Water Quality Engineering

The aim of the course is to provide an introduction of equilibrium chemistry principles in aquatic systems. This course is designed for engineers who are often required to understand the composition of solutions and direction of changes occurring during treatment or in environmental systems. The concepts are introduced theoretically using real-world examples and practically in laboratory exercises. After completing the class, the student will be able to interpret and communicate results related to water quality. Therefore the course curriculum include the following topics: chemical equilibrium principles of acids-bases, dissolution-precipitation, titration, gas-liquid equilibrium, oxidation-reduction, complexation and water quality analysis and quality control.

Objective

1. To develop theoretical aquatic chemistry basis and use the principles for the evaluation of water quality. Emphasis is given to develop an understanding of chemical equilibrium calculations.
2. To analyse how aquatic chemistry principles can be applied in natural water resources and in drinking water and wastewater treatment.

Specific learning objectives

At the end of the course the students should be able to:

• Perform a description of aqueous system including concentration, activities, activity coefficients, and pH of equilibrium.
• Develop mathematical equations such as mass balance, charge balance, and equilibrium constants for systems at equilibrium.
• Interpret and predict acid and base behavior in aquatic systems.
• Use chemical equilibrium software for solving water chemistry problems.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative interpretations of titration and be familiar with the concept of alkalinity and buffer capacity.
• Explain how gas and liquid equilibrium affects the pH and buffer intensity of solutions.
• Calculate whether or not a solid precipitate in aqueous systems.
• Perform water quality analyses and interpret the results.
• Solve problems in groups and present solutions orally.

The teaching methods include problem-solving and class lectures. Laboratory work must be approved in order to attend the exam.