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Gilda Carvalho, Xianghua Wen, and Liu Ye

Wastewater is a major end product generated by humans. Traditionally, wastewater has been treated mostly for sanitary and environmental protection reasons, but this waste product harbours an enormous value, both from an ecological and economical perspective.

This course is about the state of the art in resource recovery technologies from wastewater. Regardless of your background, we will teach you the core concepts underpinning the recovery of carbon, nutrients, energy and water.

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Wastewater is a major end product generated by humans. Traditionally, wastewater has been treated mostly for sanitary and environmental protection reasons, but this waste product harbours an enormous value, both from an ecological and economical perspective.

This course is about the state of the art in resource recovery technologies from wastewater. Regardless of your background, we will teach you the core concepts underpinning the recovery of carbon, nutrients, energy and water.

Learn from experts in wastewater engineering from The University of Queensland and Tsinghua University. This course will help you identify opportunities towards the sustainable management of wastewater as well as understand the major applications for recovered products.

What you'll learn

  • Identify recoverable resources in wastewater.
  • Appreciate the breadth of potential products.
  • Discover the technological principles of the resource recovery processes.
  • Recognise the resources that can be recovered in different situations.
  • Appreciate sustainability in the urban water cycle and the importance of resources recovery in a circular economy context.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Identify recoverable resources in wastewater.
  • Appreciate the breadth of potential products.
  • Discover the technological principles of the resource recovery processes.
  • Recognise the resources that can be recovered in different situations.
  • Appreciate sustainability in the urban water cycle and the importance of resources recovery in a circular economy context.

Syllabus

MODULE 1: Introduction to the water cycle and used water management
Impact of water cycle on water resource sustainability, sources of used water, consumption of energy and resource recovery potentials, trends for used water management.
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MODULE 2: Carbon
Carbon biological transformations, anaerobic digestion, carbon to electricity: microbial cells, carbon to PHA, cellulose recovery.
MODULE 3: Nutrients
Nitrogen and phosphorous biological metabolism, microbial protein production and use as feed or fertiliser, phosphorous recovery, source separation, element recovery.
MODULE 4: Water
Fit-for-purpose water reuse, water recycling for drinking or irrigation use, environmental application of reclaimed water, industrial application of reclaimed water - desalination.
MODULE 5: Integrated solutions and successful cases
Sustainability assessment of water technologies, the Huaifang case study, expert panel discussion, visions for the future of resource recovery.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines carbon, nutrient, water, and energy resources from wastewater with a global perspective
Provides insights into the technological aspects of resource recovery from wastewater
Lays the groundwork for resource identification and recovery in various wastewater scenarios
Emphasizes the significance of sustainable wastewater management and resource recovery

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sustainable Resource Recovery from Used Water with these activities:
Join a Study Group
Collaborate with fellow students to enhance your understanding through discussions, Q&A sessions, and knowledge sharing.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates or online peers
  • Meet regularly to discuss course materials, assignments, and exam preparation
  • Share perspectives, insights, and resources with each other
Volunteer at a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Gain hands-on experience in wastewater treatment and observe resource recovery practices in real-world settings.
Browse courses on Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
  • Contact local wastewater treatment plants to inquire about volunteering opportunities
  • Attend a safety orientation and training
  • Assist plant staff with various tasks, such as sampling, monitoring, and data collection
Create a Comprehensive Study Guide
Consolidate your notes, assignments, and other course materials into a comprehensive study guide for easy review and retention.
Show steps
  • Gather all your notes, assignments, and any other relevant materials
  • Organize the materials into logical sections and topics
  • Summarize and condense key concepts and definitions
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Study Wastewater and Resource Recovery
Review the fundamentals of wastewater engineering to strengthen your understanding of the course content.
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  • Read chapters 1-5
  • Take notes on key concepts and definitions
  • Complete end-of-chapter exercises
Explore Nutrient Removal Technologies
Follow online tutorials to gain practical insights into different nutrient removal technologies used in wastewater treatment.
Show steps
  • Identify online tutorials on nutrient removal technologies
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes
  • Apply the knowledge gained to analyze real-world scenarios
Practice Carbon Cycle Calculations
Solve practice problems to enhance your understanding of carbon cycling in wastewater treatment.
Browse courses on Carbon Cycle
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks
  • Solve the problems using the principles learned in the course
  • Check your answers against provided solutions
Develop an Infographic on Resource Recovery
Create an infographic to communicate the benefits and challenges of resource recovery in wastewater management.
Browse courses on Resource Recovery
Show steps
  • Gather data and information on resource recovery
  • Design the infographic using visually appealing elements
  • Present the infographic in a clear and concise manner
Design a Water Reuse System
Design a water reuse system to apply the principles of resource recovery in a practical context.
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  • Define the scope and objectives of the system
  • Research and select appropriate technologies
  • Design the system layout and infrastructure
  • Estimate the costs and benefits of the system
  • Present your design and findings

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Resource Recovery from Used Water will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers apply engineering principles to protect the environment. They typically work in the public sector for government agencies or in the private sector for consulting firms. Environmental Engineers design solutions to manage the quantity and quality of wastewater, perform research to find more sustainable solutions for treating wastewater, and enforce regulations to protect the environment. Knowledge of carbon, nutrients, water, and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role. This course may also help you prepare for the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.
Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators monitor and control equipment and processes that treat water and wastewater. They typically work in the public sector for municipal water and wastewater treatment plants. Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators ensure that water and wastewater are treated to meet regulatory standards, perform maintenance on equipment and facilities, and collect and analyze data to optimize treatment processes. Knowledge of carbon, nutrients, water, and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role. This course may also help you prepare for the Water Treatment Plant Operator certification.
Sanitary Engineer
Sanitary Engineers design and manage systems to protect public health from environmental hazards. They typically work in the public sector for government agencies or in the private sector for consulting firms. Sanitary Engineers design water and wastewater treatment systems, solid waste management systems, and air pollution control systems. Knowledge of carbon, nutrients, water, and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role. This course may also help you prepare for the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.
Water Resource Engineer
Water Resource Engineers design and manage water systems to ensure the availability of clean water. They typically work in the public sector for government agencies or in the private sector for consulting firms. Water Resource Engineers plan and design water treatment and distribution systems, conduct water quality studies, and develop water conservation plans. Knowledge of carbon, nutrients, water, and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role. This course may also help you prepare for the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.
Hydrologist
Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on the Earth's surface and in the ground. They typically work in the public sector for government agencies or in the private sector for consulting firms. Hydrologists collect and analyze data on water quantity and quality, develop models to simulate water flow, and provide advice on water management. Knowledge of water and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role. This course may also help you prepare for the Professional Hydrologist (PH) certification.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the natural environment and the effects of human activities on the environment. They typically work in the public sector for government agencies or in the private sector for consulting firms. Environmental Scientists conduct research to identify and solve environmental problems, develop and implement environmental regulations, and educate the public about environmental issues. Knowledge of carbon, nutrients, water, and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants provide advice and expertise to organizations on environmental issues. They typically work in the private sector for consulting firms. Environmental Consultants conduct environmental assessments, develop environmental management plans, and help organizations comply with environmental regulations. Knowledge of carbon, nutrients, water, and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers develop and implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of organizations. They typically work in the private sector for businesses, nonprofits, or government agencies. Sustainability Managers track and report on environmental performance, identify opportunities to reduce waste and emissions, and engage with stakeholders to promote sustainability. Knowledge of carbon, nutrients, water, and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues and develop recommendations for policymakers. They typically work in the public sector for government agencies or in the private sector for think tanks or advocacy organizations. Policy Analysts may specialize in a particular policy area, such as environmental policy, and develop recommendations to address environmental problems. Knowledge of carbon, nutrients, water, and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct scientific research to advance knowledge and develop new technologies. They typically work in the public sector for government agencies or in the private sector for universities or research institutions. Research Scientists may specialize in a particular field, such as environmental science, and conduct research to develop new solutions to environmental problems. Knowledge of carbon, nutrients, water, and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role. This course may also help you prepare for a PhD program in environmental science.
Water Quality Analyst
Water Quality Analysts monitor and assess the quality of water. They typically work in the public sector for government agencies or in the private sector for consulting firms. Water Quality Analysts collect and analyze water samples to identify pollutants, develop and implement water quality monitoring programs, and provide advice on water quality management. Knowledge of water and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role. This course may also help you prepare for the Water Quality Analyst certification.
Water Resource Planner
Water Resource Planners develop and implement plans to manage water resources. They typically work in the public sector for government agencies or in the private sector for consulting firms. Water Resource Planners analyze water supply and demand, develop water conservation plans, and identify opportunities to improve water quality. Knowledge of water and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role.
Wastewater Collection System Operator
Wastewater Collection System Operators maintain and repair wastewater collection systems. They typically work in the public sector for municipal wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater Collection System Operators inspect and clean wastewater pipes, repair leaks, and respond to emergencies. Knowledge of water and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role.
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educators develop and deliver educational programs on environmental issues. They typically work in the public sector for government agencies or in the private sector for nonprofits or businesses. Environmental Educators teach about environmental science, environmental problems, and environmental solutions. Knowledge of carbon, nutrients, water, and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role.
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Water Treatment Plant Operators operate and maintain water treatment plants. They typically work in the public sector for municipal water treatment plants. Water Treatment Plant Operators monitor water quality, adjust treatment processes, and perform maintenance on equipment. Knowledge of water and the technological principles of the resource recovery processes gained in this course will be key to success in this role.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sustainable Resource Recovery from Used Water.
Comprehensive textbook on wastewater engineering. It covers topics such as wastewater characteristics, treatment processes, and reuse technologies. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of wastewater treatment.
Comprehensive resource for wastewater treatment and reuse, covering both the theory and practical applications of the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the technologies and applications of resource recovery from wastewater. It is especially useful as a reference for engineers and other professionals working in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of water resource systems planning and management. It covers topics such as water supply, wastewater treatment, and water reuse. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of water resource management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of water resources engineering. It covers topics such as water supply, wastewater treatment, and water reuse. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of water resource management.
Provides an overview of the microbiology of wastewater. It valuable reference for researchers and students working in the field.

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