ETE-10806 Introduction Environmental Technology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Basic knowledge of natural and environmental science

Contents:

Lectures:
The course gives a general introduction to Environmental Technology and its role in sustainable development, taking into account the nature and background of environmental and sustainability issues. Lectures deal with the various fields of application of environmental technology: gaseous emissions and off-gas treatment, water pollution and wastewater treatment, soil- and groundwater contamination and remediation technology, and the collection, management, conversion and re-use of wastes. Lectures also deal with strategies to solve environmental problems from the past (soil- and sediment remediation technology), and in current production processes (off-gas and domestic-industrial wastewater treatment). Sludge- and waste treatment technology is considered in the framework of life-cycle approaches. The sustainability of specific environmental technologies is discussed in terms of energy use and their role in the local and global carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycles. Special attention is given to mass balances and re-use of waste components.
Working group sessions:
Environmental technologies are positioned in visions of sustainable industrial, urban and rural environments. By combining the technological concepts learned, student groups will explore possibilities of contributing to a sustainable future.
Practical training:
The practical exercises illustrate the theory of several environmental technological processes. By doing laboratory experiments on aerobic and anaerobic wastewater treatment and soil remediation, students get acquainted with practical aspects of environmental technology. They acquire knowledge and skills regarding several environmental technological applications and relevant analytical techniques.

Learning outcomes:

After the course the student is able:
- to demonstrate knowledge and insight in the basic principles of environmental technology; - to demonstrate qualitative and quantitative insight in some of the most important environmental technologies that are applied in the treatment of solid wastes and polluted soil, water and off-gases;
- to set up mass balances for a selected group of simple treatment processes, and to solve basic equations describing these processes;
- to demonstrate insight in how to abate or prevent environmental pollution by use of simple measures;
- to describe and substantiate the potential contributions of environmental technology to sustainable development of industry and society;
- to work as a team member on projecting scenarios for a sustainable future using technological concepts;
- to carry out experimental research into a number of treatment processes in the laboratory;
- to comprehend and explain experimental results by applying the theoretical knowledge acquired from the lectures;
- to report and present results of experimental research.

Activities:

- attending the course lectures;
- studying course notes and syllabi;
- solving simple environmental problems using basic mathematical tools;
- group exercises in conceiving integrated solutions to environmental and sustainability issues;
- study visits;
- participating in the practical exercises.

Examination:

Based on the weighted average of the written exam (50%), the report of the practical exercises (results and discussion) (30%) and the assignment (20%).

Literature:

Syllabus and handouts.