Water Chemistry Research

Researchers within the Water Chemistry Research group have been very active in environmental studies over recent years, in particular studies related to the quality of water for consumption in Perth. Research conducted by the Water Chemistry group has, and will continue to, directly benefit the community through:

• Improved drinking water quality for both the metropolitan and country regions through development of cost-effective drinking water treatment processes for both groundwater and surface water schemes
• Potential commercialisation of an advanced drinking water treatment process, with significant economic benefits to both the Water Corporation of WA and the State
• Increased environmental management of the State's groundwater and surface water sources, including studies of soil and water chemistry in catchments

New areas of water research are constantly being identified. These include the quality assurance of groundwater and in distribution systems where the amount of organic matter or Legionella bacteria in water has become a prominent issue for European water supplies.

Organic geochemical studies conducted within CAOG have allowed the identification of sources of several unpleasant tastes and odours. For example, consumers complained of a taste and odour problem in their scheme water, especially noticeable after boiling in plastic kettles. CAOG scientists, in conjunction with staff from the Water Corporation of WA attributed this to the formation of brominated phenols at very low concentrations. The mechanism of formation of these chemicals is under investigation to develop solutions to this problem.

CAOG is a partner in the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment and actively collaborates with the Water Corporation of WA through the new Curtin University Water Quality Research Centre. The Water Corporation of WA has particular concerns in relation to groundwater, water distribution systems and quality restrictions on its supplies. CAOG is thus improving the management of Western Australian water resources.

Examples of Water Chemistry Research Activity within CAOG