Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Wastewater and Reuse (2500228) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

This course will describe the different types of wastewater treatment systems, their operation and application, and how to calculate and design the treatment units of a treatment plant. This will be an introduction to sanitation networks, regulations regarding wastewater and reuse. Wastewater flows and their physical, chemical and biological characteristics will also be discussed. There will be an Introduction to carrying out gauging and characterization campaigns, as well as a description and design of autonomous sanitation facilities. Finally, the operation, design and operation of activated sludge processes in all their variants will be shown: complete mixing, piston flow, staggered feeding, prolonged aeration, contact-stabilization and double stage. Nutrient removal. Design of secondary decanters. Main operating problems of the activated sludge process: foams, bulking, dispersed growth. 1. Know the characteristics of urban and industrial wastewater and intensive (conventional) and extensive (natural) treatment systems. 2. Know the water management strategies such as reuse. Wastewater and Reuse. In-depth study of technologies, tools and techniques in the field of environmental engineering, for the treatment of wastewater and the latest trends in its management, such as reuse. Submarine outfalls and their possible impacts on the coast.

Competencies

Especific

Apply the fundamental concepts of statistics and randomness of physical, social and economic phenomena, as well as uncertainty and decision-making techniques.

Identify the fundamentals of structure theory, sustainable procedures for construction and dismantling of buildings and civil works; and describe the technology bases of the materials used in construction.

Design and project treatment systems for purification and purification of water resources, and establish the basis for the management of waste generated, describe and assess desalination and reuse processes.

Analyze, design, simulate and optimize processes and systems with environmental relevance, both natural and artificial, and their resolution techniques, as well as recognize techniques for analysis and evaluation of climate change.

Design and project processes for the treatment of contaminated soils and aquifers.

Prepare, implement, coordinate and evaluate urban and industrial solid waste management plans and resource recovery.

Apply measures to prevent and control air quality, quantify noise pollution and its corrective measures and quantify odor emissions and corrective measures.

Generic

Identify, formulate and solve problems related to environmental engineering.

Apply the functions of consulting, analysis, design, calculation, project, construction, maintenance, conservation and exploitation of any action in the territory in the field of environmental engineering.

To use in any action in the territory proven methods and accredited technologies, in order to achieve the greatest efficiency respect for the environment and the protection of the safety and health of workers and users.

Apply the necessary legislation during the professional practice of environmental engineering.

Apply business management techniques and labor legislation.

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 48h 80.00 %
Medium group 10h 16.67 %
Laboratory classes 2h 3.33 %
Self Study 90h

Teaching Methodology

The course consists of 2.3 hours per week of classroom activity (large size group) and 1.2 hours weekly with half the students (medium size group). The 2.3 hours in the large size groups are devoted to theoretical lectures, in which the teacher presents the basic concepts and topics of the subject, shows examples and solves exercises. The 1.2 hours in the medium size groups is devoted to solving practical problems with greater interaction with the students. The objective of these practical exercises is to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. The rest of weekly hours devoted to laboratory practice. Support material in the form of a detailed teaching plan is provided using the virtual campus ATENEA: content, program of learning and assessment activities conducted and literature. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

The mark of the course is obtained from the ratings of continuous assessment and their corresponding laboratories and/or classroom computers. Continuous assessment consist in several activities, both individually and in group, of additive and training characteristics, carried out during the year (both in and out of the classroom). The teachings of the laboratory grade is the average in such activities. The evaluation tests consist of a part with questions about concepts associated with the learning objectives of the course with regard to knowledge or understanding, and a part with a set of application exercises.

Test Rules

If any of the continuous assessment activities is not carried out in the scheduled period, it will be considered as a zero score. To access the re-assessment you must have achieved a minimum grade of 4 in the average of evaluable tests of the course (activities and partial exams)

Office Hours

Students may stay with the teacher at any time. However, an email must be sent at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Bibliography

Basic

Complementary