Environmental Process Analysis (MLJ530)

The main objective of this course is introduction and application of quantitative methods and estimations used in bioprocess analysis, water and wastewater treatment technology and water quality analysis.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

MLJ530

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

The course consists of the following modules: Unit 1. Stoichiometry and energetics of microbial growth.

Stoichiometric conservation laws, red-ox reactions in microbiology, bioenergetics, assimilation and dissimilation, lumped parameters, the concept of chemical and biological oxygen demand, important parameters in Environmental Technology. Water quality and quantitative methods for chemical and physical characterization.

Unit 2: Process analysis

Reactors, Mass balances, Tranport and reactions, The steady state approximation.

Unit 3: Microbial conversion processes and kinetics

The cellular yield, cellular growth stoichiometry, COD balances and BOD. Population versus individual cell growth, substrate specific growth kinetics, Monod kinetics, Multi- substrate kinetics, Inhibition kinetics, Environmental factors and kinetics. Maintenance. Loss of bacterial cells: Cell death and endogenous respiration.

Unit 4: Bioprocess analysis

Continuous stirred tank reactors, Batch and Feed Batch reactors, Biomass retention, Activated Sludge Process, Biofilm reactors.

Learning outcome

Following this course, students will be able to combine transport and conversion mechanisms in systems analysis of natural and technical aquatic systems. Students are to establish the macrostoichiometry of cellular growth and decay, understand and apply microbial kinetics, perform elementary bioprocess analysis of batch and continuous mixed cultures. Furthermore, students will have detailed knowledge of chemical and physical characterization of natural- and wastewaters, and be able to perform these in laboratory and field settings.

Required prerequisite knowledge

General requirements for the MSc in Environmental Engineering.

Recommended prerequisites

Basic chemistry as required for admission to MSc Environmental Engineering, including elementary microbiology (in case this is missing MLJ520 Environmental Microbiology should be taken the same semester).

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written exam 1/1 4 Hours Letter grades Dictionary, Valid calculator,

The exam is by pen and paper.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Ilke Pala Øzkøk

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Hans Kristian Brekken

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Erling Berge Monsen

Course teacher:

Leif Ydstebø

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Liv Margareth Aksland

Course teacher:

Roald Kommedal

Method of work

4 hours lectures and 1 hour exercises per week.

The course is based primarily on a series of lectures and exercises (seminars).

Laboratory exercises in wastewater and reactor characterization (approx. 20 hours), field course section.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Environmental Process Analysis (MET170_1) 5
Environmental Biotechnology (MOT470_1) 5

Open for

Environmental Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto