Waste-Wastewater Management and Climate Change

This module will develop an enhanced understanding of applied environmental management and its relation to climate change. Environmental management examples, specifically waste and wastewater management, will be addressed in terms of regulatory and technical applications and environmental standards. These applications are contextualised within wider challenge of mitigating and adapting to climate change. Climate models and their implications (and uncertainties) are presented and discussed in relation to applied management of the environment. The subjects are delivered through a combination of lectures, self-study and supervised practical classes. Through engaging with this module, you will develop the Professional, Intellectual, Digital and Active Citizen Abertay Attributes. In particular: * Be leaders, decision-makers and problem-solvers in their communities, tackling complex issues using creativity and considered judgement to make a difference to people’s lives. * Master their subject, understand how it is evolving, appreciate the importance of interdisciplinarity and recognise how what has been learned can be applied. * Develop digital fluency, giving them knowledge, skills, and confidence to embrace digital solutions. * Maintain and continuously develop awareness of their civic, ethical, and environmental responsibilities.

By the end of this module the student should be able to:

1. Apply critical thinking and evaluation skills in relation to knowledge of the principles of climate change, and climate mitigation, adaptation, and uncertainty.
2. Apply critical thinking and evaluation skills in relation to knowledge of the principles of climate change, and climate mitigation, adaptation, and uncertainty.
3. Critically examine and evaluate existing procedures for wastes, wastewater and land management and suggest improvements to sustainability.
4. Critically examine and evaluate existing procedures for wastes, wastewater and land management and suggest improvements to sustainability.
5. Communicate effectively with environmental regulators and stakeholders on the control measures needed to meet environmental standards.
6. Communicate effectively with environmental regulators and stakeholders on the control measures needed to meet environmental standards.

1 Climate Change and Climate Models

Prediction, uncertainty, mitigation and adaptation. Models of climate change including scenario planning models, greenhouse gas emissions, flooding management modelling, and environmental sustainability models. Waste and wastewater have an impact on these and are impacted by them.

1 Climate Change and Climate Models

Prediction, uncertainty, mitigation and adaptation. Models of climate change including scenario planning models, greenhouse gas emissions, flooding management modelling, and environmental sustainability models. Waste and wastewater have an impact on these and are impacted by them.

2 Climate Change and International Agreements

International agreements based on Climate change scenarios and monitored environmental change have a big impact on current and future environmental management

3 Waste Management and Treatment

Waste management regulations. Waste arisings by type, quantity and disposal route. Collection and Transport options. Waste minimisation, re-use and recycling. Treatment technologies: Thermal (Incineration, Pyrolysis and Gasification); Anaerobic digestion and Composting. Landfill Technology.

4 Contaminated Land Management and Remediation

Ground investigation techniques. Assessment of hazards and risks. Treatment/Remediation methodologies and techniques

5 Wastewater Management and Treatment

Wastewater management regulations. Characterisation of municipal wastewater (sewage). Consideration of unit treatment processes and operations including sedimentation and biological processes. Analysis of various treatment systems for large and small and decentralised populations. Analysis of treatment and management options and objectives for industrial effluents including treatment, utilisation and disposal of wastewater treatment sludges, with associated environmental standards.