42991 Advanced Water and Wastewater Treatment
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level: Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10061 Bachelor of Engineering Diploma Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10066 Bachelor of Engineering Science OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10067 Bachelor of Engineering OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09067 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma Professional Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09066 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
Advanced water and wastewater treatment processes are increasingly sought out due to their ability to produce superior quality water compared to conventional treatment processes. Especially with the identification of emerging pollutants, swift growth of population and industrial activities, and lessening availability of water resources, conventional treatment processes are becoming more challenged. Practitioners in the field need to establish best practices in handling water and wastewater from different sources to combat the modern challenges in industry. This subject focuses on educating students on how to design an advanced water and wastewater treatment process using membrane technology based on fundamental principles to real applications and process design parameters. A practical computer-based design tool is demonstrated to aid in the design of a membrane-based treatment process. The subject brings both science (chemistry, physics and biology) and engineering together on a number of levels, such as in terms of learning from nature, and applying engineering and design solutions.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Undertake socio-technical analysis for the selection of suitable water and wastewater treatment technologies. (B.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Create a requirement analysis, system design and detailed design for an advanced water and wastewater treatment system which addresses practical water treatment process problems and select appropriate processes for target pollutants including emerging pollutants to meet specified water quality requirements based on the Australian standards. (C.1) |
| 3. | Describe principles of membrane processes for water purification, desalination and wastewater treatment including general and specific membrane problems such as fouling, scaling and cleaning, pre-treatment options, membrane elements and systems, and application and use of a practical computer-based design tool for the design of brackish or seawater reverse osmosis plants. (C.1) |
| 4. | Provide recommendations of appropriate treatment processes for upgrading water and wastewater treatment efficiency. (D.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, and influence stakeholders, and apply expert judgment establishing and managing constraints, conflicts and uncertainties within a hazards and risk framework to define system requirements and interactivity. (B.1)
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
- 1.5. Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject is organised into three groups of two intensive online Zoom sessions to cover the three modules that compose the subject. The teaching and learning strategies are designed with a combination of pre-work and face-to-face sessions (workshops including group work/discussion and tutorials), and scenario-based assessment tasks.
During Week 1, students should watch an introductory video in preparation for the block classes. There will be preparation activities listed on Canvas prior to each block, which includes watching videos, reading online materials and engaging with discussion questions that allow students to self-evaluate their understanding. Further feedback on individual learning will be made available through appointments with the teaching staff. Learning materials will be provided on Canvas during the preparatory weeks, which includes pre-recorded videos, references to external websites, video tutorials and text/notes on the module. Assigned readings will be given to students before each block session with related open-ended questions that will be discussed during workshop time.
Workshops are fully interactive, wherein collaborative learning is facilitated through in-class group discussions. The discussion sessions will allow students to develop their communication skills, assess their understanding of each module, receive direct peer and staff feedback, and apply the concepts learned to their assessment tasks. There will also be computer laboratory tutorial sessions for learning computer-based design software, providing students with hands-on experience for understanding design procedures and concepts with direct in-class feedback available.
Content (topics)
The subject covers additional topics not covered in other environmental and water related engineering subjects and therefore aims to impart students with investigative and design skills in advanced water and wastewater treatment processes using membrane technology that are expected of water and environmental engineers. The topics will focus on:
- Review of basic topics in water and wastewater treatment processes and water quality guidelines including emerging water quality issues
- Introduction of basic water chemistry which is relevant to identifying the appropriate treatment process design
- Investigation, requirement analysis, system design and detailed design of conventional and advanced processes using membrane technology for water and wastewater treatment
- Incorporating and integrating social, environmental and economic outcomes within a cost benefit framework for the design of water and wastewater treatment processes
- Exploring computer-based design tool (ROSA) for desalination plant design.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Community engagement report
| Intent: | Students will understand the socio-technical aspect of water and wastewater treatment technology. This will develop and assess the capability of students to apply their understanding and knowledge of engaging the community in selecting suitable water resources and technology in terms of community needs and perceptions and the strategies in engaging the stakeholders. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Individual written report (8-12 pages) |
Assessment task 2: Membrane bioreactor report
| Intent: | Students will understand the engineering design process of a membrane bioreactor and compare the design parameters with a conventional treatment plant. Furthermore, this will develop and assess the capability of students to apply their knowledge to the design of an advanced water/wastewater treatment plant for wastewater reuse. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | Individual written report (8-12 pages) |
Assessment task 3: Desalination plant report
| Intent: | The purpose of the task is to consider the design factors of a seawater desalination plant. Furthermore, this will develop and assess the capability of students to apply their knowledge to the design of an advanced desalination process |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | Individual written report (8-12 pages) |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
Course materials
Recommended texts
Books:
- Wilf, M. (2007) The guidebook to membrane desalination technology: reverse osmosis, nanofiltration and hybrid systems: process, design, applications, and economics, Balaban Desalination Publications.
- Faust, S.D. (1996) Chemistry of water treatment, Chelsea, MI : Ann Arbor Press.
Internet sites:
- WAVE membrane design tool (free software):
https://water.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/18146/related/1
- Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011): https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines-publications/eh52
References
Learning Resource Material (LRM) will be provided through Canvas to help students with the necessary technical knowledge needed to undertake the required design tasks. The LRM will comprise text and multimedia resources.
Other resources
Canvas - for announcements, assignment submissions and links to resources https://canvas.uts.edu.au
Access and use of the Canvas site is a key requirement for being able to successfully complete the course.