The potential of assessing harmful algal bloom risks in Swedish raw water sources - A study of four Swedish drinking water sources
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Infrastructure and environmental engineering (MPIEE), MSc
Publicerad
2024
Författare
CEDERBERG, Björn
ERIKSSON SEGERSTRÖM, Klara
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Higher temperatures and extreme weather due to climate change are expected to increase
algae growth in Swedish surface waters, potentially disrupting drinking water
production through algal toxins or clogged filters. This project aimed to assess the
risks associated with high algal biomass in Swedish surface waters, identify critical
conditions that trigger harmful algal blooms, and explore effective strategies for how
these risks can be managed.
Four case studies (Lerum, Tjörn, Sotenäs, and Sandviken) and a literature review
were conducted. The analysis found no correlation between selected parameters and
algal blooms in the studied waters, although weather data indicated trends consistent
with climate change. The limited raw water data likely influenced the results.
It was concluded that municipal risk management for algal growth is inadequate. Improved
monitoring, systematic sampling, and the use of daily measurements of pH,
turbidity, and water temperature are recommended as indicators of algae growth.
If changes in these indicators are detected, they should be followed by visual inspections.
Additionally, more extensive measures, such as sampling total biomass
or chlorophyll-a, can be used as more precise indicators of algae growth.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Algae , Risk assessment , Algal bloom , Raw water , Drinking water