Measuring the growth rates of microorganism in Victoria’s water and wastewater

Ensuring water quality is essential for public health and environmental sustainability. This research focuses on understanding the growth rates of microorganisms in Victoria’s water and wastewater systems, with direct implications for water treatment processes, ecological balance, and human safety.

Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, play a significant role in freshwater ecosystems. While they contribute to natural nutrient cycling, certain species can multiply rapidly under favorable conditions, leading to harmful algal blooms (HABs). These blooms can disrupt water quality and produce cyanotoxins, posing risks to drinking water safety and aquatic life. By analysing cyanobacterial growth rates, this project aims to provide valuable insights into their behavior in different water environments.

A collaboration between Monash University and Melbourne Water, this project combines academic research with industry expertise. Melbourne Water, responsible for managing Victoria’s water supply, catchments, and treatment plants, provides real-time data from its monitoring systems. These data sources include reservoirs, treatment facilities, and wastewater discharge points, offering a comprehensive perspective on microbial activity.

Using bioinformatics tools, the research investigates microbial diversity and the environmental factors influencing their growth. Beyond understanding microorganisms in isolation, the study explores their interactions with treatment processes, nutrient levels, and seasonal changes. The findings could support the development of optimised water treatment strategies to manage microbial growth and maintain water quality.

This work is especially relevant in the face of climate change and increasing urbanisation, both of which can alter microbial dynamics in water systems. By predicting microbial growth patterns and understanding their triggers, we can contribute to better management practices, reduce the risks of toxic blooms, and enhance water safety for communities across Victoria.

At its core, this project is about bridging the gap between scientific research and industry needs—providing Melbourne Water with data-driven insights to refine their monitoring and treatment strategies, while also contributing to the broader scientific understanding of microbial behavior in freshwater and wastewater systems.