Class Analytical Quantification of Environmental Parameters

This Curricular Unit focuses on the importance of water in the world and the different analytical parameters to control in the environmental matrices of water and sediments/soils. The most important indicators for assessing the quality of water and soil/sediment matrices are studied. The fundamental concepts of the evolution/dynamics of different bodies of water and the interaction between matrices (water/sediment) that can influence and cause some quality indicator parameters to vary are addressed. The Analytical Control of the Environmental course is part of a set of courses included in the Environmental Engineering degree programme, which aims to prepare professionals capable of identifying indicators of water and sediment quality. The different legislations (international and national) for each matrix are presented, addressing them with examples and real-life case studies.

Not applicable

THEORETICAL 1. introduction 2. Sustainable Development Goals 3. Water in the world: Abundance and distribution, pollution.  Sampling plans and sampling. Important parameters. Analyses (portable equipment/laboratory). Water legislation: Legislative framework. International and national legislation. The WFD and the Water Law. Quality control parameters. Analysing water systems. Water bodies. Water for human consumption (WTP, WWTP). Interpretation of results and assessment/monitoring reports. 4. Sediments/soils: Dimensional and textural classifications. Indicative quality parameters. Sampling planning. Important parameters. Analyses (portable equipment/laboratory). Soil/sediment legislation: national and international.   PRACTICE Exercises based on case studies. Preparation of technical opinions. Preparation of monitoring campaigns, field campaigns, interpretation of results. Preparation of technical reports.

The methodology used consists of the active method, placing the student at the centre of the learning process. A combined expository/interrogative method is used, using active learning methodologies: brainstorming, role play, etc. Case study analysis is included, encouraging peer discussion and problem solving. This process will allow students to develop critical thinking, increasing their problem-solving skills. ‘Flipped classroom’, ‘Peer teaching’ and ‘Peer feedback’ methodologies can be used. Field trips to observe and collect samples (technical field trips) will enable non-formal learning. This method encourages students to solve exercises autonomously and have the opportunity to discuss the solution methodology with their peers, developing critical thinking, increasing their problem-solving skills and improving their orality and technical writing.

Baird, Colin.; Cann, Michael.( 2012) - Environmental Chemistry, 5th Ed. W. H. Freeman & Co. (Ed.), 848p, ISBN-13: 978-1429277044 Vieira, J. M. P. (2018). Água e saúde pública (1.ª ed.). Edições Sílabo. 459p, ISBN 978-972-618-969-5 Brusseau, M. L., Pepper, I. L., & Gerba, C. P. (2019). Environmental and pollution science (3rd ed.). Academic Press. ISBN 978-0128147191. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2017-0-00480-9