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Environmental Engineering

Course Description:

Introduction to the basic ecological principles, physical, chemical and biochemical processes in the aquatic environment and reactors. Types of microorganisms - metabolism (aerobic, anoxic, anaerobic) - kinetics. Flow and mixing regimes in reactors (batch, continuous flow completely mixed and plug flow). Transport phenomena in the aquatic environment. Disposal of liquid wastes in water recipients, study of self purification capacity and quantitative assessment of impacts (oxygen depletion in rivers, eutrophication in lakes, microbial pollution of bathing waters). Principles of water and wastewater treatment in compliance with legal requirements and description of related treatment plants. Reuse and utilisation of sewage and sludge with emphasis on agricultural practices. Introduction to solid waste management.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Knowledge of basic ecological principles

Course Units

# Title Description Hours
1 Introduction to environmental engineering Scope of environmental engineering. Introduction to microorganisms metabolism. Chemical composition of microorganisms. Microorganisms categories. 1Χ3=3
2 Microorganisms – metabolism – growth kinetics Microbial growth kinetics. Microorganisms growth curve. The concept of limiting factor. Aerobic, anaerobic, anoxic metabolism, nitrification, denitrification, photosynthesis. Problem solving. 2Χ3=6
3 Water pollution and self purification capacity of water recipients Transport phenomena in the aquatic environment. Assessment of the self purification capacity and environmental impact assessment due to the disposal of liquid wastes in water recipients (oxygen depletion in rivers - simple Streeter-Phelps model, eutrophication in lakes - Vollenweider model, microbial pollution of bathing waters Problem solving. 5Χ3=15
4 Introduction to wastewater treatment Wastewater characteristics, national legislation, flow and mixing regimes in reactors, typical wastewater treatment system, activated sludge system. Problem solving. 2Χ3=6
5 Introduction to water treatment Water quality characteristics, national legislation, typical water treatment system (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection). Problem solving. 2Χ3=6
6 Introduction to solid waste management Introduction to solids waste management. Production and characteristics of solid wastes. Alternative solid wastes management practices. Sanitary landfills. 1Χ3=3

Learning Objectives

By the completion of the course, the students will be able to: 1. identify the basic water quality problems, 2. understand the basic properties/functions of microorganisms, 3. know the basic processes adopted in water and wastewater treatment, 4. understand issues regarding solid wastes management, 5. calculate the environmental impacts from the disposal of liquid wastes in the water recipients, 6. perform initial design calculations of water and wastewater treatment facilities.

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods Course teaching in class. Solving problems in class. Visits to water/wastewater treatment systems
Teaching media Blackboard use. Powerpoint presentations.
Computer and software use Νο.
Problems - Applications 5-6 problem series (optional)

Student Assessment

  • Final written exam: 70%
  • Problems - Applications: 30%

Textbooks - Bibliography

  1. A. Andreadakis, M. Pantazidou, M. Stathopoulos (2008). Environmental Engineering. Simmetria, Athens (in Greek).
  2. Lecture notes and powerpoint slides

Lecture Time - Place:

  • Friday, 10:45 – 12:30,
    Rooms:
    • Αιθ. 17
    • Ζ. Κτ. 1 Πολ., Αιθ. 12