Module overview
The module assumes a basic knowledge of conventional wastewater treatment systems. The course reinforces the importance of wastewater treatment for the protection of public health and draws attention both to the epidemiology of globally distributed water-borne and water-related disease and to growing concern over emerging micro-pollutants.
A more rigorous treatment of reactor hydraulic design and reaction kinetics is provided, which is then built upon by reference to a number of treatment options and technologies. These cover the spectrum from low-technology decentralised systems to advanced and tertiary treatment. Consideration is also given to the linking of unit processes and technologies in ways that may provide more sustainable solutions in an energy and resource-limited world.
Specific industrial wastewater treatment technologies are not covered in detail, but options for the effective management of trade effluents and any special requirements for on-site treatment of potentially toxic elements are dealt with. Process integration and optimization for industrial wastewater treatment are stressed for water use minimization, water reuse and water recycling.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Discuss why different wastewater treatment solutions are required depending on population, economic, climatic and geographical factors
- Determine appropriate strategies for control and management of industrial pollutants
- Calculate design parameters for a range of different treatment processes including lowintensity, alternative and advanced systems
- Simulate treatment processes and their integration using appropriate spreadsheet and modelling tools
- Assess the options for wastewater collection and how these influence choice of treatment process
- Compare the merits of aerobic and anaerobic unit processes and process chains
- Perform advanced calculations for the design of different treatment operations
- Select treatment options on the basis of an in-depth knowledge of the engineering factors involved
- Develop a process flow sheet for an advanced integrated wastewater treatment plant based on minimising resource inputs
- Explain the engineering principles of enhanced mass transfer and biomess retention systems for wastewater treatment
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Learn and research independently
- Apply design tools and parameters
- Synthesise information and approaches
- Analyse and evaluate data
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Importance of wastewater treatment in the global public health context
- Treatment plant design and process selection
- Factors influencing the choice of wastewater collection system
- Basic reaction kinetics and hydraulics of reactor types
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Carry out design calculations for individual wastewater treatment processes
- Plan the overall design for an integrated wastewater treatment system
Syllabus
Water-borne and water-related disease.
Global public health concerns - epidemiology and engineering; health and environmental implications of micro-pollutants and potentially toxic compounds.
Basic kinetics and reactor types.
Hydraulic characteristics and engineering applications of batch, plug flow, and mixed systems.
Basic process and reaction kinetics.
Wastewater collection systems and stormwater management.
Cartage and vacuum, conventional and small-bore sewerage.
Decentralised treatment.
Pit latrines, septic tank, small-scale oxidation plants.
Low-intensity and alternative systems.
Waste stabilisation ponds, constructed wetlands, aerated lagoons, oxidation ditches.
Advanced biological oxidation.
Enhanced mass transfer (pure oxygen, deep shaft).
Biomass retention (fluidised and expanded bed, membrane bio-reactor, submerged aerated filters).
Nutrient removal and tertiary treatment.
Physico-chemical, biological including anammox.
Anaerobic wastewater treatment limitations and applications, types of process.
Advanced integrated systems.
Trade effluent.
Strategies for control including mass balance, fixed and flexible standards; on site treatment in relation to potentially toxic elements.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
16 double lectures, four 2-hour demonstration/practical sessions on software use and 2-hour problemsolving tutorial session.
The lecture course is supported by a number of web-based resources in the form of presentations. Because of the specialist nature of the course additional reading material is recommended to back up individual lectures. Generally, the below books are recommended for reinforcement of the material covered:
- Wastewater Engineering - Treatment and Reuse, Metcalf & Eddy, Inc., 2003
- Advanced biological treatment processes, Wang, Lawrence K. 2009 .
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 57 |
| Tutorial | 2 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 4 |
| Revision | 12 |
| Completion of assessment task | 24 |
| Follow-up work | 8 |
| Lecture | 33 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Wang, Lawrence K. (2009). Advanced biological treatment processes.
Metcalf & Eddy (2003). Wastewater Engineering - Treatment and Reuse.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The coursework component consists of a chance to use two industry-standard pieces of software for process integration and optimisation. Pinch Analysis is a technique originally developed for optimising heat, but now extended to water usage. Aspen Plus is an advanced platform used in modelling all kinds of process technologies including water and wastewater treatment. The module includes lectures, tutorials and hands-on experience on these, while the assignment consists of a design task. Postgraduate tutorial sessions are provided to support this.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 20% |
| Examination | 80% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External