UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, JAMAICA

SYLLABUS OUTLINE
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
MODULE OF STUDY: BACHELOR OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
MODULE TITLE:

WASTEWATER TREATMENT

MODULE CODE:

CHE4018

DURATION:

45 HOURS

CREDIT VALUE:

PREREQUISITES:

NONE

1.0

YEAR: 4

Module Description

This module covers wastewater treatment from the beginning to intermediate level. Topics include: sources and
effects of wastewater, wastewater characterization and collection, primary, secondary and tertiary treatment. Sludge
stabilization and handling.
2.0

MODULE OBJECTIVES

2.1

General Objectives
At the end of this module students should be able to;2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6
2.1.7

2.2

Appreciate the complexity of wastewater treatment as a function of the diversity of sources

Be aware of the legislative framework which drive current wastewater treatment practices
Appreciate the effects of varied water pollutants
Have a thorough knowledge of wastewater characterization
Be cognizant of the differences between Municipal and Wastewater Treatment Systems
Be aware of the design protocol for simple physical unit operations
Be aware of Wastewater Minimization Strategies

Module Units and Specific Objectives

UNIT I: INTRODUCTION TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT
1.1
State at least five sources of wastewater
1.2
Discuss the Legislative Framework as it relates Wastewater Treatment in the Jamaican Context
1.3
Analyze the National Resources Conservation Authority Act with respect to wastewater provisions
1.4
Introduction to Water and Wastewater Auditing
UNIT II: WATER POLLUTION AND WASTEWATER
CHARACTERIZATION
At the end of this unit students should be able to;2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6

Explain the points at which waste water interfaces with the Hydrological Cycle
Categorize processes within the hydrological cycle
Indicate the main sources of water for human use
Explain the effects of at least five Water Pollutants
Compare the polluting effect of stated pollutants
Characterize (Chemical/Physical/Biological) and describe wastewater constituents in terms of
source, importance and method for the analysis

UNIT III: MUNICIPAL AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT

SYSTEMS
At the end of this unit students should be able to;3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7

Distinguish between Primary, Secondary and Advanced Treatment for Wastewater

Evaluate the performance criteria of primary, secondary and tertiary systems
Evaluate Flow rate and Mass loading Data
Appraise existing treatment systems (Jamaica)
Draw flow diagrams to illustrate primary, secondary and advanced treatment of wastewater
Evaluate the need for advanced treatment given case studies
Choose appropriate wastewater treatment options given design requirements and other restrictions

UNIT IV: UNIT OPERATIONS DESIGN OF SIMPLE

PHYSICAL UNITS
At the end of this unit students should be able to;4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13

Appreciate Sedimentation theory

Calculate the dimensions of circular clarifiers given inflows and overflow rates
Assess the benefits and limitations of biological treatment systems
Evaluate the viability of biological treatment systems within given constraints
Rank design restrictions with respect to treatment plant design
Estimate the dimensions required for simple aerated lagoons
Calculate the number of completely mixed aerated lagoons required for secondary treatment
Discriminate between the nitrification and denitrification steps occurring in facultative ponds
Calculate the mean hydraulic retention time for completely mixed stabilization ponds
Determine the dimensions of stabilization ponds given inflows, biological loadings and relevant
standards
Estimate the dimensions required for Tricking Filters
Compare the efficiency of aerated lagoons and trickling filters with regard to use of land space and
BOD removal
Evaluate methods of Disinfection

UNIT V: WASTEWATER MINIMIZATION AND PREVENTION

STRATEGIES
At the end of this unit students should be able to;5.1
5.2
5.3
3.0

Substantiate Arguments for Preventative Remediation Strategies versus End-of-pipe Remediation

Strategies
Review the ISO 14000 Standards
Evaluate the significance of the Environmental Policy as it pertains to job satisfaction for the
Environmental Engineer

MODULE CONTENT AND CONTEXT

UNIT I: INTRODUCTION TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT
1.1
1.2
1.3

Sources of Wastewater
The National Resources Conservation Authority Act
Wastewater Generation Tannery Wastewater

UNIT II: POLLUTION AND WASTEWATER CHARACTERIZATION

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4

The Hydrological cycle

Water Pollutants
Effects of water pollutants
Wastewater characterization procedures

UNIT III: MUNICIPAL AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

3.1.1
Primary, Secondary and Advanced Wastewater Treatment
3.1.2
Performance Criteria for Primary and Secondary Treatment
3.1.3
Drafting flow diagrams
3.1.4
Design of Wastewater Treatment Facilities
UNIT IV: UNIT OPERATIONS - DESIGN OF SIMPLE PHYSICAL
UNITS
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11

Biological Treatment Systems

Trade Effluent Standards
Sedimentation Basins/Clarifiers
Trickling Filters
Activated Sludge
Stabilization Ponds Aerobic/Anaerobic/Facultative
Up-Flow-Sludge-Blanket UFSB Reactors
Constructed Wetlands
Mounds
Tile field
Chlorinator

UNIT V: WASTEWATER MINIMIZATION AND PREVENTION

STRATEGIES
5.1
5.2
4.0

5.0

Preventative Remediation Strategies versus End-of-Pipe

Methods
ISO 14000 Standards

LEARNING APPROACHES
Lectures
Practicals
Case Studies Appraisals of
Site Visits
Other suitable methods where appropriate
ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
Test1
Test2
Module work /Project
Laboratory
Final Examination

15%
15%
10%
10%
50%

6.0 REFERENCE TEXTS

Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 2nd Edition, John Crittenden
Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Re-use, George Tchobanoglous
Prepared and Edited by: Miss Lisa Bramwell and Dr. Nilza Smith.

Edited by : Sahlu Baker (2011)