Class Water Pollution

The field of action of this curricular unit is aimed at generalist engineering, appealing and developing the knowledge previously acquired with a view to protecting and preserving the water environment through methodologies to combat pollution. The relevance of the curricular unit is in providing and raising awareness of the most relevant indicators to be aware of when facing different types of pollution of superficial and groundwater.

Not applicable

Theory: Water in the world. The water cycle. Water pollution: a global perspective. Surface water and groundwater. The importance of water. Types and origins (natural and anthropogenic) of contaminants. National and international legislation. Water use and environmental conflicts. Protection perimeters for water abstraction, remediation of contaminated water. National and international case studies.  Practical: Analytical techniques for determining water quality parameters (indicators) (e.g., alkalinity, hardness, chlorides, phosphates). Handling of portable equipment for monitoring physical-chemical parameters of water (e.g., temperature, pH, conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, TDS). Calibration and monitoring. Data analysis and interpretation of results. Preparation and implementation of a phytoremediation protocol for the decontamination of contaminated water. Presentation in the form of an article and oral presentation.

Active learning methodology placing students at the center of the learning process. Students are encouraged to read and interpret scientific articles on real cases independently and to present the main results orally. Laboratory skills are reinforced by placing students in the role of researchers, performing the laboratory analyses necessary to interpret and discuss the characteristics of different types of water and the environmental implications of the parameters. Based on a real national case (contaminated mining waters), students are encouraged to develop remediation projects, with the opportunity to discuss problem-solving methodologies with their peers. This process will allow students to develop critical thinking, increasing their problem-solving skills. Promote contact with recent scientific papers on water pollution and emerging contaminants, encouraging critical reading and classroom discussion.

Nesaratnam, Suresh T.; Water Pollution Control; John Wiley & Sons, 2014; 240 pag.; ISBN: 9781118863800. Helmer, R.; Hespanhol, I.; Water Pollution Control: A Guide to the Use of Water Quality Management Principles; CRC Press, 2017; 526 pag.; ISBN: 9780203477540 Oregon State University; Clean Water: An Introduction to Water Quality and Water Pollution Control (2nd Edition); Oregon State University Press, 2003; 192 pag.; ISBN: 9780870714986 Artigos (paper) cientícos recentes.