Objectives

The main objective of this doctoral thesis project (Geo2M) is to deepen our understanding of the origin and causes of unpleasant odours in reservoir waters in the Community of Madrid. This will enable the design of an integrated and efficient management framework for such episodes in a context of increasing frequency as a result of climate change. The Geo2M project stems from Canal de Isabel II’s interest in controlling episodes of foul odours in the water supply, and will be developed in conjunction with the IMDEA Water Foundation, generating the necessary synergy between academic research and practical application to solve a problem that affects the entire population of Madrid. The thesis studies will focus on a model reservoir (the Valmayor reservoir) that will serve to extrapolate methodologies and results to other bodies of water affected by these episodes, both in the Madrid region and in other regions with a Mediterranean climate.

General activities

• Field study to identify producers of geosmin/MIB in dammed waters.
  Experimental mesocosm studies to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that generate odour events in dammed waters.
• Design of a preventive management framework for odour episodes in dammed waters.
• Transfer of results to stakeholders.

Expected results

The appearance of geosmin and 2MIB is one of the main metabolites responsible for episodes of bad taste and odour in freshwater ecosystems. There is no specific scientific knowledge that determines the exact natural and physicochemical conditions that trigger their production. As can be seen in the bibliographical references, this is a topic in which a great deal of scientific research and development has been invested in recent years, as the problem is also growing due to climate change.

In this context, this project will have a significant scientific impact and will also provide the information necessary for the creation of warning systems in urban water management.

Advancing our knowledge of the processes involved in the appearance of geosmin/MIB is vitally important in order to determine the microorganisms that generate it, the processes and physicochemical variables that affect the process, and transfers from other media by runoff, so that we can obtain information on its origin in order to establish and develop warning systems. The possibility of obtaining such warning systems would enable the identification of possible events and, consequently, the anticipation of management systems, both in terms of the application of appropriate treatments and the restructuring of supply systems to select other sources of origin during such events.

Industrial PhD (ref.: IND2024/AMB-34116) in collaboration with Canal de Isabel II and funded by the Community of Madrid.