ENVR06042 2019 Environmental Water Quality
Full Title
Environmental Water Quality
Transcript Title
Environmental Water Quality
Code
ENVR06042
Attendance
75 %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Anne O'Donohue, Cait Coyle
Programme Membership
SG_SAGRI_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Food Science
SG_SAGRI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Agri-Food Science
SG_SOCCU_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Science in Occupational Safety and Health
SG_SSUST_C06 201900 Higher Certificate in Science in Sustainable Food Production
SG_SAGRI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Agri-Food Science
SG_SAGRI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Agri-Food Science
SG_SOCCU_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Occupational Safety and Health
SG_SOCCU_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health
SG_SAGRI_H08 202000 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Food Science
Description
The module will enable students to evaluate and appraise key issues relating to water quality and the importance of its protection. Anthropogenic activities can create point and diffuse sources of water pollution, which have associated adverse impacts on the environment and human health. The protection of water quality through the application of established mitigation measures and relevant legislation will be discussed. The module introduces students to water analysis.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the protection and maintenance of satisfactory quality in freshwater bodies.
2.
Explain the main categories of water pollution sources related to human activities.
3.
Outline the adverse impacts of water pollution on the environment and human health.
4.
Outline common mitigation measures and relevant legislation for the control of water pollution in the industrial, construction and agricultural sector.
5.
Demonstrate an ability to perform (safely and competently), interpret and report on a range of environmental analytical techniques on water samples.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered full-time.This will include lectures and laboratory practicals, augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. uploading assignments).
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 60% Continuous Assessment and 40% Final Exam. A class assessment on specific aspects of the theoretical component of the module will be conducted during the middle of the semester.
Laboratory skills and report-writing ability will be assessed as part of the practical work performed during the module.
The student must reach an assigned gate (mark) in the final exam and achieve 40% overall to pass the subject.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam.
Module Dependencies
Prerequisites
None
Co-requisites
None
Incompatibles
None
Indicative Syllabus
1.0 Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the protection and maintenance of satisfactory quality in freshwater bodies.
1.1 Hydrological Cycle.
1.2 The relationship between the hydrosphere and other parts of the environment.
1.3 The importance of a clean water supply for human health.
2.0 Explain the main categories of water pollution sources related to human activities.
2.1 Point and diffuse sources of water contamination.
2.2 Physical, chemical and biological water contaminants.
2.3 Major sources of water pollution at farms, industrial sites and construction sites.
3.0 Outline the adverse impacts of water pollution on the environment and human health.
3.1 Water borne disease.
3.2 Introduction to ecotoxicology.
3.3 Eutrophication.
3.4 Impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
4.0 Outline common mitigation measures and relevant legislation for the control of water pollution in the industrial, construction and agricultural sector.
4.1 Relevant legislation in Ireland for the protection of surface water and groundwater.
4.2 Relevant legislation for the protection of water quality from industrial, construction and agricultural activities.
4.3 Introduction to the process of wastewater treatment.
4.4 Introduction to key mitigation measures for the protection of water quality.
4.5 Health and safety protocols for water sample monitoring.
5.0 Demonstrate an ability to perform (safely and competently), interpret and report on a range of environmental analytical techniques on water samples.
5.1 Carry out laboratory analysis of a range of physical / chemical parameters of water samples.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
60 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
40 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Practical skills evaluation, written laboratory reports & short written test. | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 40 % | OnGoing | 5 |
| 2 | Assessment (Theory) | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 20 % | Week 8 | 1,2,3,4 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final (Theory) Exam | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 40 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Lecture (Theory) | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Practical / Laboratory | Science Laboratory | Laboratory Practical | 1.5 | Weekly | 1.50 |
| Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self Study | 3.5 | Weekly | 3.50 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.50 Hours
Required & Recommended Book List
Required Reading
2017-04-24 Aquatic Pollution John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781119304500 ISBN-13 1119304504
2017-04-24 Aquatic Pollution John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781119304500 ISBN-13 1119304504
Since the publication of the third edition of Aquatic Pollution in 2000, there have been many major developments within the field in terms of research, regulations, and also large-scale catastrophes that have had a significant impact on the aquatic environment; the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the Fukushima nuclear disaster have taken their toll, and research on ocean acidification has developed enormously over the last decade. Recognizing, controlling, and mitigating aquatic pollution on a global scale is one of the most important and most difficult challenges facing society today. Fully updated to reflect current understanding and discussing these major recent developments, this fourth edition of Aquatic Pollution covers every aspect of pollution associated with urban runoff, acid rain, sewage disposal, pesticides, oil spills, nutrient loading, and more. Case studies of major pollution sites, all original to this new edition, help to illustrate points made in general discussion. Offering unprecedented depth of coverage, and discussing both fresh and sea water environments, this unique text provides a key teaching and learning tool for courses in environmental science, zoology, oceanography, biology, and civil or sanitary engineering, as well as a vital book for government policy makers. It is also an excellent primer for policymakers and activists focused on environmental issues.
Required Reading
2002 Biology of Freshwater Pollution Pearson Education
ISBN 0130906395 ISBN-13 9780130906397
2002 Biology of Freshwater Pollution Pearson Education
ISBN 0130906395 ISBN-13 9780130906397
"Biology of Freshwater Pollution," is a highly regarded overview of the subject aimed at advanced undergraduates and professionals. This latest edition provides an up-to-date summary of the whole field covering recent research, case studies and examples. The book begins by describing contrasting examples of pollution events. Individual chapters then deal with the major types of pollution introducing their sources, exploring their impacts on biological systems and water resources using contemporary examples, and discussing methods for mitigating impacts. Techniques used to investigate pollution are introduced throughout and the penultimate chapter deals extensively with the biological assessment of water quality. The final chapter looks at water resource management in the twenty-first century and the role of the biologist in that process. Features of the new edition* "New "coverage of current issues: biomarkers, endocrine disruptors, global warming* "New "chapter on biological pollution (invasive species) * "New "combined chapters bringing together material on toxic pollutions and energy and pollution * Management chapter extensively revised including the new organisation of the water industry and new regulatory frameworks* "New "case studies and examples * References have been extensively updated This book is aimed at advanced students in Aquatic and Applied Biology, Limnology and Environmental Science and scientists working in the water industry. Christopher Mason is a Professor of Biology at the University of Essex, UK. He has extensive research experience in the fields of pollution and conservation of freshwater and coastal environments, including eutrophication, heavy metals and organochlorines.
Required Reading
2002-02-15 Introduction to Environmental Analysis John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 0471492957 ISBN-13 9780471492955
2002-02-15 Introduction to Environmental Analysis John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 0471492957 ISBN-13 9780471492955
Provides information on the application of analytical techniques,such as GC, LC, IR, and XRF for analysing and measuring water,solid and atmospheric samples and for monitoring environmentalpollutants. * Emphasizes Field Analysis, reflecting the growing application ofthis technique * Information on sampling strategies - reflecting growth in thisarea * Includes sections on solid and liquid extraction techniques * Ideal as a self-study aid or as a taught course
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
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Journal Resources
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URL Resources
Other Resources
Students will be required to have white laboratory coat, safety glasses, pipette bulb, spatula, A4 hardback science notebook for laboratory practicals.
Examination hall required for final theory exam at end of the semester.