Physical-Chemistry Analyses

Basic concepts related to chemical solutions, including:
i) Preparation of solutions
ii) Standard solutions,
iii) Reactions of acid-base, precipitation, complexation and oxidation reduction
(iv) Volumetric techniques

The UC is taught in theoretical classes (T) and in laboratory practical classes (P).

In theoretical classes, the theoretical contents on monitoring and the theoretical foundations on which the different methods of water and wastewater quality analysis are based are presented. Students are asked to participate in the adaptation of concepts to the resolution of concrete situations; some theoretical and practical exercises can be presented and discussed in the classroom.

A set of practical laboratory classes will be given, where the analysis methods of different analytical parameters will be executed in 2 real samples: natural water and a domestic wastewater. The natural water will be sampled in the ESAC field, and the parameters will be analysed such as, in loco parameters, dry residue, acidity and alkalinity, hardness, chlorides and oxidability. The domestic wastewater will be characterized in terms of BOD, COD, N, P, total, suspended and sedimentable solids and some heavy metals, such as, copper and zinc. At the end, the treatment and discussion of the results obtained for the different samples will be carried out.

The presence of students in laboratory practical classes is required. The minimum number of attendances for each type of class is 75% of the number of classes taught.

The objectives of this curricular unit are reflected in the acquisition of the following skills:

1. Knowledge of the most important physico-chemical parameters for quality assessment: of supply waters; the polluting load of wastewater; the quality of discharge after treatment of wastewater and the fertilizing value of solid waste.
2. Knowledge of the theoretical foundations of analytical methods applicable to different physicochemical parameters.
3. Mastery of analytical methodologies that can be used to control the quality of ecosystems, water and effluents and critical analysis of the results obtained.
4. Knowledge of current legal decrees.

1. The importance of monitoring water quality in natural aquatic ecosystems: most important physico-chemical parameters and their physical meaning.
2. Characterization of wastewater: main physico-chemical parameters and their physical meaning.
3. Analytical methods for evaluating the quality of water: gravimetric, volumetric and instrumental methods – potentiometry, Ultra-Violet/Visible Molecular Spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Gas Chromatography (GC) and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC); Theoretical foundations; practical execution of each of the aforementioned analytical methods, treatment and interpretation of the analytical results obtained.
4. Evaluation of the effect of wastewater discharge on natural aquatic ecosystems; applicable legislation.

• - prática - 25.0%
• - teste teórico módulo 1 - 37.5%
• - teste teórico módulo 2 - 37.5%

• - Teste teórico - 37.5%
• - Teste teórico - 37.5%
• - prática - 25.0%

NAO

APHA, Standard Methods for Examination of water and Wastewater, APHA-AWWA-WPCF, 20th ed., 1998.

Costa, M. L.; Ferreira, C., Guia de trabalhos Práticos de Análises Físico-Químicas ESAC, Lab. de Química,
1999.

Day, R.A.; Underwood, A.L. Quantitative Analysis, Prentice-Hall Int., Inc.,1991

Gonçalves, M.L.S.S. Métodos Instrumentais para a análise de soluções-Análise Quantitativa, Fundação
Calouste Gulbenkian, 4 ed., 2001

Harris, D.C. Quantitative Chemical Analysis, W.H. Freeman and Company, 5ª ed. New York, 1998.

Sawyer, C.N.; McCarty, P.L. Chemistry for Environmental Engineering, 3ª ed., McGraw-Hill Book Comp.,
New York,1978.