., Burch, M., Kliewer, E., Attewell, R. & Davies, R., Adelaide, September-October 1997 ‘Cyanobacterial databases and epidemiological research’, Proceedings of the 2nd AWWA WaterTECH Conference , Brisbane, Fairley, C., ‘The Water Quality Study’, VicWater Conference, Lorne, April 1998 (CD-ROM) October 1997 Priestley, A., Burns, S. & Davis, R., ‘Sustainable urban water systems’, Kaeding, U., ‘The kinetics of the coagulation of natural organic Proceedings of the 2nd AWWA WaterTECH Conference , Brisbane, matter with alum’, 20th Australian Colloid & Surface Chemistry April 1998 (CD-ROM) Student Conference, Hahndorf, February 1998 S c h ä f e r, A., Fa n e, A. & Wa i t e, T., ‘Nanofiltrations of solutions Page, D., van Leeuwen, J. & Spark, K., ‘Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatograph- containing Natural Organic Matter (NOM)’, P roceedings of the Mass Spectrometer analysis of water soluble soil organic matter Environmental Engineering Research Event, Noosa, December 1997, (SSOM)’, National Soils Conference, Australian Soil Science Society pp. 159-164 Inc., Brisbane, April 1998 Schäfer, A., Fane, A., Fischer, M. & Waite, T., ‘Microfiltration (MF) of Saint, C., ‘An improved molecular method for the detection of viable dilute suspensions of colloids and humic substances’, Proceedings of Legionellaand Legionella pneumophila in water’, Australian Society the 2nd AWWA WaterTECH Conference , Brisbane, April 1998 (CD- for Microbiology Annual Scientific Meeting, Adelaide, September- ROM) October 1997 C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E P u b l i c a t i o n s

Sinclair, M., Hellard, M. & Fairley, C., ‘The Water Quality Study’, Jacobs, D., Angles, M., Goodman, A. & Neilan, B., ‘In situ enzymatic Au s t ralian Society for Microbiology Annual Scientific Meeting, amplification and detection of low copy genes in bacteria’, FEMS Adelaide, September-October 1997 Microbiology Letters, 152, pp. 65-73 (1997)

Spark, K., ‘Variation in the nature of dissolved organic matter in a Lane, R., Chow, C., Davey, D., Mulcahy, D. & McLeod, S., ‘On-line catchment’, 14th Australian Symposium on Analytical Chemistry, microdistillation-based preconcentration technique for ammonia Adelaide, July 1997 measurement’, Analyst, 122, pp. 1549-1552 (1997)

van Leeuwen, J., Chow, C., Bursill, D. & Drikas, M., ‘Prediction of alum Maier, H., Dandy, G. & Burch, M., ‘Use of artificial neural networks for doses in water treatment’, 2n d AW WA WaterTECH Confere n c e, modelling cyanobacteria Anabaena spp. in the River Murray, South Brisbane, April 1998 Australia’, Ecological Modelling, 105, pp. 257-272 (1998) Velzeboer, R. & Baker, P., ‘Toxicity of cyanobacteria in the Murray- Neilan, B., Hawkins, P., Cox, P. & Goodman, A., ‘Specific amplification and Darling Basin, Australia’, Australian Society for Microbiology Annual restriction polymorphisms of the cyanobacterial rRNA operon spacer Scientific Meeting, Adelaide, September-October 1997 region’, Systematic & Applied Microb i o l o g y , 20, pp. 612 - 6 2 1 (1998) Neilan, B., Jacobs, D., Del Dot, T., Blackall, L., Hawkins, P., Cox, P. & JOURNA L ART I C L E S Goodman, A., ‘Ribosomal RNA sequences and evolutionary relationships among the toxigenic cyanobacteria of genus Mi c ro c y s t i s ’, In t e r n a t i o n a l PAPERS IN REFEREED JOURNALS Journal of Systematic Bacteriology, 47 , pp. 693-697 (1997) B o r m a n s, M., Maier, H., Burch, M. & Bake r, P., ‘Te m p e r a t u r e Neilan, B., Wilton, A. & Jacobs, D., ‘Universal primer labelling of PCR stratification in the lower River Murray, Australia: implication for amplicons’, Nucleic Acids Research, 25, pp. 2938-2939 (1997) cyanobacterial bloom development’, Marine Freshwater Research, Newcombe, G. & Drikas, M., ‘Adsorption of NOM onto activated 48, pp. 647-654 (1997) carbon: electrostatic and non-electrostatic effects’, Carbon, 35 (9), Chow, C., Davey, D. & Mulcahy, D., ‘An intelligent sensor system for pp. 1239-1250 (1997) the determination of ammonia using flow injection analysis’, Newcombe, G., Drikas, M., Assemi, S. & Beckett, R., ‘Influence of Laboratory Automation & Information Management, 33, pp. 17-27 characterised natural organic material on activated carbon (1997) adsorption: I. characterisation of concentrated reservoir water’, Chow, C., Davey, D. & Mulcahy, D., ‘Signal filtering of potentiometric Water Research, 31 (5), pp. 963-972 (1997) stripping analysis using Fourier techniques’, Analytica Chimica Acta, Newcombe, G., Drikas, M. & Hayes, R., ‘Influence of characterised 338, pp. 167-178 (1997) natural organic material on activated carbon adsorption: II. effect on Chow, C., House, J., Velzeboer, R., Drikas, M., Burch, M. & Steffensen, pore volume distribution and adsorption of MIB’, Water Research, 31 D., ‘The effect of ferric chloride flocculation on cyanobacterial cells’, (5), pp. 1065-1073 (1997) Water Research, 32 (3), pp. 808-814 (1998) Pendleton, P., Schumann, R., Wong, S.-H., Levay, G., Rouquerol, J. & Chow, C., Lane, R., Yeow, T., Davey, D. & Mulcahy, D., ‘Development of Denoyel, R., ‘Properties of activated carbon controlling 2- an automated flow-injection system for the determination of trace methylisoborneol adsorption’, Carbon, 35, p. 1141 (1997) level ammonia’, Laboratory Automation & Information Management, Pilotto, L., Douglas, R., Burch, M., Cameron, S., et al., ‘Health effects of 33 (2), pp. 129-136 (1997) exposure to cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) during recreational Chow, C., Panglisch, S., House, J., Drikas, M., Burch, M. & Gimbel, R., ‘A water-related activities’, Australian and New Zealand Journal of study of membrane filtration for removal of cyanobacterial cells’, J Public Health, 21 (6), pp. 562-566 (1997) Water SRT - Aqua, 46 (6), pp. 324-334 (1997) Recknagel, F., ‘ANNA-Artificial Neural Network model for predicting Dittmann, E., Neilan, B., Erhard, M., von Dohren, H. & Borner, T., species abundance and succession of blue-green algae’, Hydrobiologia, 349, pp. 47-57 (1997) ‘Insertional mutagenesis of a peptide synthetase gene which is responsible for hepatotoxin production in the cyanobacterium Recknagel, F., Burch, M., Jablonskas, G., Minney, J. & Schoofs, S., Microcystis aeruginosa PCC7806’, Molecular Microbiology, 26, pp. ‘Combined effects of organic pollution and eutrophication in the 779-787 (1997) South Para reservoir, South Australia’, Water Science & Technology, 37 (2), pp. 113-120 (1998) Douglas, R.M., ‘Alzheimer’s disease, drinking water and aluminium content’, Australian Journal on Ageing, 17, pp. 2-3 (1998) Recknagel, F., French, M., Harkonen, P. & Yabunaka, K-I., ‘Artificial neural network approach for modelling and prediction of algal Falconer, I.R. ‘Origins of life on earth’, Australian Biologist, 11 (2), pp. blooms’, Ecological Modelling, 96, pp. 11-28 (1997) 77-81 (1998) Recknagel, F., Fukushima, T., Hanazato, T., Takamura, N. & Wilson, H., Heresztyn, T. & Nicholson, B., ‘Nodularin concentrations in Lakes ‘Modelling and prediction of phyto- and zooplankton dynamics in Alexandrina and Albert, South Australia, during a bloom of the Lake Kasumigaura by artificial neural networks’, Lakes & Reservoirs: cyanobacterium (blue-green alga) Nodularia spumigena a n d Research & Management, 3, pp. 123-133 (1998) degradation of the toxin’, Environmental Toxicology & Water Quality, 12, pp. 273-282 (1997) Saint, C.P. & Ho, L., ‘Legionella longbeachae isolated from water’, Medical Journal of Australia, 168, p. 96 (1998)

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E P u b l i c a t i o n s

Saint, C.P., ‘A colony based confirmation assay for Legionella and R E P O RT S Legionellapneumophilaemploying the Enviroamp Legionellasystem Baker, P., ‘Life history and ecology of bloom-forming cyanobacteria in and seroagglutination’, Letters in Applied Microbiology, 26 , pp. 377- the Lower Murray River’, Final Report to the Land and Wa t e r 381 (1998) Resources Research and Development Corporation, 1998 Tillett, D. & Neilan, B., ‘Small-scale preparation of the single-copy Baker, P., ‘Phytoplankton in the lower lakes of the River Murray’, bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vector: pBeloBAC11 ’ , Discussion Paper on the River Murray Barrages Environmental Flows, BioTechniques, 24 , pp. 568-572 (1998) Department of Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, van Leeuwen, J., Nicholson, B., Hayes, K. & Mulcahy, D., ‘Degradation Adelaide, 1997 of chlorophenolic compounds by Trichoderma harzianum isolated Bond, P. & Nicholson, B., ‘Determination of the hepatotoxin from Lake Bonney, South-Eastern South Australia’, Environmental cylindrospermopsin produced by the cyanobacterium Toxicology & Water Quality, 12 , pp. 335-342 (1997) Cylindrospermopsis Raciborskii’, UWRAA Report No. 123, Urban van Leeuwen, J., Nicholson, B., Levay, G., Hayes, K. & Mulcahy, D., Water Research Association of Australia, 1997 ‘Transformation of free tetrachloroguaiacol to bound compounds by Br o o ke s , J., Ganf, G., Burch, M. & Bake r, P., ‘Nitrogen: a factor fungi isolated from Lake Bonney, South-Eastern South Australia’, controlling buoyancy and species selection in the lower River Marine Freshwater Research, 48 , pp. 551-557 (1997) Murray’, Au s t ralian Society of Limnology Occasional Publication, van Leeuwen, J., Schell, H., Berger, M., Drikas, M., Bursill, D., Chow, C. Albury, September 1997 & Clasen, J., ‘Comparison of coagulant doses determined using a Burch, M., Velzeboer, R., Chow, C., Stevens, H., Bee, C. & House, J., charge titration unit with a jar test procedure for eight German ‘Evaluation of copper algicides for the control of algae and surface waters’, J Water SRT-Aqua, 46 (5), pp. 261-273 cyanobacteria’, UWRAA Report No. 130, Urban Water Research Webster, I., Maier, H., Baker, P. & Burch, M., ‘Influence of wind on water Association of Australia, April 1998 levels and lagoon-river exchange in the River Murray, Australia’, C h o w, C., House, J., Drika s, M. & Burch, M., ‘Removal of intact Marine Freshwater Research,48 , pp. 541-550 (1997) cyanobacterial cells by water treatment’, UWRAA Report No. 134, Yeow, T., Haskard, M., Mulcahy, D., Seo, H. & Kwon, D., ‘A very large December 1997 integrated pH-ISFET sensor array chip compatible with standard Chow, C., House, J., Drikas, M., Burch, M., Panglisch, S. & Hagmeyer, G., CMOS processes’, Sensors and Actuators B, 44 , pp. 434-440 (1997) ‘Water treatment processes for the removal of cyanobacterial cells’, Report to the Au s t ralia-Germany Collaboration on Water and Environment Research and Development,March 1998 PAPERS IN NON-REFEREED JOURNALS D o u g l a s, R. & Ad a m s, A., ‘Review of the western water study’, Drikas, M., ‘Natural organic matter – the curse of the water industry’, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian Water, 24 (5), pp. 29-33 (1997) National University Hellard, M., Sinclair, M., Ranmuthugala, G., Pilotto, L., Padiglione, A., Fai r l e y , C. & Sinclair, M., ‘Microbiological health risk assessment at Robertson, B. & Fairley, C., ‘Beyond coliforms: measuring human Gunnamatta Beach’, Report to Melbourne Water Corporat i o n , June 1998 health’, Water, 24 (5), pp. 26-28 (1997) Hinwood, A., Sim, M., McNeil, J., Hankin, J., Jolley, D., Drummer, O. & Kastl, G. & Fisher, I., ‘Predicting and maintaining drinking water Gerostamoulos, J., ‘Arsenic exposure from contaminated drinking quality in distribution systems’, Water, 24 (5), pp. 35-38 (1997) water: an intervention trial’, Report to the Department of Human Pilotto, L. & Burch, M., ‘Recreational water guidelines for Services, Victoria, May 1998 cyanobacteria’, Water, 24 (5), p. 17 (1997) Hinwood, A., Sim, M., McNeil, J., Jolley, D., Bastone, E., Drummer, O. & Sinclair, M., Hellard, M. & Fairley, C., ‘Water quality and public health Gerostamoulos, J., ‘Arsenic exposure and human absorption’, Report research’, World Water & Environmental Engineering, p. 25, to the Department of Human Services, Victoria, December 1997 November 1997 J o n e s, G. & Burch, M., ‘Algicide and algistat use in Au s t r a l i a ’ , Steffensen, D., Nicholson, B., Burch, M., Drikas , M. & Baker , P., ‘Toxic blue- ARMCANZ Occasional Paper, ARMCANZ Sub-Committee on Water green algae and drinking water quality’, Wat e r , 24 (5), pp. 19-24 (1997) Resources, October 1997

Padiglione, A. & Fairley, C., ‘The early detection of outbreaks of water BOOKS AND BOOK CHAPTERS borne gastroenteritis - a feasibility study’, Report to Melbourne Water Falconer, I.R., ‘Algal toxins and human health’, The Handbook of Corporation, May 1998 Environmental Chemistry, Hutzinger, O., Ed., (Hrubec, J., Ed., Vol 5C) Rositano, J., Bond, P. & Nicholson, B., ‘By-products formed in the Quality and Treatment of Drinking Water II, pp. 53-82, Springer destruction of algal toxins by oxidants such as chlorine’, UW R A A Verlag, Berlin (1998) Report No. 129,Urban Water Research Association of Australia, 1997 Neilan, B., ‘DNA profiling of complex bacterial populations: toxic Saint, C., ‘Bacteriological quality of Bendora and Corin Dams and the cyanobacterial blooms’, Recent Research Advances in Microbiology, implications for consumers’, Report to the ACT Electricity and Water (Pandalai, S.G., Ed., Vol 1), Research Signpost, Trivandrum, pp. 277- Corporation, February 1998 296 (1998) C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E P u b l i c a t i o n s

van Leeuwen, J., Chow, C., Bursill, D. & Drikas, M., ‘Impact of dissolved Saint, C., Ashbolt, N., McDougald, D., Deere, D. & Stinear, T. , organic carbon on water treatment processes – development of a ‘Detection of viable non-culturable microorganisms’, Workshop for predictive model for process optimisation’, Report to the Australia- the Australian Society for Microbiology Annual Scientific Meeting, Germany Collaboration on Water and Environment Research and Adelaide, September-October 1997 Development, March 1998

Velzeboer, R., Baker, P. & Rositano, J., ‘Characterisation of saxitoxins MEDIA COMMUNICAT I O N produced by the cyanobacterial genus A n a b a e n a in Au s t r a l i a ’ , Burch, M., 23 April 1998, 0930, ABC Regional Radio, Orange, UWRAA Report No. 135, Urban Water Research Association of Interviewer Lisa Hampshire, Topic ‘Blue-Green Algae’, Duration 5 Australia, 1998 minutes, Producer Kate Jordan Withers, N. & Drikas, M., ‘Impact of water treatment processes on Bursill, D., 16 July 1997, 1500, ABC 5AN, Adelaide Radio, assimilable organic carbon’, Report to the Au s t ra l i a - G e r m a n y Interviewer Phillip Satchel, Duration 15 minutes Collaboration on Water and Environment Research and Development, Bursill, D., 25 July 1997, ABC National Radio, Ararat and local press, March 1998 Topic ‘Drinking Water Guidelines’

WORKSHOP PRESENTAT I O N S Bursill, D., 31 March 1998, Colorado News Station, Regional Television, Topic ‘Emerging Water Technologies Meeting’, B a ke r, P., ‘Detection, identification and quantification of Breckonridge, Colorado USA cyanobacteria’, Workshop for the Australian Society for Microbiology Annual Scientific Meeting, Adelaide, September-October 1997 Fairley, C., ‘Melbourne Water Quality Study’, Land & Water News, Vol 1 (5), August 1997, (Journalist unspecified) B a ke r, P., ‘Identification of cyanobacteria’, Workshop on Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and their Toxins (Cyanoshop ’97), Fairley, C., ‘Melbourne Water Quality Study’, Land & Water News, Vol Brisbane, July 1997 1 (5), August 1997, (Journalist unspecified) Burch, M., ‘Cyanobacterial toxins: management and research issues Bursill, D. & Priestley, A., Radio interviews on Water Supply Issues: for the Australian water industry’, Algal Toxins Research Directions 25 July 1997, ABC Country Hour Workshop, WSAA & LWRRDC, Adelaide, March 1998 25 July 1997, ABC 3LO, Melbourne and Victorian country stations, Falconer, I.R. ‘Cyanobacteria and health; the WHO perspective’, Algal Interviewer Gael Jennings Toxins Research Directions Workshop, WSAA & LWRRDC, Adelaide, March 1998 16 March 1998, ABC 3LO, Melbourne, Interviewer Terry Laidler

Nicholson, B. & Rositano, J., ‘Chemical methods for the destruction of 4 May 1998, ABC 5AN, Adelaide, Interviewer Julia Lester cyanobacterial toxins’, Workshop on Cyanobacteria (blue-gre e n 4 May 1998, ABC 6PR, Perth, Interviewer Graham Mabery algae) and their Toxins (Cyanoshop ’97) , Brisbane, July 1997 5 May 1998, ABC Regional Radio, Broome Rositano, J., ‘Chemical analysis of cyanobacterial neurotoxins’, Workshop on Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and their Toxins 6 May 1998, ABC 5AN, Adelaide (Cyanoshop ’97), Brisbane, July 1997 7 May 1998, ABC 2NC, Newcastle, Interviewer Jeanette McMahon

Chairman of the Board of Management, Emeritus Professor Nancy Millis AC MBE, with DIST CRC Committee Chairman, Dr Geoffery Vaughan, and Deputy Dire c t o r, Dr Tony Priestley, at the CRC Association Conference in Adelaide , April 1998

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Grants and Awards

G R A N T S A W A R D S

E X T E R N A L RE S E A R C H F U N D I N G Professor Ian Falconer was elected the President of the Australian Institute of Biology. Research grants are fundamental to the support of key projects within the Centre’s research and strategic goals. A number of Professor Ian Falconer was elected an Honorary Visiting Fellow of the applications for grant support were successful during the first three University of Adelaide and a Visiting Fellow of the Au s t r a l i a n years of the Centre’s activities. National University. Grants held by staff of the Centre for research projects associated Drs Christopher Chow, Brenton Nicholson, Kaye Spark and John van with the Centre’s activities are shown below. One particular existing Leeuwen were granted the title of Adjunct Research Fe l l o w, grant for the Australia-Germany Program of Collaboration on Water University of South Australia. and Environment R&D from DIST was made an activity of the Centre Dr Christopher Fairley was appointed Associate Professor and Head following agreement with DIST and the CRC Board in February 1996. of the Unit of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology in the Department of One important outcome of this grant was the development of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University. international linkages in this area which have continued within the Dr Christopher Fairley received the 1998 Glaxo Wellcome Award for research programs of the CRC. Advanced Research for Infectious Diseases. The success the Centre is having in attracting external funding (as Dr Andrew Humpage was selected as the CRC nominee for the well as research contracts) indicates its increasing research “Young Water Scientist of the Year”. capabilities and relevance to the Australian Water Industry. The PhD student Andrea Hinwood was one of 40 people worldwide to be Centre will be looking to become more reliant on its ability to attract honoured with a ‘Best-of-the-Best Stratospheric Ozone Protection substantial research funding from external sources and industry Award’ from the US EPA for her work for the United Nations groups in the future. Environment Program.

OTA L R E S E A R C H E R ( S) O R G A N I SAT I O N P R O J E CT T I T L E G R A N T I N G BO DY P E R I O D 1 997/98 T $ VA L U E $ AM O U N T

Dr F Ciccutini Monash Water fluoridation Dept. of Human Services, Jul 97 - Jun 98 24,407 24,407 University Victoria

Assoc Prof Monash The effect of chlorination on rates Melbourne Water Jul 97 - Jun 98 23,888 23,888 C Fairley University of gastroenteritis

Dr M Hellard Monash The Water Quality Study: Dept. of Human Services, Jun 97 - Dec 97 162,500 162,500 University Cross-sectional study of pathogens Victoria

Dr M Sim Monash Environmental arsenic exposure and Dept. of Human Services, Jul 97 - Dec 97 22,707 22,707 University human absorption Victoria

Mr P Baker AWQC Life history and ecology of bloom Land and Water Resources 1995/96- 11,084 87,000 forming cyanobacteria Research and 1997/98 Development Corporation

Dr D Steffensen AWQC Improving drinking water quality DIST 1994/95 - 51,000 868,700 & Ms M Drikas from surface water sources 1997/98 Dr I Fisher AWT

Prof I Falconer University Toxic cyanobacterial research University of Adelaide 1992 - 25,000 175,000 of Adelaide 1998

Dr Brett Neilan University of Cyanobacterial genetics research ARC Mar 97 - Feb 00 55,615 166,845 New South Wales

Total 376,201 1,531,047

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Public Presentations and Communications

As outlined in last year’s Annual Report, the CRC sees public public interest and consequently Associate Professor Christopher communication as an important part of its responsibilities. Because Fairley, Deputy Program Coordinator for Program 1, was in heavy water supply issues impact on every single person in the community, the demand. He spoke at a variety of venues ranging from the public has an important role to play in making decisions about the Daylesford Community Workshop to the Business School of the appropriate level of investment in water supply infrastructure. Australian Water and Wastewater Association. The Deputy Director, Co n s e q u e n t l y , CRC staff undertake a variety of public presentations with Dr Tony Priestley (acting for the Director who was overseas), also a view to spreading community understanding of water supply issues. made a number of presentations including ones to invited Federal The table below summarises public presentations made by CRC staff Parliamentarians and staffers in Parliament House and to a visiting during 1997/98. It does not include presentations at conferences delegation from the World Bank. (reported under Publications) nor media interviews, a significant The CRC contributed an article for a book, ‘Australia for the Record’ number of the latter also being given during the year. (Gore & Osment, Third Edition), which details Au s t r a l i a ’ s The health aspects of water supply understandably dominated achievement and innovation for worldwide distribution.

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS BY CRC STA F F ( E XC L U D I N G C O N F E R E N C E P R E S E N TAT I O N S )

T I T L E O F P R E S E N TAT I O N CRC P R E S E N T E R V E N U E / AU D I E N C E P L AC E & DAT E O F P R E S E N TAT I O N Opening Address on CRC Programs Prof Don Bursill Australian Society for Microbiology Workshop Adelaide, October 1997 Sustainable urban water systems Dr Tony Priestley Australian Water & Wastewater Association, Melbourne Victorian branch April 1998 Health effects of water reuse Assoc Prof Christopher Australian Water & Wastewater Association, Melbourne Fairley Victorian branch June 1998 Emerging technologies in Dr Nic Booker Australian Water & Wastewater Association, Melbourne water treatment Victorian branch December 1997 Recent advances in water and Dr Nic Booker Australian Water & Wastewater Association, Melbourne wastewater treatment research Victorian Branch April 1998 Water quality and public health Assoc Prof Christopher AWWA Mt Eliza Business School Mt Eliza, Victoria Fairley October 1997 Epidemiological aspects of Dr Louis Pilotto B Johan National Institute of Public Health Budapest, Hungary, cyanobacterial infestations September 1997 Water quality and human health Assoc Prof Christopher Community of Daylesford/Hepburn Springs Daylesford, Victoria Fairley November 1997 Treatment options in water supply Dr Tony Priestley Community of Daylesford/Hepburn Springs Daylesford, Victoria November 1997 Catchment management in Dr Dennis Steffensen Community of Daylesford/Hepburn Springs Daylesford, Victoria water supply November 1997 Chlorine, disinfection byproducts Dr Louis Pilotto Community of Daylesford/Hepburn Springs Daylesford, Victoria and human health November 1997 Water Research Program and Key Prof Don Bursill Governor of West Jarva and Government Delegation Adelaide Water Quality Issues July 1997 Sustainable urban water systems Dr Tony Priestley Invited Federal Parliamentarians and staffers Parliament House, Canberra, March 1998 Microbiological risk assessment Assoc Prof Christopher Melbourne Water Corporation Melbourne for surfers Fairley August 1997 The origin of life on earth Prof Ian Falconer Public lecture, University of Adelaide Adelaide September 1997 Water Quality Research Prof Don Bursill Public Seminar to scientists, engineers and University of Alberta, in Australia public health officials Canada, April 1998 New developments in food Assoc Prof Christopher Royal Australian College of Physicians Melbourne & water safety Fairley May 1998 Plans for managing water quality Assoc Prof Christopher Sydney Water Corporation Sydney Fairley August 1997 Water Catchment Management Prof Don Bursill Technical Groups from SA Government Adelaide Organisations December 1997 CRC Program Prof Don Bursill University of Illinois staff University of Illinois April 1998 The Water Quality Study Assoc Prof Christopher Victorian Water Industry Association Lorne, Victoria Fairley October 1997 The CRC for Water Quality Prof Don Bursill Visiting group of Taiwanese Environmental and Adelaide and Treatment Water Quality Protection Officers February 1998 Water quality and public health Assoc Prof Christopher Visiting group of World Bank Advisors Adelaide Fairley April 1998 The CRC for Water Quality Dr Tony Priestley Visiting group of World Bank Advisors Adelaide and Treatment April 1998 CRC Research Programs Prof Don Bursill Water Services Association of Australia Canberra, November 1997 C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Performance Indicators

C O O P E R ATIVE ARRANGEMENTS Appendix A. They demonstrate significant cooperation and linkages between organisations in research and education programs. L E V E L O F PA RT N E R PA RT I C I P AT I O N I N T H E C R C Another area for joint participation is between the universities and Two new participants joined the CRC at the start of the year. Board industry participants. Dual supervision of PhD students has become members are involved in the development of the Strategic Plan, the more of the norm as more students are doing a major part of their Marketing Plan and the Technology Transfer Plan with a technical work away from campuses. advisory group for programs. A program based Industry Panel was E X T E N T A N D F O R M O F I N T E R A C T I O N W I T H OT H E R created to enhance technology transfer and communication R E S E A R C H A N D I N D U S T RY G R O U P S influence with industry. The Board continues to overview and set Links have been firmly established with Centre participants, research directions and priorities of the Centre - as evidenced by a membership of CRC Water Forum (five CRCs) to identify areas of two day workshop held in May 1998 to review research priorities. collaboration, interaction with six overseas universities, on-going Stable Board membership and a high attendance rate was recorded interaction with EMIAA, MDBC, LWRRDC, WSAA and UWRAA. Other during the year. direct links have been forged with major water authorities and R E L AT I V E P R O P O RT I O N O F S TA F F F R O M E AC H relevant commercial organisations who are not currently CRC O R G A N I S AT I O N members. Research linkages between participants and the CRC have Most projects involve at least two and in some cases three or more been highlighted under Cooperative Linkages. The CRC is now seen participants. Staff from five CRC participants are represented on the as the Australian drinking water research entity. Management Committee. Research staff turnover has been low across the research programs and excellent working relationships RESEARCH AND RESEARCHERS have developed within and across programs. P U B L I C AT I O N S , K E Y N OT E A D D R E S S E S A N D C O N F E R E N C E JO I N T PA RT I C I P AT I O N I N R E S E A R C H A N D E D U C AT I O N P R E S E N TAT I O N S AC T I V I T I E S A total of 121 papers were prepared by researchers, with Centre staff Details of staff and organisations are shown in the tables under making 55 conference presentations as shown under Publications.

Dr Nic Booker and CRC Summer Scholarship student Natasha Rutherfo rd discussing her re s e a rch project on hybrid membrane filtration systems

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Performance Indicators

AT T R A C T I O N O F E X T E R N A L F U N D I N G • Research project activity focused on key water supply issues, eg The 8 external grants made to CRC research staff in the third year are disease transmission, toxic algae, natural organic matter and listed under Grants and Awards. A total of $1.531m has been pathogens. secured for currently funded projects over several years. M A N AGEMENT AND BUDGET AC H I E V E M E N T O F P R O J E CT M I L E S TO N E S Aspects of program activities are shown under Research. Projects are A D H E R E N C E TO M I L E S TO N E S delivering well across the research and education program and some Each project has clearly defined milestones and project leaders program milestones are being exceeded. Projects have become more report against these milestones quarterly to Board. Achievement of focused, requiring less of the milestone changes that usually arise project milestones are provided in the chapter on Research. Details from the unpredictable nature of research. Project agreements are in of education and training milestones are provided in the Education place for financial and intellectual property management, and and Training chapter. Twenty one Project Agreements were in place newsletters are produced on a regular basis with a current expanding and a number of others were at different stages of completion at circulation. year end.

D I S T I N G U I S H E D V I S I TO R S A N D V I S I T I N G S C I E N T I S T S T I M E LY A N D AC C U R AT E R E P O RT I N G TO T H E Several high ranking government delegations from overseas have C O M M O N W E A LT H been received and over thirty eminent overseas and Australian All quarterly and annual reports were submitted on time. scientists visited during the year, some of whom presented seminars. Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate have A C C U R AT E R E C O R D I N G A N D R E P O RT I N G O F F I N A N C I A L T R A N S AC T I O N S visited the Centre or indicated their willingness to do so at the earliest opportunity. Several community visits to the Centre occurred A financial management system is providing timely and accurate during the year, with further details supplied in Cooperative reporting of financial transactions to provide the Board and Linkages. The international and national interest shown in the Management the information necessary to achieve the aims of the activities of the Centre indicates that there will be an increasing Centre. Continuous improvements to the project costing system number of external visitors over the next few years, especially when were made during the year to provide researchers with more timely the Centre’s publication record, conference participation and project reporting, to improve the management effectiveness of research quality achieve further exposure and reputation worldwide. research projects. This financial system was complimented during the Stage 2 Review of the Second Year Review. E D U C ATION AND TRAINING The Centre is operating within budget at the research project, Details of various elements of this program are provided in the education and administrative levels. chapter on Education and Training. The overall objectives of the Program were met and further initiatives, particularly in the S AT I S F ACT O RY A U D I T I N G O F CRC A C C O U N T S development and conduct of training programs for researchers, The Auditor’s Report for the year ended 30 June 1997 was students, staff and committee members, are being considered by the satisfactory and contained no qualifications. The Audit Partner from Management Committee for 1998/99. Arthur Andersen attended the September Board meeting to enable The first CRC PhD was awarded during 1997/98, and the CRC the Board to raise any matter concerning the Accounts or the Audit expects to submit at least 5 postgraduate theses next year. The first Report. No issue of any concern was raised by either party.

postgraduate student conference was well attended with a MO N I TO R I N G A N D R E C O R D I N G O F T I M E C O M M I T M E N T O F significant number of supervisors attending as well as some Centre S P E C I F I E D P E R S O N N E L participants and invited parties. Details of actual time recorded are provided in the Staffing and A P P L I C ATION OF RESEARCH Administration chapter. During the First and Second Year Reviews, the recording system was complimented for its simplicity and With the main program of research activity under the CRC now accuracy of information collected. Several enquiries about the soundly based, a number of initiatives have been taken to ensure that recording system have been received from existing CRCs looking to maximum benefit results from the application of research. The extent improve their time sheet systems. of advice and consultancy provided to industry and non-industry participants is increasing. The following activities were undertaken : S TA F F D E V E L O P M E N T •Participation in national and WHO working groups to formulate The CRC has established staff development as one of its four key water quality guidelines for cyanobacteria toxins. objectives. Professional development of Centre staff is actively • Liaison with Grampians Water and Central Highland Water on encouraged with several undertaking part-time higher degrees. ways for the CRC to support smaller water authorities. Conference attendance is well supported. A professional • Participation in Daylesford Community Workshop and Vic Water 97. development workshop program is being developed for staff and • Participation in IWSA Research Committee. committee members from that presently being planned for •Participation in AWWA, WaterTECH Conference - 12 papers by postgraduate students. CRC personnel.

C O O P E R A TIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR WATER QUALITY AND TREA T M E N T PA G E Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment

Hodgson Road, Bolivar, South Australia Postal address: Private Mail Bag 3 Salisbury SA 5108 Telephone (08) 8259 0211 Facsimile (08) 8259 0228 [email protected]