WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN AGRICULTURE

Knowledge and understanding

The student will acquire knowledge of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of wastewater and of the main wastewater collection and treatment systems, including both conventional and natural treatment processes, with particular emphasis on constructed wetlands, wastewater stabilization ponds and storage reservoirs. The student will also acquire knowledge of the regulatory framework governing wastewater discharge and reuse, as well as of the health, agronomic and technological aspects associated with the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation.

Applying knowledge and understanding

The student will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to the selection and design of natural wastewater treatment systems, with particular reference to constructed wetlands, assessing their suitability according to wastewater characteristics and treatment objectives. The student will also be able to apply current regulations to the assessment of wastewater discharge and reuse options.

Making judgements

The student will be able to critically compare different conventional and natural wastewater treatment systems, assessing their performance, advantages, limitations, sustainability and conditions of applicability. The student will also be able to independently evaluate alternative treatment and reuse solutions, with particular reference to natural treatment systems, taking into account environmental, health, agronomic, technological and economic aspects, as well as the relevant regulatory framework.

Communication skills

The student will be able to describe and discuss the characteristics and operating principles of the main conventional and natural wastewater treatment systems, using appropriate technical terminology. The student will also be able to present and justify design choices concerning natural wastewater treatment and reuse systems, including through the interpretation and communication of data and case-study results.

Learning skills

The student will be able to independently deepen their knowledge of conventional and natural wastewater treatment systems and wastewater reuse through the consultation of regulations, scientific and technical literature, and specialized documentation. The student will also be able to update their knowledge in relation to the development of natural and extensive treatment technologies and the relevant regulatory framework.

Frontal lessons and exercises (in classroom, seminars and technical visits)

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

 Wastewater characteristics

Sources of wastewater. Wastewater collection systems. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of wastewater. Regulations governing wastewater discharge and treatment.

Conventional wastewater treatment

Main conventional wastewater treatment processes and systems. Preliminary, primary and secondary treatment processes. Operating principles and general criteria for the selection of the main treatment technologies. Comparison between conventional and natural wastewater treatment systems.

Treatment and disposal methods

Natural wastewater treatment systems: constructed wetlands, wastewater ponds and storage reservoirs.

Wastewater reuse

Health and agronomic effects of irrigation with wastewater on soil and crops. Technological aspects of wastewater irrigation. Regulations governing wastewater reuse. Case studies on the disposal and reuse of treated wastewater using extensive treatment technologies.

Objectives of the course: to acquire knowledge on the issues of wastewater natural treatment. The student will acquire knowledge about the regulatory limits for discharge and reuse of wastewater and the most innovative systems of extensive natural wastewater treatment.

Marcos von Sperling (2007). Wastewater Characteristics, Treatment and Disposal. Biological Wastewater Treatment Series, Volume 1. London, UK: IWA Publishing

Kadlec, R.H. and Wallace, S.D. (2009). Treatment Wetlands. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. ISBN 978-1-56670-526-4.

Supplementary notes distributed during lectures

Students will have to pass a written test and a final oral exam

The written test lasts 2 hours and is valid for 1 academic year.

During the written and oral tests, you may be asked to solve exercises on the topics covered during the course

Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, if conditions should require it.

The evaluation of the student's preparation will be carried out on the basis of the following criteria: learning ability and details degree of the topics covered, synthesis and exposition skills, and the student's reasoning ability.

Working students are subject to the same examination procedure as attending students. Attendance at the in-class practical exercises is particularly strongly recommended, as the written examination will be based on the topics and exercises covered during these sessions.

Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of wastewater

Design of a treatment wetland

Reuse of treated water in agriculture