Project Proposal - Charan

8/10/2019 Project Proposal - Charan

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300747 Advanced Topics and Research Skills

Assessment 1: PROJECT PROPOSAL

PROJECT TITLE

SUMMARY OF PROJECT PROPOSALHawkesbury Water Recycling Scheme (HWRS) is a recycling scheme at the agricultural campus of

UWS which aims to treat effluent for water irrigation. Sydney Water Corporation supplies treated

effluent from stabilisation ponds at Richmond STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) to UWS for

agricultural and irrigational uses. The Hawkesbury area contains sport fields, horse paddocks andfive dams which are all used for water activities such as dairy pasture irrigation etc. This project

proposal describes the potential risk factors for toxic cyanobacterial blooms which can

unexpectedly occur in recycled water inside the dams. Immediate action is required to avoid the

harmful risks to humans, animals, livestock etc.

BACKGROUNDHawkesbury Agricultural College which is currently known as University of Western Sydney andSydney Water has fostered a mutually-beneficial agreement thirty years ago. This partnership hasled to the emergence of the Hawkesbury Water Reuse Scheme, which aims to treat effluent forwater irrigation at the Hawkesbury area. This provides an opportunity for the partners to initiatedevelopment and to raise awareness in the community about the benefits of the recycled water(Booth, et al., 2003). Hawkesbury University campus consists of valuable sources such as vegetable

beds, lawns, fruit orchards, sport fields, deer, sheep, pasture for horses and irrigation of dairy cattle.(Derry, et al., 2005)

Sydney Water is Australiaslargest water utility company, which is owned by the New SouthWales Government. The company operated on a range of different areas which include Sydney, theIllawara and Blue Mountains districts. This water utility has a sewage treatment plant in Richmond,which is situated at the foot of the Blue Mountains (Sydney Water, n.d.). The dry-weather flowfrom this structure is received by Hawkesbury Agricultural College and then utilised for irrigation

of experimental crops and pastures (Booth, et al., 2003).

Growth of cyanobecteria has been a regular occurrence in recycled water due to a combination ofchemical, physical and biological factors. The continuous growth rate of the cyanobecteria results inthe formation of blooms or scums in water. Factors for growth are dependent on the temperature ofthe water, climatic conditions, availability of nutrients, degree of stratification and the watercolumnshydrodynamic stability. In many cases, phosphorus is a key element impacted in thegrowth of cyanobacterial blooms due to the direct relationship between the photosynthetic pigmentchlorophyll-a and the concentration of total phosphorus (Global Water Research Coalition, 2009).

The decision of diverting the effluent away from the Hawkesbury Campus to the Hawkesbury-

Nepean (H-N) River was not a practical solution due to the continuous draught present in the area.This restricted the use of portable water for irrigation and high costs are associated with thereplaced portable water. Due to the high presence of phosphates and nitrates in the effluent, this can

Identifying risk factors for potentially-toxic cyanobacterial occurrence in stored recycled water


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cause the eutrophication system to be aggravated and can worsen the conditions of the H-N River.Sydneysmost valuable water source is the H-N River. This is due to itsmany different uses suchas agriculture, aquaculture, and recreation. (Derry, et al., 2005). In 1998, Sydney Water suggestedthe urban residents to drink boiled water or buy bottled water due to the presence ofmicroorganisms present in the water from the of Hawkesbury-Nepean River. Consumption ofcontaminated water or seafood such as shellfish, crustaceans and fish can pose a risk to human

health due to the presence of alkaloid toxins (Derry, et al., 2005).

Recently in 2009, a South Australian River known as the Murray River which is locateddownstream of Hume Dam was reported with 800km long growth of Algal Blooms. The factorsresponsible for increasing blooms included high nutrients, high temperatures, low storage level andoften poor water quality. Due to the formation of algal blooms and the high associate risks, publicand environmental warnings were issued around the Murray River area. Based on the data, thisalgal bloom became such an issue that it was reported to the local Minister for immediate action toresolve the issue. Regular media warnings and posters were also released to provide information for

public safety especially for local campers and the users of rivers (Water Research Australia, 2009).

The word algae refers to large group of aquatic and photosynthetic plant-like organisms which havesimple retroactive systems and not vascular tissues. Algae does not have real stems, leaves androots. Algae is different from the phylogenetic groups and it is categorised into divisions oftaxonomic. Algae belongs to the kingdom of protiste. Algae can be mostly found in different partsof the world which includes freshwater, seawater and in moist conditions. Generally the size of thealgae is microscopic, however they can also exist in the form of seaweed where their length canrange up to 50 meters. Algae uses photosynthesis to produce their own food for survival becausealgae contains chlorophyll. Algae is considered to be eukaryotice as it contains chloroplasts. Themain role of chloroplasts is to use the bound structure of the membrane to perform photosynthesis.Comparatively, cyanobacteria can perform photosynthesis without the requirement of specializedorganelles (Lenntech, n.d.).

Common cyanotoxins are microcystin, anatoxin-a, saxitoxin and cylinderospermopsin. Microcystin(MCs) belong to cyanobacteriasfirst genera, which are the most widespread hepatotoxins. MCs arelife threatening to living organisms as they are water-soluble and immediately accumulates insidethe liver. In 1996, 60 people were poisoned in Brazil due to MCs (Sylvain, et al., 2013). Similarly,anatoxin-a (ANTX-a), which belongs to the third genera of cyanobecteria and it is extremely water-soluble. However, ANTX-a becomes unstable when it is at a pH of N10. The toxin must be exposedto sunlight in order to render it non-toxic. This can have many negative impact on humans andanimals if this toxin is inhaled and can cause vomiting, respiratory arrest, convulsion and death(Sylvain, et al., 2013).

Saxitoxin (STXs) are water-soluble and are starble in freshwater for more than 90 days. These canbe degraded or changed through the alteration of high temperatures. STXs prevent sodium ionchannels going into the nerve axon membrane, and can cause paralysis, numbness and dysfunctionof nerves. This can also lead to loss of life due to respiratory system failure. Due to the lack ofevidence for the presence of STXs in water, no guidelines have been developed for drinking water.Similarly, cylinderospermopsin (CYL) is known as a tropical toxin where itshalf-life in highly

pure water is greater than 10 days. This toxin has a huge impact on the liver and can cause cells todie. One study reported an incident where over 100 children had been admitted in hospital fortreatment following consumption of this present in drinking water (Sylvain, et al., 2013).

There are different type of toxins that can have a huge negative impact on ecosystems, agricultureand wildlife. Ecosystem can be negatively affected due to high presence of cyanotoxins and theycan easily contaminate finfish, prawns and selfish. Furthermore, additional exposure to


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contamination can happen through gill surfaces. Similarly Cyanobecteria can also affect wildlifesuch as mammals, invertebrates and birds through drinking water which contains poison andcyanotoxins. There is also risk for the crops to become contaminated with cyanotoxins becausewater is used for spray-irrigation. One of the crop facility in United Kingdom stored water in a pondfor spray-irrigation and the water was highly contaminated with microcystins (MCs). Throughspray-irrigation, the cyanotoxins slowly spread into lettuce and other crops. The research revealed

that due to high concentration, this possessed health risks to humans. (Foundation of WaterResearch, 2014).

Formation of microcystins scums can make the treatment of drinking water more difficult as it addsadditional stress. Study reveals that when cyanobecteria cells are processed through the watertreatment process, they regrow in recycled water tanks. Similarly the process is also harder asdifficulty is experienced in the process of filtration and coagulation (Global Water ResearchCoalition, 2009 ).

For the past few years, UWSsHawkesbury campus had an agreement with Sydney WaterCorporation for them to use tertiary-treated effluent for irrigation from the STP (Sewage treatment

plant) due to UWSsstrong code for environmental and agriculture. In 2002, laboratory reportsfrom STP showed that the bacterial quality was worsened due to the supply of effluent to thecampus. After this, Sydney Water Corporation replaced STP with Intermittently Decanted AeratedLagoon (IDAL) in 2005 due to the supply of low water quality from STP. The replaced IDAL

provided supply of high quality of water, however study on the Schemesdam showed increase inFC and stable effluent. One of the possible sources of effluent is group of birds which bring faecalmatter to the dam. The IDAL upgrade had a positive impact on the Hawkesbury Nepean Riversirrigation runoff which improved local eutrophication. Research shows that when phosphates areleached from old sediments and extraction of faecal matter leads to algal growth.

In one of the dam, Algal blooms unexpectedly started to occur and complaints were made due to

strong odor. Investigation was carried out as one of the contractors was heavily exposed to thecontaminated water in the dam and then the risk assessment was further improved for the safety ofstaff, volunteers and students around the campus (Derry, et al., 2005). For risk assessment,qualitative and quantitative data were recorded through the use of different types of indicators.These indicators include Thermotolerant coliform (TC), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD),Dissolve Oxygen(DO), pH ,Temperature (Temp), Conductivity (Cond.) and Suspended solids (SS).To achieve high water quality for food-crop irrigation, monitoring point was placed closed tosupply linescontrol point which goes to the horticulture dam. (Aiken, et al., 2010)

Data samples for pH, dissolved oxygen and temperature were recorded in the field using relevant

Hach test kits. Results show that increase in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) leads toreleasing of nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. The process of releasing nutrientswas observed in Horticultural Dam and supports the initial interest for risk assessment. Similarly,

pathogens started to rise due to the failing STP in the Turkey Nest dam and immediate action wasrequired to defend against pathogens. Ecological activities must be improved for purification,however further research is required. (Derry, et al., 2005)

My motivation for this study is that it will allow the implementation of enhanced water recyclingprocesses and management of recycled water. This means that the quality of water will be improvedwhen cyanobecteria growth is controlled and reduced. Reduction of El Nino variations climatechange and ocean flow can improve draught conditions in Hawkesbury-Nepean (H-N) River and

also reduce negative impact on marine and terrestrial ecosystems (Vecchi & Wittenberg, 2010).


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Aim of this research study is to determine aquatic and environmental risks factors for cyanobecteriablooms in stored recycled water. HWRS located at UWSsHawkesbury campus uses treatedeffluent from stabilization ponds for irrigation. This is received from Sydney Water CorporationsSTP (Sewage Treatment Plant). Water flows from Richmond STP into the first storage dam (Turkey

Nest Dam) and then flows into the second storage dam (Horticulture Dam). Water is then pumpedto vegetable crops, pasture (sheep, horses, cattle, etc.), sports fields and lawns. Control of

cyanobecteria is achieved by reduction of total Nitrogen and total phosphate in water at STP as theyare the offending chemicals. Control points are used to determine the use of recycled water anddirect the flow of water to less demanding uses such as diluting nutrients with storm water,silviculture etc. It is vital that high quality water must be used drinking and food-crop irrigation.Research shows that agriculturalists prefer water with high nutrients for irrigation whileenvironmentalists prefer low lower of nutrients. (Aiken, et al., 2010)

UWS Ethic Committee approval is not required due to no participation of humans or animals in thisresearch project.

HYPOTHESISMy prediction for this study is that cyanobacteria blooms grow due to high level of nutrients presentin recycled water.

SIGNIFICANCEThis research study is important as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae can cause high level of risksto humans, environment, aquatic animals and livestock. If the growth of cyanobecteria blooms is

not controlled, this can develop and increase the chances of life threatening diseases. El Nino causesvariation in ocean flow and climate patterns which subsequently affects the equilibrium of marineand terrestrial ecosystems (Vecchi & Wittenberg, 2010). As a result, this increased the rate ofoccurrence and magnitude of cyanobecteria blooms. As a consequence, this lead to excessivedrought conditions and potential cyanobacteria blooms in the Hawkesbury-Nepean (H-N) River.Immediate action must be taken to resolve this problem for the safety of staff, students, visitors,Hawkesbury residents, agriculture land, farm animals etc.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND METHODThe purpose of this research is to monitor risk factor for cyanobacteria in recycled water to enhancewater quality as cyanobacteria possess many health related problems associated with it.Experimental Design and method for recycled water sample consists of field and laboratoryanalysis. Laboratory analysis will be used to analyse water samples for different water quality

parameters. The Hawkesbury Water Reuse Scheme (HWRS) illustrates the current extensively usedwater recycling schemes which makes this case study ideally suitable for this research project.

1. Weekly samples of tertiary treated sewage effluent will be collected from two of the HawkesburyWater Recycling Scheme (HWRS) impoundments, Turkey Nest Dam, and Horticulture (Hort) Dam.These will include the following three dependent variables:

Phycocyanin, as proxy for cyanobacterial concentration in water

Chlorophyll-a, as proxy for algal growth in water Chlorophyll, as indicator of all chlorophyll in water.


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Analysis for these indicators using an AquaFluor 8000 field test kit and Hach laboratoryfluorometer will be carried out with regression analysis to determine relationships between the threeindicators. This will establish the validity of field monitoring as opposed to laboratory monitoringfor indicators of algal and cyanobacterial growth, in the establishment of a cost-effectivemonitoring subset of indicators for the dependent variables.

2. Indication of organisms is accessible through the use of growth curves, however laboratory workcan be performed in order to record and compare changes in field as oppose to the treated effluentwith E. coli and Enterococci.

3. A photographic record of representative algal genera will be carried out using, confocalmicroscopy to add a qualitative dimension to the quantitative proxy record. Identification of theseillustrative examples will be carried out to the level of genus. There are some genus ofcyanobacteria such as: the genera anabaena, schizothrix, umezakia, lyngabya andcylindrospermopsis. (Cyanosite, n.d.)

4. Weekly assessment of the following climatic risk factors as independent variables will be

temperature (maximum and minimum), sunlight, rainfall, time of day (morning, noon, afternoon,evening), cloud cover.

5. Weekly samples for the following risk factor for algal growth as correlated dependent variablewill be carried out:

pH- will be measured electrochemically using a combination electrode and is calibratedagainst two or three commercially available buffer solution. pH meter reflects if water isacidity (pH < 7) ,neutral (pH=7)and alkaline (pH > 7)

Temperature- can be measured by using a thermometer with a range of 0-50C or a suitableelectronic thermometer. The thermometer is placed in water to measure temperature. Thereading of the temperature remains stable for few minutes on the thermometer.

Turbidity- is caused by suspended matter in water such as clay, slit, divided inorganic andorganic matter, plankton and other microscopic organism. To achieve more accurate resultsfor turbidity test, laboratory analysis should be performed because probes in field giveinaccurate value and especially in very shallow water (2m.Water sample will be send to ALSLab for analysis.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)-The amount of dissolved oxygen in water is widely dependentupon the water temperature. Colder water can take more dissolve oxygen in comparison towarmer water when atmosphere is balance water will be 100% saturation of dissolve oxygen

at maximum concentration. The unit of measurement is mg/L (dissolved oxygenconcentration) or % (saturation). Electrical Conductivity (EC) - Electrical conductivity determines supply of direct

measurement of dissolve ionic matter in the water and are valuable in aquatic studies. TheUnit of measurement (mS/cm).

To achieve valid results, the results will be transferred to other organisations such as localgovernment, and for use of results for modification of existing water quality guidelines, chemicalanalyses have to be carried out at a NATA accredited lab, so samples will be sent to ALS (277-289Woodpark Rd, Smithfield NSW 2164) in terms of Standard Methods for the Examination of Waterand Wastewater (AS/NZS 5667.1:1998 - water quality sampling) (Department of Water, 2009).

CW&F will be paid for laboratory analysis water samples by prior agreement relating to an over-arching water quality research project.


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6.

Field Horiba Unit (Water quality analyser) will be used to analyse water samples.

7. Following nutrients present in recycled water will be sent to ALS lab for analysis. Total

phosphorus (TP), Nitrogen oxides (), Total nitrogen (TN), Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN),

Biochemical oxygen demand (), Nitrate-Nitrogen (-,-), Ammonia-Nitrogen

(-N), and Nitrite-Nitrogen (-N).

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Data for all parameters will be saved using Excel as an extension of the HWRS data base.

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My opinion will be provided for any change in total coliform and Enterococci in HWRS watersamples. This will be determined by using regression analysis. Data analysis will be carried outusing a program combination of Excel, MINITAB, and SPSS (Statistical Package for the SocialSciences) (IBM SPSS Statistics is the most recent and current version). After determination ofnormality, kurtosis and skewness, data will be subjected to bivariate linear regression analysisand multiple regression analysis to identify simple linear relationships between dependent andindependent variables and more complex interrelationships within a model standardised forinteractive effects of co-variables.

10.Data will be presented in terms of quantitative regression results indicating the strength andnature of relationships between the main risk factors for cyanobacterial growth, with qualitativeillustrative material to outline some genera which might flourish under relevant environmentalconditions.

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A descriptive literature review is ongoing for two years, targeting on risk factor forcyanobacteria in recycled water in Hawkesbury Campus (UWS).

Hawkesbury Water Recycling Scheme Health Risk Assessment Budget# Item Description Cost ($)

1 Salary Hidden Cost: staff indirectlyinvolved with the project 1 Staff * $30p/h * 10 hours per week* 30 weeks = $9000

2 PerformanceIndicators

pHTemperatureTotal Dissolved SolidsDissolved OxygenTotal Suspended Solids

$0$0$0$0$11

2 Nutrients NT-8

Total Phosphorus (TP)

Nitrogen Oxides ()

-

Total Nitrogen-

Total KjeldahlNitrogen- Ammonia-nitrogen- Nitrate-nitrogen

$60 Per Sample * 32 Samples = $1920$28 Per Sample * 32 Samples = $896$0$0

3 AlgalIndicator

Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a)ChlorophyllPhycocyanin

$28 Per Sample * 32 Samples = $896$0$0

4 Administration Computer, Electricity etc. Negligible5 Maintenance Sample Storage Negligible

6 Travel andTransportation(HandlingSample)

Sending sample to laboratoryfor analysis from UWS(Hawkesbury Campus)

Travel/Week (km): 54.2kmCost/km: 65c/kmTotal Weeks: 30 WeeksTravel/Week * Cost/km * 30 Weeks= 54.2*0.65*30 = $1056.9


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7 Analysis Analysis of collected data NegligibleTOTAL BUDGET $ 13,789.90

TIMELINE2015 2016

M A M J J A S O N M A M J J A S O N

Literature Review

Develop Project Proposal

Project Proposal Submission 7 7

Oral Presentation 14 14

Formulate Presentation

Final Oral Presentation 5 5

HWRS Data Collection

Data Analysis

Prepare Final Report

Final Report Submission

REFERENCESAiken, J. T., Derry, C. & Attwater, R., 2010. Impact of Improved Recycled water quality on asydney irrigation scheme.Agriculture Use,pp. 89-90.

Booth, C. A., Attwater, R., Derry, C. & Simmons, B., 2003. Water Reuse: The Hawkesbury WaterReuse Scheme. [Online]Available at: http://www.uws.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/134903/Water_2003.pdf[Accessed 25 September 2014].

Cyanosite, n.d. The Toxic Cyanobacteria. [Online]Available at: http://www-cyanosite.bio.purdue.edu/cyanotox/toxiccyanos.html[Accessed 29 October 2014].

Department of Water, 2009. Surface water sampling methods and analysistechnical appendices.[Online]Available at: http://www.water.wa.gov.au/PublicationStore/first/87152.pdf[Accessed 29 October 2014].

Derry, C., Attwater, R. & Booth, S., 2005. Rapid health-risk assesment of effluent irrgation on anAustalian usinversity campus.International Journal of Hygene and Environmental Health, Issue209, pp. 159-171.

Foundation of Water Research, 2014. Cyanobacterial Toxins (Cyanotoxins) in Water. [Online]Available at: http://www.fwr.org/cyanotox.pdf

[Accessed 29 October 2014].


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Global Water Research Coalition, 2009 . WQRA: Chapter 1. [Online]Available at: http://www.waterra.com.au/cyanobacteria-manual/Chapter1.htm[Accessed 15 November 2014].Global Water Research Coalition, 2009. WQRA: Chapter 2. [Online]Available at: http://www.waterra.com.au/cyanobacteria-manual/Chapter2.htm[Accessed 27 September 2014].

Lawton, L., Marsalek, B., Padisk,, J. & Chorus, I., 1999. In: I. C. a. J. Bartram, ed. ToxicCyanobacteria in Water: A guide to their public health consequences, monitoring and management.

London: E & FN Spon, p. 400.

Lenntech, n.d.Algae description and types. [Online]Available at: http://www.lenntech.com/eutrophication-water-bodies/algae.htm[Accessed 25 October 2014].

Sydney Water, n.d. Who are we. [Online]Available at: http://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/about-us/our-organisation/who-we-

are/index.htm[Accessed 25 September 2014].

Sylvain, M. et al., 2013. State of knowledge and concerns on cyanobeterial blooms. Science Direct:Environment International, Volume 59, pp. 303-327.Vecchi, G. A. & Wittenberg, A. T., 2010. El Nio and our future climate: where do we stand?.WIREs Climate Change, 1(1), pp. 260-270.

Water Research Australia, 2009. Cyanobacterial Bloom Management: Current and Future Options.[Online]Available at: http://www.waterra.com.au/publications/document-search/?download=158,

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CEIQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterra.com.au%2Fpublications%2Fdocument-search%2F%3Fdownload%3D158&ei=3d9VVLPT[Accessed 12 October 2014].

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Project Proposal - Charan