1. GENERAL SUBJECT DATA
Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
University:
(Campus of Alcoy)
Degree Course:
Chemical engineering (3rd course)
Departament:
Ditexpa
Subject:
Environmental Analysis
Code:
2047
ECTS credits:
4.8
Bachelors /
Masters:
Bachelors
Academic
year:
2008-2009
Semester 2
Duration:
Optional
Subject type:
Lecturer/s:
Antonio Arques Sanz
José Antonio Bonastre Cano
Tutorials:
Timetable:
Office:
C2BD4
C2AD2
2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT
This subject deals with the analysis of pollutants present in soils, water and
air. The most important parameters are described, together with their
significance and the methods that can be employed for their
measurement. Aqueous effluents coming from different industries such as
textile, paper or metal finishing are analysed in the laboratory classes.
3. OBJECTIVES (COMPETENCES)
Introducing the students of technical careers into the main parameters
used in environmental chemistry (water, air and soil examination).
Studying the most important physical and chemical methods employed
in analysis of pollutants
Using the analytical methods in laboratory experiments using real
effluents.
Introducing the student into the most important instrumental devices
employed in chemical analysis are explained and laboratory
experiments are devoted to their use.
4. PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE
No previous knowledge is needed in order to follow this subject
5. CONTENTS: UNITS
UNIT 1: Introduction. Contamination. Analytical methods
Definition of contamination. Pollutants. Transport and dispersion of
pollutants. Effects of contamination. Physical-chemical methods. Optical
methods. Chromatographic methods. Biological methods. Sampling and
preservation of samples. Characterisation of water: main parameters.
UNIT 2: Determination of physical-chemical properties of water.
Colour. Taste and smell. Solids. Conductivity. Temperature. Turbidity.
Alcalinity and hardness.
UNIT 3: Determination of organic matter in wastewaters: parameters and
analytical methods
Biological oxygen demand (BOD). Chemical oxygen demand (COD).
Total organic carbon (TOC)
UNIT 4: Specific analytical methods for important aqueous pollutants
Nitrogenated species, metallic compounds, cyanides, phenols…
UNIT 5: Biological analysis of water. Biodegradability and toxicity of
wastewaters.
Microbiological assays. Toxicity. Biodegradability of pollutants:
respirometry.
UNIT 6: Analysis of atmospheric pollutants.
Polluted and non-polluted air. Pollutants. Effect of atmospheric
contamination towards the environment. Diffusion and transport of
pollutants. Sampling. Sulphur oxides. Carbon monoxide and dioxide.
Nitrogen oxides. Ozone. Other inorganic pollutants. Hydrocarbons and
other organic pollutants. Solid particles.
UNIT 7: Contamination of soils.
Different kinds of soils. Nutrients in solis. Interpretation of an analysis of a
soil. Sampling. Conductivity and pH. C/N ratio and inorganic nitrogen.
Phosphates. Potassium. Calcium and magnesium. Texture. Total nitrogen.
Total organic carbon. Phosphor. Carbonate. Metals. Cations. Physical
analysis of soils: humidity and particle size.
6. TEACHING-LEARNING METHODOLOGY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
DESCRIPTION
ECTS
(hours)
Theoretical clases
Main contents are introduced
by the professor
10
Practical classes
and seminars
Subjects are developed by
presentation
of
real
environmental problems
20
Laboratory classes
Analysis of industrial efflents
30
ACTIVITIES AT HOME (AUTONOMOUS WORK)
ACTIVITIES
DESCRIPTION
Theoretical study
Preparation
activities
of
Analysis
of
laboratory results
ECTS
(hours)
The student reads the materials
given by the professor
20
Computer and literature search
44
Treatment
of
data
and
explanation
of
the
results
obtained in the laboratory
20
7. EVALUATION
The methodology employed in this subject is based in the active
learning. Together with some “classical” sessions, the student is
encouraged to work on selected parts of the program, and discuss
about the results that are obtained.
The global qualification of the subject is obtained from the evaluation
of different factors:
- Evaluation of the active work of the student (40%)
- Tests carried out all along the course (30%)
- Laboratory activities and practical work (30%)
8. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Envirionmental Chemistry. 7th edition. S.E Manahan.
Environmental Chemistry. 2nd edition. C. Baird.
Standard Methods for the examination of water and wastewater. 20th
edition. American Public Health Association, APHA, AWWA, WPCF.