Course Description
"Introduction to Wastewater Treatment" is a foundational course that offers a comprehensive overview of the principles, processes, and technologies involved in wastewater treatment. It serves as an essential entry point for individuals interested in wastewater management, providing the fundamental knowledge and skills required to understand and address the challenges associated with wastewater treatment. The field of wastewater engineering has shown significant advancements in the past decade, with a shift in perspective towards viewing wastewater as a valuable resource for energy, nutrients, and potable water. Concurrently, regulations have become more stringent, particularly concerning nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Additionally, there is a heightened awareness of environmental impacts, such as carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions, and a growing emphasis on achieving energy-neutral or energy-positive wastewater treatment plants through enhanced energy efficiency. This course emphasizes standard wastewater treatment and emphasizes advanced wastewater treatment technologies, as well as the significance of biosolid treatment.

Learning Outcomes
1. Understand Wastewater Composition: Develop a clear understanding of the diverse chemical and biological components found in wastewater, setting the stage for effective treatment strategies.
2. Understanding Treatment Fundamentals: Gain proficiency in the core principles of wastewater treatment, enabling informed decision-making and problem-solving.
3. Comprehend Environmental Implications: Recognize the environmental impact of untreated wastewater and the role of treatment in safeguarding ecosystems and public health.
4. Explore Treatment Processes: Explore various treatment levels, including primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment, and become familiar with the mechanical, biological, and chemical methods used to treat wastewater.
5. Analyze Case Studies: Analyze real-world case studies to understand the practical application of wastewater treatment principles and the challenges faced in different contexts.

Course Content
This course is structured to provide a strong foundation in wastewater treatment, covering key topics such as:
1. Introduction to Wastewater Management: Understanding the importance of wastewater management, its societal relevance, and the consequences of inadequate treatment.
2. Wastewater Characteristics: Analyzing the composition and contaminants commonly found in wastewater, including domestic and industrial sources.
3. Wastewater Treatment Processes: A comprehensive exploration of treatment processes, encompassing physical, chemical, and biological methods to remove impurities from wastewater.
4. Primary Treatment: Examining primary treatment methods, such as sedimentation and screening, for removing large solids and basic pollutant reduction.
5. Secondary Treatment: involves biological processes for further pollutant removal and the breakdown of organic matter.
6. Tertiary Treatment: An overview of advanced treatment methods to achieve high-quality effluent, including nutrient removal and disinfection.
7. Case Studies: Analyzing real-world case studies that illustrate the application of wastewater treatment principles and the challenges faced in different regions.

Course Format
This course will be delivered through lectures, interactive discussions, and multimedia presentations. Students will have access to course materials and resources to support their learning.

Teaching and Evaluation Methods
Student evaluation will be based on the following methods:
_Homework Assignments
_Quizzes
_Class Participation: Active engagement in class discussions and activities.
_Final Project: A practical project related to wastewater treatment, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Course Requirements
To successfully complete this course, students must meet the following requirements:

• Satisfactory completion of homework assignments and quizzes.
• Active participation in class discussions and activities.
• Successful completion and presentation of the final project.

This course serves as a vital introduction to the world of wastewater treatment, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the responsible management of this critical resource.

Bibliography
"Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery, 5th Edition" by Metcalf and Eddy, Mc-Graw Hill, 2014.

Last updated: June 20, 2024