Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The aim of the course is to provide the students with knowledge on i) advanced oxidation processes based on production and reactions of hydroxyl radicals and ii) separation processes used in environmental application such as adsorption and membrane processes. The theoretical principles of the processes will be studied in detail together with discussions and case examples on their use in modern water treatment (drinking water, surface water, groundwater and industrial wastewater) and soil and groundwater remediation applications.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who complete the module must be able to

• explain fundamental physical processes and chemical reactions involved in: Fentons based processes, photochemical advanced oxidation processes, photocatalysis, electrochemical oxidation, ozonation
• explain degradation mechanisms and removal pathways of micropollutants
• explain adsorption isotherms of relevance to activated carbon adsorption
• explain the separation principles and mechanisms involved in membrane filtration of micropollutants
• explain strengths and weaknesses of redox and separation processes
• explain how different water treatment unit operations complement each other in terms of overall treatment level and process intensification

Skills

• calculate energy consumption and other parameters that are used to compare the efficiency of advanced oxidation processes for a given application
• estimate important design characteristics of a treatment system for a given application

Competences

• device prober treatment strategies to reach desired water qualities, based on actual water treatment problems and raw water compositions
• use proper terminology in oral, written and graphical communication and documentation related to water treatment technology

Type of instruction

• Lectures
• Theoretical problem solving
• Workshops

Extent and expected workload

150 hours

Exam

Exams