Environmental Engineering

Water is playing an essential role in relation with the environment. In this course it is shown how we can actively intervene in its pollution.

Man is using several simple and advanced techniques to produce reliable drinking water from groundwater and surface water (water treatment). To limit environmental pollution, wastewater has to be treated; an overview of basic processes available for the treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater is given in Wastewater treatment. For a better understanding of water and wastewater treatment the principles of mass balances, reaction kinetics and reactor design are discussed in Environmental Process Technology. Not only advanced techniques, but also simple, natural and relatively cheap techniques (e.g. wetlands) can be applied (Ecological engineering).

The course aims to acquaint participants with the basic principles and techniques of water and wastewater treatment and to introduce them in natural systems for wastewater treatment and possible reuse and resource recovery options.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• describe the basic chemical and biological processes in water and wastewater treatment;
• evaluate different approaches to wastewater treatment and select the best option for local conditions.

This course is aimed at professionals involved in water and environmental quality of surface waters with a background in engineering and natural sciences and working at river authorities, governmental and district water management authorities, etc.

• Water treatment
• Wastewater treatment including laboratory work
• Environmental Process Technology including workshops
• Ecological engineering and natural systems for wastewater treatment
• Fieldtrips to a drinking water company and a wastewater treatment plant.

It is possible to take part in the examination of this short course. If you obtain a passing mark for this examination and return to UNESCO-IHE within four years after completion of the short course to follow a full MSc programme, you will receive exemption for this short course/module. The costs for this exam are €250 extra and should be borne by yourself. Taking part in the examination is not compulsory.