Learning & Training Resources

Wastewater Treatment Process, Technology and Chemistry

Wastewater treatment processes and technologies present a challenging field comprising multiple scientific disciplines, most notably chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and mathematics. Together with specialised chemistry fields such as thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, hydrology, enzymology, metabolism, reaction kinetics and bioprocess chemistry, these disciplines form the foundational knowledge on which skills for wastewater treatment technology are predicated.

A dedicated interest and thorough understanding of the principles of physical, organic, and biological chemistry are required to master wastewater treatment process technology.

Information resources and Live Learning sessions are designed and authored with the specific intent to bridge the application gap between theoretical knowledge and the realities of engineered bio-process systems in operation.

Technical skills learning resources are offered on three levels:

Initial Learning Choices (i) cover all aspects of WWT Process and Technology that may be needed to work directly with the process and technology or make decisions regarding the technical operation thereof.

Advanced Learning Choices (A) expand with applied chemistry details on all aspects of WWT Process and Technology that technical personnel may need to solve complex problems, advise non-technical personnel, and design process remediation solutions.

Specialised Choices (S) expands with key details in applied chemistry on specific concepts of Wastewater Treatment Process and Technology that are crucial for technical personnel to solve complex problems, advise non-technical personnel, and design process remediation solutions.

INITIAL LEARNING (i)

Initial choices are resources that introduce entry-level industry knowledge and concepts for technical personnel who attend WWT Process and Technology systems, as well as those involved in decision-making regarding the management of technical and scientific aspects.

Initial Choices are suitable for operators, technicians, scientists and managers who are interested in engaging with process and technology knowledge on a more application-focused level.

Initial learning Content & Topics

(1)WWT Introduction session 01

(2)WWT Introduction session 02

(3)WWT Introduction session 03

(4)Wastewater composition

(5)Primary treatment

(6)Secondary treatment

(7)Tertiary treatment

(8)WWT technology

(9)Quantification Chemistry

(10)Sludge processing

(11)Nutrient Removal

(12)Regulation for WWT

i-01/02/03

In-person

8hr/session

Online

2 X 3hr/session

ADVANCED LEARNING (A)

Advanced learning presents the in-depth applied chemistry knowledge required for effective solutions & system design, troubleshooting and optimisation on all aspects of Wastewater Treatment Process and Technology that technical personnel may need to engage with complex problems, be technical advisors, and design process remediation solutions.

Advanced learning resource modules:

(1)WW composition, fractions and measurements

(2)WWT process overview

(3)Primary Treatment with Pre-treatment & Inlet

(4)Secondary Treatment

(5)Air Activated Sludge systems

(6)Dewatering technology & process impact

(7)Anaerobic Digestion

(8)Tertiary treatment

(9)EBPR systems & biochemistry

(10)Nitrification systems & biochemistry

(11)Integrated membrane technology

(12)Managing flow and reaction time (HRT)

(13)Load quantification, dilution, concentration

(14) Process physical chemistry applied

A-01

A-02

A-03

A-04

A-05

A-06

A-07

A-08

A-09

A-10

A-11

A-12

A-13

A-14

In-person

3hr

Online

3hr

SPECIALISED TOPICS (S)

Specialised concepts present crucial knowledge for WWT systems needed to operate, design and optimise Specialised concepts present crucial knowledge for WWT systems needed to operate, design and optimise the process chemistry and biochemistry, and expand on the applied chemistry details for specialised concepts of Wastewater Treatment Process and Technology. This key knowledge may be needed by technical personnel to solve complex operating problems, and design process solutions.

Specialised topics:

(1 ) Advanced Oxidation

(2) Alkalinity

(3) Biochemical Oxygen Demand

(4) Biodegradability for AD

(5) Bio-film & Bio-floc

(6) Biological Phosphorus Removal

(7) Bioprocess Chemistry & Microbiology

(8) Chemical Dosing

(9) Coagulation & Flocculation

(10)Constructed Wetlands

(11)Data management for WWTp

(12)Diffusion Mass Transfer

(13)Enzyme-catalysed reactions

(14)Nature-based solutions

(15)Nutrient Removal

(16)PFAS pollution & toxicity

(17)Process & reaction kinetics

(18)Process Design innovations

(19)Pyrolysis & Gasification

(20)Redox Chemistry

(21)Regulations' impact on process design

(22)Respirometry

S-01

S-02

S-03

S-04

S-05

S-06

S-07

S-08

S-09

S-10

S-11

S-12

S-13

S-14

S-15

S-16

S-17

S-18

S-19

S-20

S-21

S-22

In-person

3hr

2 X 3hr

3hr

2 X 3hr

3hr

Online

3hr

2 X 3hr

3hr

2 X 3hr

3hr

Applied Chemistry for Wastewater Treatment Technology.

Applied chemistry skills incorporate techniques and a cognitive problem-solving approach based on theoretical background chemistry knowledge, actual data, measurements and physical observations.

An applied chemistry approach uses available data as indicators to resolve discrepancies between measured and expected outcomes, the latter generated by known models, calculations, and learnt notations for chemical expressions

Applying background knowledge from specialised chemistry fields is an altogether different discipline, best described as Applied Chemistry. Wastewater Treatment Process Technology does require additional skills as well, namely hands-on skills in measuring and online instrumentation, and process mechanisation such as pumps, valves, blowers, and mechanisms for a variety of required motions.

A considerable part of understanding biochemical processes is the data management aspect of it. Data recording, processing, interpretation and statistical analysis are part of the skills growth and development in applied science. All of these are integrated into a system that executes the process chemistry, and in the case of wastewater, bioprocess chemistry.

Live-Learning online

The most effective format of training is where in-person classroom and on-site training take place, with regular practical sessions spaced in between content delivery. Practical sessions include calculations, case studies, knowledge questions, site visits, sampling and laboratory test sessions.

In-person and on-site training.

e-Learning

Online learning modules and videos are less effective than in-person training and are mostly used as introductions to specific concepts or aspects of processes. It is, however, very effective for reviewing previously learned work and for further detailing carefully arranged explanations. E-Learning may be written with the inclusion of practical sessions for case studies, calculations, design and knowledge questions.

Training and learning sources for reference

Training and e-learning prepared by RES Enviro is aimed at personnel working directly on process operations and process technology, involving the chemistry and biotechnology of the process. The background skills and knowledge required to perform tasks like troubleshooting, solutions design, method development, optimisation and remediation are Chemistry, Bio-chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Statistics.

Technical skills form the core of Wastewater Treatment process performance, compliance and optimisation. Personnel that are exposed to the correct process training and learning early in their careers may effectively become lead technical exponents and performers, quickly overtaking those that learn vocationally. Technical training may be referenced with commonly used sources such as leading publications from:

Metcalf & Eddy - Wastewater Engineering

International Water Association (IWA) - Publications

International Water Association (IWA) - Open source

DELFT Institute for Water Education (Delft IWE)

Which training is suitable for you

There are several institutions in the UK that offer training courses that range between just a couple of contact hours, to two/three-year apprentice and diploma training. All these courses are aimed at training individuals from diverse backgrounds and only to a minimum entry level standard.

In order to effectively problem solve, design and optimise Wastewater Treatment technologies and processes, in-depth knowledge of the natural science disciplines chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology is required, as they make up 95% of the skills needed. Further to that, an aptitude for mathematics and statistics and a desire to engage with complex problem solving in applied chemistry, are good attributes to achieve performance goals.

Wastewater process science is an applied chemistry discipline, and it is for this reason that practical skills training and on-site training are most effective, especially for the Initial learning level. In modern times Environmental Chemistry and Nature Based Solutions define the discipline and technology integration, of Wastewater Treatment Processes and Technology.

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