ENVR06087 2020 Wastewater Enquiry Based Learning

Interpret the operation of a secondary wastewater treatment process and be able to list the various parts of the treatment plant and their functions

Demonstrate the ability to work independently and in groups, safely, to carry out a range of analytical laboratory procedures related to the wastewater treatment process to include microbiological and chemical/physical methods as appropriate.

Apply the various analytical methods for monitoring the operation of a secondary wastewater treatment plant in a competent manner

Solve critical design and operational parameters based on direct measurements

Organise detailed records of laboratory activities.

Compile ,summarise and present overall results on a data base and in a report

Compare compliance with the relevant regulations covering wastewater treatment.

This module will be delivered full-time. This will include enquiry based learning , practicals,and site visits augmented by problem based learning ,directed learning and independent learning.This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and resources. Site visits will be an important part of this Enquiry Based Learning Module . Google doc will be used  to upload and statistics to collate data for each plant  which incorporates teamwork and time management skill. 

This module is 100% Continuous Assessment.

Laboratory skills and report-writing ability are assessed as part of the practical work performed during the module. Use of electronic spreadsheet in a timely manner and maintaining Laboratory Record Book  and daily record sheets, in order to assess their record keeping ability. Presentation of  laboratory acquired data in groups to assess their team work and presentation skills.

Repeat Continuous Assessment

Interpret the operation of a secondary wastewater treatment process and be able to list the various parts of the treatment plant and their functions:

• Site visits will be an important part of this Enquiry Based Learning Module

Demonstrate the ability to work independently and in groups, safely, to carry out a range of analytical laboratory procedures related to the wastewater treatment process to include microbiological and chemical/physical methods as appropriate.

• Maintain, Operate and Monitor the Wastewater Treatment Pilot Plants twice weekly.

Apply the various analytical methods for monitoring the operation of a secondary wastewater treatment plant in a competent manner

Compare compliance with the relevant regulations covering wastewater treatment

• Maintenance and operation of wastewater treatment process. Conduct the following analyses: BOD, COD, Suspended Solids, MLSS, MLVSS, SV, SVI, ammonia, nitrate, orthophosphate, coagulation, flocculation, microbiological examination of activated sludge, denitrification,  sludge solids content.

Solve critical design and operational parameters based on direct measurements

• Take physical measurements of a range of components of the pilot plants and other components used in water and wastewater treatment processes (e.g. flow measurement devices) and calculate critical parameters such as surface areas, volumes, flows, overflow rates, velocities, mass, density, chemical dosing rates etc.
• Based on the monitoring data collected by the learners and/or provided by a lecturer or extracted from a review of a full-scale plant, calculate critical design and operational parameters such as daily BOD load, population equivalent, contaminant removal rates, hydraulic retention time, organic loading rate, F/M ratio, solids retention time, mass and volume of waste sludge, quantities of chemicals required, mass of nutrients present in biosolids etc.

Organise detailed records of laboratory activities

• Individual log books and daily work sheets completed by the students.

Compile, summarise and present overall results on a data base and in a report

• Utilise Google doc to upload and statistics to collate data  to prepare presentation for each plant.This incorporates teamwork and time management skills. Perform calculation of summary statistics on wastewater treatment data using an appropriate software package and represent the statistics in both tabular and graphical forms.