ENG06035 2019 Environmental Engineering 201H

Identify and describe the main sources of water pollution from a range of activities including wastewater treatment effluent, industrial and agricultural discharges, and natural origins.

Define the main types and characteristics of wastewater and wastewater collection and treatment systems, and raw water abstraction, treatment and public supply systems.

Determine the principal processes for drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and the treatment and management of water and wastewater sludge.

Appraise the principles and application of technologies for the production of renewable energy and sustainability in relation to engineering and building planning, design, and practice.

Perform in teams, and individually report the findings of, fundamental tests and analyses of water and wastewater samples to determine water quality and pollution characteristics, water and wastewater treatment parameters, site visits, and case studies of renewable energy and sustainable engineering technologies.

The teaching and learning strategy is based on the use of both direct verbal and visual instruction (theory lectures, presentations and laboratory/project briefings), and aural learning by giving instruction and guidance during laboratory practical work, site visits, and project sessions. 

Group interaction and enquiry-based learning is encouraged during practicals and project work, including, where appropriate, project update meetings to review progress and facilitate group discussion and collaboration.

The learning is also supplemented by independent learning with library, on-line and digital resources available for learners to research publications and knowledge for assignments, project work and to complement theory from lectures.

This strategy is accommodated by providing two hours per week of both theory lectures and practical & project work classes.

The module is assessed using a blended mix of final semester examination (60%) and laboratory practical, site visit and project reports (40%).

Each learner must achieve a mark of at least 40% to pass the module and meet the learning outcomes.

Assessment of the examination and submitted project reports shall be summative in form. Formative assessment will also be used continuously during the project and report work to guide and provide feedback on progress to the learner.

Group work, where appropriate, is assessed by determining the individual contribution of each learner using group meetings, discussion and feedback. 

Learners must achieve the pass mark of 40% by successfully repeating the final exam, project work or by re-submitting project reports, depending on the failed element.

1. Water quality and pollution sources. Overview of raw and polluted water characteristics and current Irish and EU standards and Directives. Identification and nature of water pollution sources including domestic, industrial and commercial wastewater discharges, agricultural effluents and storm water run-off.
2. Wastewater characteristics and quantification. Wastewater collection system characteristics, components and design principles.
3. Design fundamentals of wastewater treatment plant systems and processes, including preliminary, primary, secondary and tertiary treatment stages.
4. Raw water sources and quality for abstraction and treatment in public water plants and supplies.
5. Fundamentals of water treatment plant processes and systems, including coagulation, flocculation, clarification, sand filtration, and disinfection.
6. Renewable and sustainable energy systems for small and large scale heating and electricity production.
7. Fundamentals of sustainable development and practice. Global warming and greenhouse gas mitigation.
8. Sustainable engineering and building practices including requirements of the Building Regulations.
9. Green building and transport technologies, low and passive energy buildings, green building certification, including LEED and BREAM.

Indicative Practicals and Projects:

1. Water quality analysis and sampling techniques.
2. Measurement of turbidity, colour, pH and other organoleptic properties of water.
3. Water pollution testing and analyses including BOD, COD, suspended solids, nitrate and phosphate measurement.
4. Wastewater treatment plant parameter testing including activated sludge settleability and condition assessment.
5. Water treatment "jar tests" to determine optimum coagulant dose to raw water.
6. Site visit to wastewater treatment plant and report.
7. Site visit to water treatment plant and report.
8. Renewable energy case study/fieldwork and report.
9. Site visit to renewable energy and/or sustainable engineering or green building project.
10. Green building case study and report.project