C9593 - POLLUTION REMEDIATION

Learning outcomes

Students will understand the concepts and principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and learn how to model material recycling and energy recovery in LCA. They will understand how chemical properties affect the behaviour of pollutants and their fate in the environment. They will understand which are the key constituents in wastewaters, their sources and monitor parameters and main unit operations involved in wastewater treatment. The student is expected to be able to: 1. Gain basic LCA modelling skills; 2. Discuss how chemical properties of organic compounds affect behaviour and fate in soil and groundwater environments; 3. Understand and describe the main unit operations and the chemical and biological processes involved in wastewater treatment.

Course contents

This course unit is composed of three modules with the following contents:

Chemical Pollution Remediation

Properties affecting the fate of chemicals in soil and water/groundwater. Site investigations and contaminants analysis. Regulation for contaminated lands investigation, waste management and remediation. Remediation techniques for specific scenarios. Wastewater: Health and environmental concerns. Wastewater sources and constituents: Physical and chemical constituents and microorganisms.

Chemical and biological treatment of wastewater

Constituents of concern in wastewater treatment. Common analyses for wastewater and treatment characterization. Regulation on wastewater treatment. The treatment levels (preliminary, primary, secondary, tertiary and advancedNew challenges and concerns on wastewater treatment. Wastewater reclamation and reuse.

Life Cycle Assessment

Introduction to life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology and its main elements. Definition of the system boundaries, the functional unit and multifunctionality issues. Life cycle inventory and data acquisition: primary and secondary sources. Energy recovery and material recycling in LCA. Life cycle impact assessment: midpoint and endpoint methods. LCA application to selected case studies concerning processes and system-products. Practical modelling and software simulation with LCA.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes and selected papers will be available for students on the Moodle. In addition, the following readings are suggested.

Chemical and biological treatment of wastewater:

• Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. | AECOM (2014). Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery (5.ª ed.). Autores: George Tchobanoglous, H. David Stensel, Ryujiro Tsuchihashi, Franklin L. Burton. Nova Iorque, NY: McGraw-Hill Education

Chemical Pollution Remediation:

• Hussain, C. M. (Ed.). (2020). The Handbook of Environmental Remediation: Classic and Modern Techniques. Royal Society of Chemistry
  

Life Cycle Assessment:

• ISO 14040:2006/Amd 1:2020 and ISO 14044:2006/Amd 1:2020

• O. Jolliet, M. Saadé-Sbeih, S. Shaked, A. Jolliet, P. Crettaz, "Environmental Life Cycle Assessment", CRC Press, 2016

Teaching methods

The course will be held with theoretical lectures, exercises and presentation of case studies. Laboratory experiences will be performed using ICT tools for learning practical expertise with querying databases, calculation and software simulation: it is recommended to bring own laptop at lessons for modules relating to LCA.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend online Module 1 and Module 2 on Health and Safety [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas]

Assessment methods

The acquisition of the expected knowledge and transferred skills is assessed through a final exam. The exam consists of a written test, which may include multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions.

Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The use of AI is prohibited during assessments. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

The course will be taught with the aid of computer support for the projection of text and images. The slides are available to the students, usually uploaded on the Unibo platform https://virtuale.unibo.it/ before lessons. ICT tools will be employed to introduce the use of calculation software and database.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Ciacci

See the website of Maria Clara Semedo Da Silva Costa

See the website of Maria Clara Semedo Da Silva Costa