Environmental remediation

Module Natural purification techniques and water reuse

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.

Fundamentals of chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and hydraulics

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.

The course contents are aimed at providing students with knowledge of the main aspects of wastewater treatment and purification, with particular emphasis on natural and extensive treatment systems. Students will acquire knowledge of conventional and natural treatment processes, the regulatory framework governing wastewater discharge and reuse, and innovative extensive wastewater treatment technologies.

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.

Teaching notes distributed during the course

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

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 therefore strongly recommended, as the written examination will focus on topics and exercises addressed during these sessions.

 Grading Criteria

The assessment follows the following scheme:

Fail

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Major deficiencies. Significant inaccuracies.

Analytical and synthesis skills: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize.

Use of references: Completely inappropriate.

18–20

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Threshold-level knowledge. Evident imperfections.

Analytical and synthesis skills: Barely sufficient.

Use of references: Barely appropriate.

21–23

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Routine knowledge.

Analytical and synthesis skills: Able to perform correct analysis and synthesis. Arguments are presented logically and coherently.

Use of references: Uses standard references.

24–26

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Good knowledge.

Analytical and synthesis skills: Good analytical and synthesis skills. Arguments are presented coherently.

Use of references: Uses standard references.

27–29

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: More than good knowledge.

Analytical and synthesis skills: Demonstrates considerable analytical and synthesis skills.

Use of references: Has explored the topics in depth.

30–30L

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Excellent knowledge.

Analytical and synthesis skills: Demonstrates considerable analytical and synthesis skills.

Use of references: Significant in-depth study.

Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, if conditions should 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)

Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of wastewater

Design of a treatment wetland

Reuse of treated water in agriculture