Michelle Wittholz

PhD Student

BE (Chem.) Adelaide

Location: Room N242 Engineering North
Email:mwitthol@chemeng.adelaide.edu.au
Phone: + 61 8 8303 3270
FAX: +61 8 8303 4373

Supervisors

Associate Professor Brian O'Neill, Department of Chemical Engineering
Dr Ken Moxham, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Mr Bart Van Der Wel, State Government Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation
Mr Peter Bradshaw, State Government Department of Industry and Trade

Research Topic

Desalination Options for Metropolitan Adelaide

Research Abstract

Adelaide uses approximately 180 GL of potable water each year. Between 50 and 90 percent of this water comes from the River Murray. Unfortunately, salt levels in the river are rising. A recent government study has predicted that by 2020, river salinity will exceed 800EC units, an internationally recognised guideline for desirable drinking water quality, 50 percent of the time. Desalination could be a possible solution to this problem. This project aims to identify, cost and optimise feasible desalination options for a future augmentation of Adelaide's water supply that will maintain desirable salinity levels. The project will also produce valuable data on large-scale desalting costs under Australian conditions.

Interests

• Desalination as an alternative to conventional water supply for Metropolitan Adelaide