Source control of manganese (Mn) in a drinking-water supply reservoir: the importance of including geology in watershed management

Lee Bryant, Mahan Amani Geshnigani, Niamh Brockbank, Jack Waterhouse, Robert Luckwell, Matthew Postlewaithe, Neil Macdonald, Thomas Kjeldsen

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

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Abstract

Manganese (Mn) is a common and abundant trace metal in rocks and sediment which is currently costing drinking-water utilities (e.g., in the US and UK) millions of $ annually due to water-quality issues regarding taste, odour and colour and distribution problems related to Mn-driven pipe blockages. There is growing focus on source-water treatment strategies such as in-reservoir aeration systems and watershed (catchment) management plans that are designed to reduce concentrations of Mn, nutrients and other pollutants prior to the water entering the treatment plant. Despite these efforts, significant Mn-related water supply issues often persist which may be attributed to the predominant agricultural (i.e., nutrient) focus of watershed management strategies paired with the complexity of Mn biogeochemical reactions.
This research highlights the role geology plays in reservoir water quality and watershed management through the investigation of geologic sources and biogeochemical processes controlling Mn levels in Blagdon Lake, an aerated drinking-water supply reservoir in the southwestern UK. Initial results show that local geology and sediment transport within the watershed control Mn concentrations in Blagdon Lake, which behaves as a Mn sink. These results are highly relevant for the optimisation of reservoir aeration, comprehensive watershed management and sustainable water quality.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 13 Dec 2019
EventAmerican Geophysical Union 2019 Centennial Fall Meeting - San Francisco, CA, USA United States
Duration: 8 Dec 201913 Dec 2019

Conference

ConferenceAmerican Geophysical Union 2019 Centennial Fall Meeting
Country/TerritoryUSA United States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period8/12/1913/12/19

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