Multifunctional polymers for combined algal inactivation and flocculation

藻类细胞是有害的，因为它们产生毒素和其他不受欢迎的代谢物。因此，它们被杀死，聚集，并从水中分离出来的步骤是不同的。细胞杀伤和聚集是通过化学剂量来实现的，化学剂量会损害细胞并释放不需要的化合物。其目的是开发多功能聚合物，可以同时杀死和聚集细胞，而不会造成细胞损伤。此外，该项目还提供了聚合物诱导细胞损伤和死亡的机制，将用于改进现有的治疗方法。通过结合处理步骤，化学品需求和成本将会降低，同时澳大利亚水务行业的可持续性和效益将会增加。

Algal cells are harmful because they produce toxins and other undesirable metabolites. So, they are killed, aggregated, and separated from the water in distinct steps. Cell killing and aggregation are achieved via chemical dosing, which damages the cells and releases undesirable compounds. The aim is to develop multifunctional polymers that can simultaneously kill and aggregate the cells without causing cell damage. Additionally, this project provides insight into the mechanisms of polymer-induced cell damage and death that will be used to improve existing treatment methods. By combining treatment steps, chemical demand and costs will decrease, while there will be an increase in sustainability and benefits to the Australian water industry.