SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF AGRO-INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER

The main objective of the course is to provide students with knowledge of the main nature-based solutions for the treatment of agro-industrial wastewater. Students will acquire knowledge of the different design and management options for these wastewater treatment systems. They will also develop the skills required to select treatment systems suitable for different agro-industrial sectors and to design the main natural treatment systems.

Expected learning outcomes:

• Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the characteristics and different types of agro-industrial wastewater, as well as of the main conventional and natural treatment techniques.
• Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the practical solution of problems related to the design and management of agro-industrial wastewater treatment plants.
• Independent judgment: Ability to critically select the most appropriate technical and management solutions for different agro-industrial sectors.
• Communication skills: Ability to communicate and interact effectively with technical professionals and agro-industrial entrepreneurs.
• Learning skills: Ability to independently study the scientific literature and keep up to date with scientific and professional developments in the field.

The course includes 21 hours of frontal lessons and 42 hours of exercises (in classroom, seminars and technical visits) also on-line.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus

Attending the classes is not mandatory, but strongly recommended, as it facilities the learning process and contributes to the achievement of the learning objectives.

Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of domestic and agro-industrial wastewater. Wastewater classification. Regulations for the discharge, treatment and reuse of wastewater. Sizing of on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems. Conventional agro-industrial wastewater treatment systems. Nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment: characteristics, efficiency, maintenance, design, sizing. Illustration of case studies on treatment and reuse of treated agro-food wastewater with nature-based solutions. Characterisation of wastewater and by-products from the main agro-food industries: citrus, oil, wine, dairy, canning. Wastewater treatment solutions for the main agro-food industries.

Contribution of education to the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Goals N. 6 (Clean water and sanitation), 12 (Responsible consumption and production) and 14 (Life below water):

• Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally;
• Target 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management;
• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources;
• Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse;
• Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution;

 Modalities:

• lecture
• study visit

1. Masotti L.. Depurazione delle acque, Calderini, 2011.
2. Cirelli G.L.. I trattamenti naturali delle acque reflue urbane. Ed. Gruppo Editoriale Esselibri – Simone, 2003.
3. Langergraber G., Dotro G., Nivala J., Rizzo A., Stein O.R.. Wetland Technology: Practical Information on the Design and Application of Treatment Wetlands. International Water Association Publishing: London, UK, 2019.
4. Barbagallo S., Gentile A.. Nuovi prodotti dalla trasformazione agroindustriale di frutti da colture mediterranee e gestione sostenibile dei sottoprodotti. Quaderni CSEI Catania, 27, 2023.
5. Barbagallo S., Barresi S., Cirelli G., Milani M.. La fitodepurazione per la gestione sostenibile delle acque reflue lattiero-casearie. Quaderni CSEI Catania, 32, 2023.
6. Milani M., Barresi S., Cirelli G., Barbagallo S.. Tecniche sostenibili nel trattamento e recupero dei reflui e degli scarti della filiera vitivinicola. Quaderni CSEI Catania, 39, 2024.
7. Slides of lessons.

The examination consists of an oral examination.

The following elements will be taken into consideration in assessing the student’s performance: the relevance of the answers to the questions asked, the quality of the content, the ability to establish connections with other topics covered in the course, the appropriate use of technical terminology, and overall communication skills.

The final grade is expressed on a scale of thirty, according to the following criteria:

• Fail

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: significant shortcomings and inaccuracies

Ability to analyze and synthesize: irrelevant with frequent generalizations

Use of references: completely inappropriate

• 18–20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: very modest with evident imperfections

Analysis and synthesis skills: barely adequate

Use of references: just appropriate

• 21–23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge is slightly above the minimum acceptable level

Ability to analyze and synthesize: a fair ability to analyze and synthesize information, presenting arguments in a logical and coherent manner

Using references: use standard references

• 24–26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: good analytical and synthesis abilities, arguments are presented consistently

Using references: use of standard references

• 27–29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge more than good

Ability to analyze and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis

Use of references: the topic has been explored in depth

• 30–30 cum laude

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: excellent knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis

Use of references: important insights

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

Sizing an anaerobic lagoon for the citrus wastewater treatment

Describe the main primary wastewater treatment processes

Quali-quantitative characteristics of winery wastewater

Main dairy wastewater treatment techniques