TECH09001 2018 Innovative Treatment Processes & Technologies
This module shall provide the learner with a review of current best practice water and wastewater treatment processes and technologies, innovative and sustainable systems to monitor, optimise and improve the performance of water and wastewater treatment plants and breakthrough technologies designed to mitigate core and developing treatment issues.
Processes and technologies addressed include membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes (AOP), filtration advanced oxidation, and bioenergy systems, and those related to nutrient reduction, lead removal, sludeg treatment, carbon absoprtion, total dissolved solids removal and pathogen control.
The module also focusses on the development of appropriate methodologies for the assessment of new water and wastewater technologies, review of information sources, assessment of risks, performance, costs and sustainability.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Critically appraise and assess the performance limitations, legislative constraints and risks associated with existing water and wastewater treatment processes.
Evaluate and review on a comparative technical, performance-related, and sustainable basis the advanced and innovative processes and technologies appropriate to addressing drinking water and wastewater treatment performance and tackling specific issues.
Develop a systematic methodology to appraise the appropriateness, readiness, economic viability, and technical feasibility of upgrading and/or replacing existing treatment processes with innovative processes and technologies.
Critically review information sources, assess risks, training needs, costs and sustainability of proposed new water and wastewater technologies.
Report critically the findings of a feasibility study to determine the viability of utilising innovative and breakthrough processes to improve and optimise performance within a sustainable context and quality assurance framework.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
The teaching and learning strategy is based on the provision of on-line lectures, tutorials and group
workshops that incorporate elements of enquiry and project-based learning along with research studies, case study assignments, and guest lecturers.
Module Assessment Strategies
Final written examination and continuous assessment consisting of a research study assignment report, and an individual practical case study assignment involving a written report.
Repeat Assessments
The learner must undertake repeat final written examination and/or continuous assessment project
work depending on the particular failed element to achieve an overall pass grade of 40%.
Indicative Syllabus
1. Overview of core conventional water and wastewater treatment processes and allied technologies, with associated legislative background, compliance constraints and risks.
2. Principles of performance assessment, improvement and optimisation. Procedures, protocols and systems, including benchmarking, asset management and development and utilisation of key performance indicator and improvement systems. Appraisal processes, risk assessment and cost/benefit analysis of treatment processes and systems. Barrier approach to source and receiving water protection and characterisation.
3. Sources of information, data and analysis of new, emerging and innovative water and wastewater treatment processes and technologies. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) approach for critical and new and emerging treatment processes and technologies.
4. Evidence-based decision-making, analysis of cause-and-effect relationships, and development of performance-related spreadsheets for operational control and adjustment for water and wastewater treatment processes. Use of KPIs, maintenance protocols, and performance-related indicator systems.
5. Technical review and appraisal of new, emerging and innovative water and wastewater treatment processes and systems suitable for performance improvement, upgrade of plant processes and facilities to optimise operation within a sustainable and quality framework. Use of TRL ratings and CBA. Preventative maintenance strategies and protocols to extend life of processes, improve performance, and avoid need for upgrades and replacement technologies.
6. Innovative drinking water treatment processes including:
- Lead removal and mitigation processes within water distribution networks.
- Ortho-P dosing for lead removal.
- Membrane technologies including reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and microfiltration for fine particle removal.
- Advanced oxidation processes for the destruction of organic and inorganic substances in water, including hydroxyl radical, ozone, and UV based AOPs.
- Automatic coagulation control.
- Advanced media filtration systems including granular activated carbon and pressure filters.
- Alternative disinfection technologies for cryptosperidium and giardia destruction including UV radiation, ozonation, and membrane technologies.
- Water softening, pH adjustment and aeration to improve drinking water treatment and quality.
- Desalination processes.
7. Innovative wastewater treatment plant processes and technologies including:
- Variable speed drives and pumps to optimise energy efficiency of plant operation
- Use of bio-sensors and monitors for wastewater treatment plant influent and effluent.
- Innovative biological secondary treatment systems including, attached biomass (biological filtration, BAF), suspended biomass (activated sludge systems, e.g. aerobic granular sludge technology) and hybrid processes (e.g. Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR), combined/integrated anaerobic-aerobic treatment systems, submerged filters, etc.)
- Advanced and innovative nutrient removal processes and systems.
- Technologies for sludge treatment and processing
8. Research studies, numerical modelling, pilot plant studies, and testing programmes to determine effectiveness and appropriateness of new and emerging innovative processes and technologies. Case studies, practical use of TRL and CBA to appraise potential solutions and options. Implementation of solutions to treatment plants.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Research Study | Project | Written Report/Essay | 20 % | Week 7 | 1,2,3,4 |
2 | Practical Case Study | Project | Individual Project | 20 % | Week 13 | 3,4,5 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final written examination | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 60 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,4 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Online Lecture | Online | On-line Lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Directed Learning | Online | Directed Learning | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Workshop/Seminar | Flat Classroom | Workshop Guest Lecture and Tutorial | 4 | Once Per Semester | 0.27 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent learning | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List

2016-09-05 Performance Indicators for Water Supply Services: Third Edition (Manual of Best Practice) IWA Publishing
ISBN 1780406320 ISBN-13 9781780406329

2013-11-19 Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations, Third Edition CRC Press
ISBN 1466553375 ISBN-13 9781466553378
Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations the first thorough resource manual developed exclusively for water and wastewater plant operators has been updated and expanded. An industry standard now in its third edition, this book addresses management issues and security needs, contains coverage on pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and includes regulatory changes. The author explains the material in layman's terms, providing real-world operating scenarios with problem-solving practice sets for each scenario. This provides readers with the ability to incorporate math with both theory and practical application. The book contains additional emphasis on operator safety, new chapters on energy conservation and sustainability, and basic science for operators. What's New in the Third Edition: * Prepares operators for licensure exams * Provides additional math problems and solutions to better prepare users for certification exams * Updates all chapters to reflect the developments in the field * Enables users to properly operate water and wastewater plants and suggests troubleshooting procedures for returning a plant to optimum operation levels A complete compilation of water science, treatment information, process control procedures, problem-solving techniques, safety and health information, and administrative and technological trends, this text serves as a resource for professionals working in water and wastewater operations and operators preparing for wastewater licensure exams. It can also be used as a supplemental textbook for undergraduate and graduate students studying environmental science, water science, and environmental engineering.

2017-01-06 Self-Assessment for Wastewater Treatment Plant Optimization: : Partnership for Clean Water American Water Works Association
ISBN 1625761902 ISBN-13 9781625761903
Module Resources
Not relevant
www.epa.ie
www.water.ie
Irish Water Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment Asset Standards and Specifications
None