Investigating the influence of geologic bombs and reservoir management on biogeochemical cycling of trace metals and resultant water quality.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bath
Department Name: Chemical Engineering
Abstract
The main aim of this project is to further contribute to the scientific knowledge base of the geologic sources and biogeochemical pathways of manganese concentrations within drinking water reservoirs and their catchments. Manganese (Mn) is a naturally occurring trace metal which in high concentrations can cause health problems in humans. Although manganese is an essential trace element for human health, manganism (or manganese poisoning) is a toxic condition that can result from sustained exposure to high levels of manganese in the environment, for example from manganese in the air or in drinking water. Therefore, there is a need to monitor and manage manganese levels in drinking water from a human health perspective.
As well as having an effect on human health, manganese can also cause aesthetic issues with drinking water odour, taste and appearance, and physical blockages in water distribution systems due to manganese precipitation in pipe networks. Manganese is one of the primary causes of taste and odour problems that UK drinking utilities must deal with, resulting in £millions of fines annually in customer complaints. This has led to almost all UK water utilities currently managing their drinking water reservoirs by pumping oxygen into the hypolimnion of the reservoir to promote the oxygenation and sedimentation of reduced manganese forms, and its subsequent removal from the water column. There is a current general lack of understanding, however, of how these engineered aeration systems affect the biogeochemical controls on water quality (Bristol Water, pers. comm.).
With increased pressure on water resources worldwide created by a rising population, combined with environmental pressures such as climate change, it will become more important to utilise new, more sustainable water resources that may be of lower quality, and to utilise existing water resources in a more efficient way. Therefore, there is a precedent for understanding the cycling of manganese and other trace metals in these environments that influence the quality of our water supplies.
To further elucidate manganese geochemical cycling from a water quality standpoint, this project focuses on characterising the catchment sources and biogeochemical pathways of manganese that can be better targeted for improved management. This work will be carried out at Blagdon Lake - a drinking water reservoir managed by Bristol Water; research results will directly contribute to water utilities' and general scientific understanding of manganese dynamics in a drinking water reservoir.
Two primary lines of research will be investigated:
1) The novel use of voltammetric electrodes to further understand oxygen-manganese dynamics at the sediment-water interface, including spatial and temporal differences in the reservoir.
2) The influence of local (catchment) geology on reservoir water quality, with focus on manganese formations linked to riparian runoff.
Results will ultimately be incorporated into a catchment-reservoir model, building upon current Blagdon-focused research by WISE student Jack Waterhouse, which would be used to better manage manganese levels in the future and alleviate existing UK water-supply issues with taste and odour.
As well as having an effect on human health, manganese can also cause aesthetic issues with drinking water odour, taste and appearance, and physical blockages in water distribution systems due to manganese precipitation in pipe networks. Manganese is one of the primary causes of taste and odour problems that UK drinking utilities must deal with, resulting in £millions of fines annually in customer complaints. This has led to almost all UK water utilities currently managing their drinking water reservoirs by pumping oxygen into the hypolimnion of the reservoir to promote the oxygenation and sedimentation of reduced manganese forms, and its subsequent removal from the water column. There is a current general lack of understanding, however, of how these engineered aeration systems affect the biogeochemical controls on water quality (Bristol Water, pers. comm.).
With increased pressure on water resources worldwide created by a rising population, combined with environmental pressures such as climate change, it will become more important to utilise new, more sustainable water resources that may be of lower quality, and to utilise existing water resources in a more efficient way. Therefore, there is a precedent for understanding the cycling of manganese and other trace metals in these environments that influence the quality of our water supplies.
To further elucidate manganese geochemical cycling from a water quality standpoint, this project focuses on characterising the catchment sources and biogeochemical pathways of manganese that can be better targeted for improved management. This work will be carried out at Blagdon Lake - a drinking water reservoir managed by Bristol Water; research results will directly contribute to water utilities' and general scientific understanding of manganese dynamics in a drinking water reservoir.
Two primary lines of research will be investigated:
1) The novel use of voltammetric electrodes to further understand oxygen-manganese dynamics at the sediment-water interface, including spatial and temporal differences in the reservoir.
2) The influence of local (catchment) geology on reservoir water quality, with focus on manganese formations linked to riparian runoff.
Results will ultimately be incorporated into a catchment-reservoir model, building upon current Blagdon-focused research by WISE student Jack Waterhouse, which would be used to better manage manganese levels in the future and alleviate existing UK water-supply issues with taste and odour.
Planned Impact
We will deliver the Centre's impact aims in depth and breadth through the following objectives:
1) Ensuring that skilled recruits are available to industry to enhance the global competitiveness of UK plc thereby filling an industry-identified skills gap in appropriately trained water informatics professionals - Beneficiary: Industry;
2) Maximising the recruitment opportunities for graduates, by providing them with the professional and development skills needed to succeed - Beneficiary: Students;
3) Promote the work of the CDT to the widest possible audience so that the true value of the investment in the centre is realized - Beneficiary: Communities (both public and academic);
4) Create and develop the next generation of academics - Beneficiary: Academia / Students.
Economic and Societal Impact: Water professionals are faced with increasingly complex problems of ensuring sustainable use of water resources, given a rapidly expanding demand for energy and food from a growing population, and the dynamic nature of our world. Simultaneously we see an explosion in new data and in computational power, which allows us to build more and more complex models of our environment. Organisations such as Toshiba and IBM expect the Centre to support them in developing a 'real business opportunity' in Smart Utility systems. Partners such as the Environment Agency and MET Office feel that WISE will give them access to essential skills in long term planning and climate impact assessment. HR Wallingford and Wessex Water see the opportunity to maintain and enhance their global advantage in technology and catchment management expertise. The impact on the industrial sectors relevant to this Centre will be guided and supported by our Advisory Board. To facilitate wider impact we will also work through regional and national groups, networks, and Learned Societies.
We will undertake the following activities in support of our pathways to impact:
1) Bi-Annual WISE Mini-Conference: One day events to engage current Partners and additional end-users including the student cohort and established research projects.
2) Annual 'Hackathon': A sector specific one day event will be an opportunity for the students to focus on a real industry problem and provide solutions.
3) Short Film: To facilitate outreach, we will produce a short film to promote the awareness of the centre topic and the research of its students.
4) Case Studies: We will jointly develop a number of case studies for our website to showcase research and allow industry to understand how it can benefit from engagement with the Centre.
5) Third Party Events and Activities: Our student cohort and supervisors will work with existing and new networks to develop new relationships.
6) Public Engagement: The Centre will benefit from RCUK funded "Public Engagement with Research Catalyst" projects based at Exeter, Bath and Bristol. We will also engage with the British Science Association.
Impact on Knowledge Creation: The training approach has been designed to facilitate the transfer and dissemination of knowledge. From Year 2 onwards students will work in other institutions and/or with our industry partners for 3-6 months. We have agreement from our overseas and industrial partners to host placements. In terms of the wider academic and industrial sectors, students will be expected to attend and present at leading national and international conferences, and at our bi-annual mini-conferences.
Broader Impact on Postgraduate Students: The Centre has worked with partners to develop an environment that will provide training across a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. Bespoke skills-based workshops, novel approaches and strong relationships with partners are key features of this environment. Specifically our students will undertake modules within the University of Exeter Business School, which will give them the opportunity to explore challenges facing leaders in industry around the globe.
1) Ensuring that skilled recruits are available to industry to enhance the global competitiveness of UK plc thereby filling an industry-identified skills gap in appropriately trained water informatics professionals - Beneficiary: Industry;
2) Maximising the recruitment opportunities for graduates, by providing them with the professional and development skills needed to succeed - Beneficiary: Students;
3) Promote the work of the CDT to the widest possible audience so that the true value of the investment in the centre is realized - Beneficiary: Communities (both public and academic);
4) Create and develop the next generation of academics - Beneficiary: Academia / Students.
Economic and Societal Impact: Water professionals are faced with increasingly complex problems of ensuring sustainable use of water resources, given a rapidly expanding demand for energy and food from a growing population, and the dynamic nature of our world. Simultaneously we see an explosion in new data and in computational power, which allows us to build more and more complex models of our environment. Organisations such as Toshiba and IBM expect the Centre to support them in developing a 'real business opportunity' in Smart Utility systems. Partners such as the Environment Agency and MET Office feel that WISE will give them access to essential skills in long term planning and climate impact assessment. HR Wallingford and Wessex Water see the opportunity to maintain and enhance their global advantage in technology and catchment management expertise. The impact on the industrial sectors relevant to this Centre will be guided and supported by our Advisory Board. To facilitate wider impact we will also work through regional and national groups, networks, and Learned Societies.
We will undertake the following activities in support of our pathways to impact:
1) Bi-Annual WISE Mini-Conference: One day events to engage current Partners and additional end-users including the student cohort and established research projects.
2) Annual 'Hackathon': A sector specific one day event will be an opportunity for the students to focus on a real industry problem and provide solutions.
3) Short Film: To facilitate outreach, we will produce a short film to promote the awareness of the centre topic and the research of its students.
4) Case Studies: We will jointly develop a number of case studies for our website to showcase research and allow industry to understand how it can benefit from engagement with the Centre.
5) Third Party Events and Activities: Our student cohort and supervisors will work with existing and new networks to develop new relationships.
6) Public Engagement: The Centre will benefit from RCUK funded "Public Engagement with Research Catalyst" projects based at Exeter, Bath and Bristol. We will also engage with the British Science Association.
Impact on Knowledge Creation: The training approach has been designed to facilitate the transfer and dissemination of knowledge. From Year 2 onwards students will work in other institutions and/or with our industry partners for 3-6 months. We have agreement from our overseas and industrial partners to host placements. In terms of the wider academic and industrial sectors, students will be expected to attend and present at leading national and international conferences, and at our bi-annual mini-conferences.
Broader Impact on Postgraduate Students: The Centre has worked with partners to develop an environment that will provide training across a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. Bespoke skills-based workshops, novel approaches and strong relationships with partners are key features of this environment. Specifically our students will undertake modules within the University of Exeter Business School, which will give them the opportunity to explore challenges facing leaders in industry around the globe.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Thomas Arnot (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Sally PEARL (Student) |