Water Pollution
Objectives
Knowledge on different types of water pollutants, including inputs, routes and internal processes
Detect and minimize effects of pollutants in organisms and disturbance to ecosystems services
Knowledge of essential legislation on water pollution (national, EU and international).
Apply simplified numerical methods for pollutant dispersion analysis and water quality assessment of receiving water bodies.
General characterization
Code
12656
Credits
3.0
Responsible teacher
Marta Susana Silvestre Gouveia Martins, Paulo Alexandre Marques Diogo
Hours
Weekly - 2
Total - 32
Teaching language
Português
Prerequisites
N/A
Bibliography
Laws, E. A. 2001. Aquatic Pollution. An Introductory Text. 3rd ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York
Clark, R.B. 2000. Marine Pollution. 5th ed. OUP
Frid, C.L.J., Caswell, B.A., 2017. Marine Pollution. Oxford University Press, UK.
Relevant technical reports and scientificv publications.
Teaching method
Basic concepts will be introduced conventionally in the first 3 classes, supported by the available literature, and will be developed further by the student through individual research in the written form and object of oral presentation on the input routes, internal processes and evaluation of the effects of the different pollutants. The practical component includes filed trips for hands-on data collection, lab experiments, and group work on problem solving questions. The teaching methodology in focused on stimulating idea development and autonomy of the students, as well as their curiosity about water pollution and innovation, which can be encouraged under the “Creative Project” subject in the curriculum.
Evaluation method
Evaluation is continuous and assessed by 2 tests (theoretical component) and 2 lab assigments (practical component).
Students will use the available resources included in the "Bibliography" section (books, papers, institutional internet information) and others each may find of interest.
Lectures (50%) - 2 written tests (multiple choice and open questions) - 25% + 25% (average minimum grade for tests is 9.5)
Labs (50%) - students will deliver 2 group assignments: one class presentation and one report - 25% + 25% (Average minimum grade for lab assignments is 9.5).
Students are required to attend 2/3 of the lab classes otherwise they will not be able to finish the course
Final mark: average of tests (50%) and lab assignments (50%)
Subject matter
I. Introduction to water pollution. Context and definitions. Types of pollutants. Input routes and internal processes. Impact/toxicity and control. European and international regulation.
Organic pollution. Eutrophication
Metals
Pesticides
Hydrocarbons
Halogenated hydrocarbons
Marine litter and microplastics
Nanomaterials
Microbiological
Radioactivity, thermal and acoustic pollution
II. Pollution indicators. Monitoring equipment and planning.
III. Numerical applications