Base Knowledge
A basic knowledge of physics, chemistry and mathematical calculation is recommended.
Teaching Methodologies
The theoretical-practical classes include an expository component, a theoretical-practical component and a calculation component, carrying out exercises associated with sizing of some water treatment stages, which allow students to demonstrate and apply the knowledge they have acquired. Theoretical-practical classes are designed to be participatory, encouraging students to reflect and build critical thinking.
The laboratory practice component allows students to deepen and consolidate their knowledge, develop and strengthen their skills in planning work, laboratory techniques, presenting, discussing results and writing reports. It will also allow them to develop teamwork skills and scientific attitudes, which include accuracy, persistence and critical thinking.
Learning Results
1. Identify the current sources of drinking water, recognize the problems of availability and quality of water and identify alternative sources.
2. Know the quantitative and qualitative characterization of drinking water.
3. Enumerate and describe the physical, chemical and microbiological parameters to evaluate the water quality of an ecosystem, water supply and the applicable legal requirements.
4. Know the different analytical methods applicable to the control of water quality.
5. Know the unit operations and unit processes on water treatment plant (WTP) and explain the mechanisms involved in the treatments.
6. Know the parameters and design criteria and integrate them in the simple design of the operations addressed.
7. Know the treatment and final disposal of sludge generated in a WTP
Program
1. The natural sources of water, territorial allocation and scarcity. Importance of preservation and sustainable use of water and the need to search for alternative sources.
2. Environmental monitoring. Water quality. Applicable legal framework.
3. Quantitative, microbiological, and physicochemical characteristics.
4. Physicochemical parameters for water quality assessment.
5. Main analytical methods for water quality assessment: gravimetric, volumetric and instrumental methods – potentiometry, molecular spectrophotometry visible/ultraviolet (U.V.), flame atomic absorption and graphite camera. Interferences and elimination methods. Quantitative analysis. Equipment.
6. Principles and general layout of a WTP.
7. Water treatment – unit operations and unit processes: screening, sieving, de-sanding, neutralization, coagulation-flocculation, softening by chemical precipitation, filtration, adsorption, ionic exchange, disinfection, chemical oxidation. Dimensioning in WTP.
8. Sludge treatment: dewatering and final disposal.
Grading Methods
Continuous assessment
The assessment of the course has three modules:
Module I - relating to the theoretical-practical component associated with unit operations
Module II - relating to the theoretical-practical component associated with unit processes
Module III - relating to the laboratory component
The final mark is based on the following equation:
Final mark = 0,3 × M1 + 0,3 × M2 + 0,4 × M3
where: i) M1 and M2 are the marks obtained in the written tests that assess the knowledge corresponding to modules I and II, respectively; ii) M3 is the mark of module III and refers to the mark for the written report associated with the laboratory classes (80%) and the mark for the student's performance in the laboratory classes (20%).
To pass the course, the student must attend at least 75% of the classes taught, and must have a minimum grade of 7,5 (out of 20) in each one of the three modules. The final mark for approval must be higher than 10 (out of 20).
Exam assessment
Students who achieve a final mark of 9,5 in the continuous assessment are exempted from the final written exam. Students who achieve a minimum mark of 7,5 in a specific module in the continuous assessment are exempted from the corresponding part of the final written exam. Students who have not been assessed through continuous assessment will be evaluated with a final written exam, which accounts for 100% of the final mark.
Internship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
AWWA, American Water Works Association, 2011. Water Quality Treatment A Handbook on Drinking Water. McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 9780071630115.
Crittenden, J., et al., 2012. Water Treatment Principles and Design. 3ª ed., John Wiley & Sons, ISBN: 9780470405390.
APHA, Standard Methods for Examination of water and Wastewater, 1998. APHA-AWWA-WPCF, 20th ed..
Day, R.A., Underwood, A.L., 1991. Quantitative Analysis, Prentice-Hall Int., Inc.
Gonçalves, M.L.S.S, 2001. Métodos Instrumentais para a análise de soluções-Análise Quantitativa, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, 4 ed.
Harris, D.C., 1998. Quantitative Chemical Analysis, W.H. Freeman and Company, 5ª ed. New York.
Sawyer, C.N., McCarty, P.L., 2002. Chemistry for Environmental Engineering, 5ª ed., McGraw-Hill Book Comp., New York.
Rodrigues, C., 2005. Guia de trabalhos Práticos de Análises de Água ESAC, , ESAC, Coimbra.
Other documentation provided by the teacher.