Environmental Biotechnology

To achieve the proposed objectives and provide the skills defined for the curricular unit, lectures will be given presenting the theoretical content, complemented by problem-solving and discussion of application situations to concrete cases.

Laboratory protocols will also be carried out to evaluate the functioning of an activated sludge system in terms of organic matter and nutrient removal. The effluent will be characterized at the inlet and outlet of the pilot reactor in order to evaluate the reactor’s operating regime. The biodegradability of the effluent and the nutrient balance will be evaluated. The treated effluent will be evaluated in terms of possible discharge into the environment in accordance with Decree-Law 236/98. The final report will be prepared according to all the results and analysis carried out.

• Evaluate the environmental impacts of waste and its suitability for biological treatment.

• Understand the principles and operational factors of aerobic and anaerobic biological treatments.

• Know the fundamentals of bioremediation and its applications in soils and aquatic environments.

• Understand the operation and application of biosensors in environmental monitoring and control of biotechnological processes.

• Interpret relevant legislation in the environmental and biotechnological area.

• Recognize the contribution of biotechnology to sustainability.

• Perform physicochemical analyses of effluents to determine effluent quality. Use the results to evaluate the operational regime and efficiency of biological treatment systems and remediation processes.

Study of the role of biotechnology in the circular economy and sustainable development, including resource recovery and recycling.

Identification of pollution sources and general characteristics of wastewater, assessment of the need for and feasibility of biological treatment and principles of treatment schemes (WWTPs). Degradation of organic matter by aerobic and anaerobic pathways, comparison of processes and impact of effluent discharge on soil and water, considering legal requirements. Fundamentals of the main biological treatment systems.

Bioremediation concepts, mechanisms, applications and limitations.

Environmental biosensors fundamentals, applications in pollutant monitoring, control of biotechnological processes and environmental surveillance, main advantages of their application.

Determination of pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, solids, BOD, COD, phosphorus and nitrogen, and evaluation of the efficiency of pilot activated sludge systems

NAO