Disinfection of Algal Laden waters

With more prevalent algal problems in surface waters and the increased use of wastewater stabilization ponds, the need for additional information on how algae affect the process of water and wastewater disinfection is quite apparent. Because of this and the noticeable lack of technical data in the literature, laboratory studies were directed toward obtaining results that would ensure the proper design of disinfection processes for water and wastewater containing algae. The purpose of this research was primarily to determine whether or not a stoichiometry existed between algal concentration and requisite disinfectant (chlorine) dosage to attain an effective residual following an appropriate contact time. Another aspect of the study was an evaluation of the effect that the chlorine has on the algal cells and also on the quality of the suspending liquid. Additional investigations were concerned with the effectiveness of chlorine as an algal flocculant and the influences of chlorine on the capabilities of chemical flocculants for algal removal from various waters.