Specific issues investigated in this project were: Identifying the most effective substrate for optimum biofilm formation, and the range of operating conditions for optimum removals to be achieved; developing a standard suite of laboratory tests, both simulated filtration tests and genetic tests, to identify the potential of an existing filter to remove cyanobacterial metabolites; better understanding of the lag period prior to the onset of degradation of several metabolites; and the feasibility of artificially inoculating or "seeding" filters to enhance removal of the cyanobacterial metabolites. This book is co-published with Water Research Australia.

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a nitrogen-containing organic compound that has known carcinogenic properties. NDMA has been a health concern for some industries for a number of years as it is used in rubber formulations, as a fire retardant, antioxidant, additive for lubricants and softener of copolymers; it is also a degradation product of dimethylhydrazine, an additive to rocket fuel. Most people are exposed to NDMA via a number of diverse routes including cigarette smoke (actively or passively) and processed foods, for example smoked meat products. However, it has only come to the attention of the international water industry since it was recognised as a disinfection by-product (DBP) of chloramination or chlorination in the presence of ammonia. The aim of this guidance manual is to answer commonly asked questions about this emerging issue, such as: How do they come to be in drinking water and recycled water and what * concentrations are "normal"? What regulatory/guidance levels have been imposed in Australia and elsewhere? How are they formed? What are the risk factors for the occurrence of nitrosamines in my system? What can we do to control them? What are the implications for the drinking and recycled water industry, and in particular for public health? This Guidance Manual has a companion document, Generic Management Plan for Nitrosamines in Drinking Water which provides provide background information on the group of organic contaminants, nitrosamines. This book is co-published with Water Research Australia.

It is difficult to imagine anything more important to the human population than safe drinking water. Lack of clean drinking water is still the major cause of illness and death in young children in developing countries. In more fortunate communities, where water treatment is practiced, the primary aim of water authorities is to provide water that is free from pathogens and toxins. Most countries now have water quality regulations, or guidelines, which are driving water authorities to produce purer water, with the minimum of contamination from natural or man-made origin. At the same time, consumers are demanding that chemicals added during the treatment of drinking water be kept to a minimum. As a consequence, conventional clarification methods are being challenged to comply with the new regulations and restrictions and our understanding of the mechanisms involved is being tested as never before.
Interface Science in Drinking Water Treatment contains a rigorous review of water treatment practices from a fundamental viewpoint. The book includes material from leading experts in the field of water treatment, reviewing their specific fields of expertise against a background of colloid and surface chemistry, and examines each step of the journey from source to consumer tap. It therefore permits the reader to develop a deep understanding of the complex processes taking place and of the necessary treatments which are vital for the provision of safe and palatable drinking water. The book is aimed at researchers, educators and practitioners in science and engineering, particularly those involved in water treatment and colloidal chemistry.
- Covers all existing water treatment processes, approached from a fundamental surface and colloid science viewpoint
- Unique collection of R&D authors, all experts in water treatment processes
- Comprehensive review of water treatment with a complete list of references