D1.3 Laboratory Methods in Sanitary Engineering

Laboratory methods for the determination of parameters related to the quality of waters and wastewaters, and to water and wastewater treatment. Students will conduct analytical methods for total, suspended and dissolved solids, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, COD, BOD, total, organic, ammoniacal and nitrate nitrogen, total and dissolved phosphorus, orthophosphates. Organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus mass balances in activated sludge systems. Characterization of sewage and sludge, oxygen respiration rates, nitrification and denitrification rates. Toxicity tests for the determination of autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria activity. Microscopic identification of protozoa and filamentous bacteria. Monitoring of wastewater treatment plants, data handling and reporting for the optimization of WWTP operation. The above topics are covered with the following order:

1. Analytical methods for the determination of conventional parameters related to water and wastewater quality: Total, suspended and dissolved solids, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, COD, BOD, total, organic, ammoniacal and nitrate nitrogen, total and dissolved phosphorus, orthophosphates, COD, Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus mass balances in full scale activated sludge WWTP.
2. Wastewater and sludge laboratory methods for wastewater and bacteria characterization. Classification of COD using oxygen uptake rates, nitrification and denitrification rates, determination of autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria toxicity in wastewater activated sludge systems. Demonstration of microscopic method for filamentous bacteria identification in activated sludge systems.
3. Current legislation for WWTP design and operation. Required WWTP monitoring to comply with legislation and to optimize WWTP operation.