Course Outline

Module 1: Wastewater Characteristics and Regulatory Standards

• Physical, chemical, and biological parameters (BOD, COD, TSS, Nutrients, Heavy Metals).

• National and international effluent discharge and water reuse standards.

• Exercise: Interpreting a wastewater lab report and comparing it to permit limits.

Module 2: Preliminary and Primary Treatment Processes

• Unit operations: screening, grit removal, flow equalization, and primary sedimentation.

• Design considerations, operational control, and troubleshooting.

• Workshop: Calculating detention times and surface loading rates for clarifiers.

Module 3: Biological Treatment Principles and Technologies

• Microbiology of wastewater treatment: aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic processes.

• Activated sludge process: configurations, microbiology, and F/M ratio control.

• Fixed-film systems: trickling filters, rotating biological contactors, and integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS).

• Case Study: Diagnosing and correcting solids separation problems (bulking, rising sludge).

Module 4: Nutrient Removal and Advanced Biological Processes

• Biological nutrient removal (BNR) for nitrogen and phosphorus.

• Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs): design, operation, and advantages.

• Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs): cyclic operation and process control.

• Exercise: Designing a basic BNR process flow diagram.

Module 5: Tertiary and Advanced Treatment Technologies

• Granular media filtration, membrane filtration (MF, UF, NF, RO), and disinfection (UV, Chlorine).

• Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for recalcitrant compounds.

• Workshop: Selecting advanced treatment technologies for water reuse applications.

Module 6: Sludge Handling and Treatment

• Sludge characterization, thickening, anaerobic and aerobic digestion.

• Dewatering technologies: centrifuges, belt filter presses, and drying beds.

• Final disposal options: incineration, land application, and landfill.

• Exercise: Calculating sludge volumes and designing a basic handling system.

Module 7: Industrial Wastewater Treatment Specifics

• Pre-treatment requirements for industrial discharges to municipal systems.

• Treatment strategies for specific sectors: food & beverage, textiles, pharmaceuticals.

• Case Study: Developing a treatment train for a high-strength industrial wastewater.

Module 8: Process Control, Optimization, and Troubleshooting

• Key control parameters: DO, ORP, MLSS, SVI.

• Data interpretation and using lab results for process adjustment.

• Energy optimization and reducing operational costs.

Workshop: Analyzing operational data to troubleshoot a plant upset.

Module 9: Effluent Management and Reuse

• Risk assessment for water reuse applications (agricultural, industrial, recreational).

• Developing a water reuse safety plan.

Module 10: Comprehensive Plant Management and Capstone

• Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintenance plans.

• Final Project: Creating a comprehensive operational and monitoring plan for a hypothetical ETP to achieve strict reuse standards.