GV2WPNU-Water Pollution Control Engineering

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Semesters in which taught: Semester 1 module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Steve Robinson
Email: j.s.robinson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides the student with a detailed understanding of water pollution from an engineering perspective. Key concepts and applied skills in maintaining and enhancing the sustainability of the natural water environment are covered.

Aims:

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• identify important water constituents and contaminants.


• explain the hydrological cycle.


• describe the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the natural water environment.


• describe, identify and explain the sources of water pollution and their effects.


• describe the main sewage sludge treatment and disposal processes.


• design and select suitable sewage treatment techniques for selected water pollution problems.


• define water quality indicators and apply suitable water quality tests for raw wastewater analysis.


• apply water pollution control techniques for industrial wastewater treatment design.


• interpret and explain different river quality models and their application for water quality prediction.


• Perform simple experiments and data analysis relevant to water treatment.

Additional outcomes:

Students will have the opportunity to enhance their skills in researching and reading the relevant academic literature and teamwork. They will also learn how to think like an engineer, towards designing solutions to water pollution problems.

Outline content:

Lectures include:                                                                                                                                                                                                      

• Overview of Water Pollution and Water Basics


• Water Basics and Pollution of the Natural Aquatic Environment


• The Effects of Pollutants on the Aquatic Environment


• Sewage Treatment


• SludgeTreatment


• Water Quality Tests


• Industrial Wastewater Treatments


• River Quality Modelling

Laboratory training and experiments include:

• Coagulation and free sedimentation


• Activated carbon adsorption


• Determination of the oxygenation capacity of aeration equipment


• Determination of sewage biodegradability


• Oxidation-ditch treatment of municipal sewage


• SBR treatment of municipal sewage

Global context:

The knowledge and engineering solutions are transferrable to water quality problems worldwide.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The lectures introduce the student to the principles of the subjects studied. Seminars allow students to research and discuss topics in greater depth whilst case studies and videos may also be used to enhance understanding. A weekly surgery hour tutorial provides an opportunity for students to seek additional help, if required. The module includes a practical laboratory component that will allow for application of the principles through hands-on experiments. The laboratory project element in the module will allow for decision making and arrival at a solution for a water pollution problem relevant to the topics covered.

Contact hours:

	Semester 1	Semester 2
Lectures	48
Seminars	6
Tutorials	16
Practicals classes and workshops	26
Guided independent study:	104
Total hours by term	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	15
Report	15
Class test administered by School	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Written Assignment (1500 words): based on the lecture component and explained at the start of the semester.


2. Project Report (1500 words): based on the laboratory component.


3. In-class quizzes: set throughout the module. The question types mainly include multiple choice and short-answer questions.

Formative assessment methods:

Students have the opportunity to anonymously peer-review draft coursework in order to improve their scientific writing skills. The in-class quizzes will enable feedback and feed-forward on strengths and weaknesses, and help the students to prepare their subsequent summative assessments.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in February

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022