Climate-resilient cyanotoxins elimination in drinking water treatment

Freshwater harmful cyanobacteria are a growing concern in the Australian drinking water supply, which is mostly obtained from surface water sources. Global warming and extreme heavy rainfall events increase water temperature and nutrient inputs, increasing the frequency and extent of cyanobacteria blooms. Cyanobacteria produce toxins that, if present in drinking water can expose the population to a range of adverse health effects, including kidney and liver damage. Conventional drinking water treatment plants are able to remove cyanobacteria and low concentrations of cyanotoxins, but higher concentrations require adjustment of the treatment conditions or the introduction of additional treatment steps. This project aims to investigate the presence of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins detected in Queensland surface waters and their fate in conventional drinking water treatment processes. In addition, novel and advanced treatment processes will be investigated to improve the efficiency and reliability of cyanotoxin removal in drinking water treatment plants.

This PhD project is within UQ’s defined strength of environmental science (the top 20 in the world). QAEHS has a particular strength in environmental monitoring, analytical chemistry, and human exposure risk assessment. QAEHS has student support programs such as scholarship top-up. QAEHS has a newly equipped and well-maintained PC2 laboratory with all the advanced equipment and other resources this project needs. These include 13 state-of-the-art mass spectrometers – five Sciex LC-MS triple quadrupoles (QQQ), two LC-MS QTOFs, a GC-Orbitrap, an HRGC-HRMS and a GC-triple quadrupole, and an NCI-GC-triple quadrupole. ACWEB is one of the top research units worldwide in the field of water and environmental biotechnology. ACWEB has excellent experimental and analytical facilities, including lab- and pilot-scale reactors and advanced analytical and monitoring tools. ACWEB fosters a thriving research environment and provides exciting opportunities for professional development, both academically and with industry.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of water chemistry; chemical engineering; biotechnology and the potential for scholastic success.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho (g.carvalho@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 5 May, 2025 5 May, 2025.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
• ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter CYANOTOXINS-CARVALHO.

Apply now