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Joyce Kreidi

Welcome to Design of Wastewater Treatment Plants for Onsite Projects course.

In this course you will learn how to fully design an on-site wastewater treatment plant for small to medium scale projects. It covers conventional, modern, and nature-based solutions for efficient treatment using the following processes: 

- Pre-treatment including Coarse Screening, Grease Trap, and Equalization Tank

- Primary Treatment including Septic Tank and Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR)

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Welcome to Design of Wastewater Treatment Plants for Onsite Projects course.

In this course you will learn how to fully design an on-site wastewater treatment plant for small to medium scale projects. It covers conventional, modern, and nature-based solutions for efficient treatment using the following processes: 

- Pre-treatment including Coarse Screening, Grease Trap, and Equalization Tank

- Primary Treatment including Septic Tank and Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR)

- Secondary Treatment including Aerated Wastewater Treatment Plants (AWTS), Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR), and Horizontal Constructed Wetlands (nature-based solution)

- Tertiary Treatment including Sand & Carbon Filtration, and Disinfection

- Effluent Reuse for Irrigation of crops, trees, and landscaping plants

You will learn how to design and size these processes along with their electro-mechanical components including blowers, coarse and fine bubble diffusers, treatment media quantity, etc...

You will be also able to understand the wastewater characteristics (..), effluent quality norms and regulations for safe disposal or reuse, and the maintenance requirements of each process.

The course contains detailed explanations, step-by-step calculations, numerical examples, case studies, quizzes, practical tips,...

It is designed for beginners, professionals, engineers, and humanitarians interested in designing wastewater treatment plants for a residence, building complex, refugee settlements, or even a whole community.

The course will be constantly updated with new content, new processes, and modules determined and suggested by students.

I remain always available and reachable for any help, question or clarification during the learning process.

30 day money-back guarantee

This course comes with an unconditional, Udemy backed, 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are dissatisfied with the course for any reason, simply request a refund and get your full purchase amount back, no questions asked.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Define and understand the main pollutants in the wastewater
  • Design an on-site wastewater (sewage) treatment plant that generates a high quality effluent suitable for irrigation of selected crops
  • Define and recognize the stages involved in a sewage treatment systems
  • Learn how to design a primary treatment system using a septic tank or abr system
  • Learn how to design a secondary treatment system using an aerated wastewater treatment system, mbbr and constructed wetland
  • Learn how to design a tertiary treatment using filtration and disinfection
  • Select the appropriate piping, blowers, diffusers, pumps and alarms
  • Learn how to maintain the wastewater treatment plant

Syllabus

Introduction
Overview
Wastewater Characteristics and Treatment Scheme
Pre-Treatment
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of wastewater treatment, covering pre-treatment, primary, secondary, and tertiary stages, which is essential for environmental engineers and those in related fields
Explores conventional, modern, and nature-based solutions, offering a broad perspective applicable to various project scales and environmental contexts
Includes detailed explanations, step-by-step calculations, numerical examples, and case studies, which are helpful for practical application and skill development
Covers effluent quality norms and regulations, which is crucial for ensuring compliance and safe disposal or reuse of treated wastewater
Focuses on designing wastewater treatment plants for small to medium scale projects, which may not be applicable to large-scale municipal wastewater treatment facilities
Requires learners to select appropriate piping, blowers, diffusers, pumps and alarms, which may require additional research and familiarity with specific equipment brands and models

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Reviews summary

Practical onsite wastewater design guide

According to students, this course offers a practical and comprehensive guide to designing onsite wastewater treatment plants for small to medium projects. Learners particularly appreciate the step-by-step calculations and detailed examples provided for various treatment processes, including septic tanks, ABR, AWTS, MBBR, and Constructed Wetlands. Many find the content directly applicable to real-world projects and value the coverage of topics like effluent reuse and maintenance requirements. While the course provides a solid foundation covering numerous technologies, a few reviewers noted that certain sections could benefit from greater depth on specific complex design considerations.
Important maintenance aspects covered.
"The inclusion of maintenance requirements for each process is very useful for long-term planning."
"Learning about the O&M for the different systems adds significant value."
"Knowing the maintenance needs helps in selecting the appropriate technology for a site."
Covers multiple treatment technologies.
"It covers a good range of technologies from septic tanks to MBBR and constructed wetlands."
"I learned about several different primary and secondary treatment options and how to design them."
"Appreciate the inclusion of both conventional and nature-based solutions."
"The course gives a comprehensive overview and design steps for many relevant WWTP types."
Provides a solid design foundation.
"This course provided me with a strong foundation in designing onsite treatment plants."
"I feel much more confident approaching wastewater design after taking this course."
"A great starting point for anyone looking to get into designing these types of systems."
"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course."
Content is highly relevant for projects.
"This course is exactly what I needed for designing systems for small community and residential projects."
"The information is directly applicable to the onsite wastewater treatment projects I'm involved with."
"I can immediately use the design principles and calculations learned here in my work."
"Provided practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
Detailed examples help master design.
"The calculation examples are particularly helpful and make the design process much clearer than just theory."
"I really appreciated the step-by-step approach to sizing the different components. It's very practical."
"The detailed numerical examples made understanding the design considerations straightforward and actionable for my projects."
"This course provides excellent, easy-to-follow steps for performing the necessary design calculations."
Could benefit from more advanced topics.
"While the breadth is good, some sections could go deeper into the nuances of complex designs."
"I wished there were more advanced considerations or case studies for larger or more complex scenarios."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or optimization techniques."
"Good for foundational knowledge, but experienced engineers might seek more advanced detail in certain areas."

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 Design of Wastewater Treatment Plants for Onsite Projects with these activities:
Review Basic Chemistry Principles
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts to better grasp the chemical processes involved in wastewater treatment.
Browse courses on Water Chemistry
Show steps
  • Review basic atomic structure and chemical bonding.
  • Study chemical reactions and stoichiometry.
  • Understand pH, acidity, and alkalinity.
Review 'Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater'
Familiarize yourself with standard analytical methods used in wastewater treatment.
Show steps
  • Browse the table of contents to understand the scope of the book.
  • Read the sections related to the wastewater characteristics discussed in the course.
  • Understand the principles and procedures of each analytical method.
Review 'Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery'
Deepen your understanding of wastewater treatment processes by studying a comprehensive textbook.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to the treatment processes covered in the course.
  • Study the design examples and case studies.
  • Take notes on key concepts and formulas.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a Process Flow Diagram
Visualize the wastewater treatment process by creating a detailed process flow diagram (PFD) for a specific treatment plant.
Show steps
  • Select a wastewater treatment plant design from the course materials or external resources.
  • Identify all the unit operations and processes involved.
  • Create a PFD showing the flow of wastewater through each unit.
  • Label each unit operation and indicate flow rates and key parameters.
Design a Wastewater Treatment Plant for a Small Community
Apply the knowledge gained in the course by designing a complete wastewater treatment plant for a hypothetical small community.
Show steps
  • Define the community's wastewater characteristics and flow rates.
  • Select appropriate treatment processes based on effluent requirements.
  • Size and design each treatment unit, including electromechanical components.
  • Prepare a detailed design report with calculations and drawings.
Write a Blog Post on a Specific Wastewater Treatment Technology
Solidify your understanding of a specific wastewater treatment technology by writing a blog post explaining its principles, design, and applications.
Show steps
  • Choose a wastewater treatment technology covered in the course.
  • Research the technology in detail using textbooks, journal articles, and online resources.
  • Write a blog post explaining the technology in simple terms.
  • Include diagrams, images, and examples to illustrate the concepts.

Career center

Learners who complete Design of Wastewater Treatment Plants for Onsite Projects will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Engineer
The role of an Environmental Engineer focuses on protecting the environment and human health through the design and implementation of solutions to environmental problems. This course directly aligns with the responsibilities of an Environmental Engineer, especially when dealing with wastewater treatment. The course provides practical knowledge on designing onsite wastewater treatment plants, covering various treatment processes from pre-treatment to tertiary treatment and effluent reuse. An understanding of the design and sizing of processes, electro-mechanical components, and wastewater characteristics helps build a strong foundation for success as an Environmental Engineer. The course's comprehensive approach, including case studies and practical tips, enhances the preparation for real-world engineering challenges.
Sanitary Engineer
Sanitary Engineers specialize in the design and implementation of systems for water and wastewater treatment, making this course highly relevant to their profession. This course provides a deep understanding of the design principles and practical considerations involved in creating efficient onsite wastewater treatment plants. The course content encompasses a broad range of treatment processes, from preliminary screening to advanced disinfection techniques. It is especially useful for those working on small to medium scale projects. With this knowledge, a Sanitary Engineer can effectively develop sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions for wastewater management.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator manages and maintains the equipment and processes in wastewater treatment facilities to ensure that wastewater is properly treated before being discharged back into the environment. This course equips prospective operators with a solid understanding of wastewater treatment plant design. The course covers pre-treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, and tertiary treatment. Understanding the design considerations, maintenance requirements, and troubleshooting techniques covered in the course can help excel in the role of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. The course's focus on practical tips and case studies will also prove useful to a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers plan, design, and oversee the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects, and wastewater treatment systems often fall within their purview. The "Design of Wastewater Treatment Plants for Onsite Projects" course can be a valuable tool for Civil Engineers involved in designing or overseeing the construction of such systems. The comprehensive coverage of wastewater characteristics, treatment schemes, and design considerations, including the sizing of various treatment components, provides a solid foundation for a Civil Engineer. By understanding the content of this course, Civil Engineers become better equipped to manage projects involving wastewater treatment facilities for residential, commercial, or community applications.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants advise organizations on environmental issues and help them comply with regulations. This course provides a technical understanding of wastewater treatment processes. This is helpful when assessing the environmental impact of projects. The course covers various treatment technologies, effluent quality norms, and regulations for safe disposal or reuse. This course offers a practical foundation for Environmental Consultants working with clients on wastewater management and treatment strategies. Environmental Consultants also offer their expertise in the design of wastewater treatment processes. This course enables them to offer more informed and practical advice.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers develop and implement strategies to minimize environmental impact. This course provides specific knowledge on the design of sustainable wastewater treatment systems. The course emphasizes nature-based solutions like constructed wetlands and effluent reuse for irrigation. This course is helpful for Sustainability Managers who wish to incorporate environmentally friendly wastewater management practices into their organization's sustainability initiatives. The course's focus on practical design and maintenance considerations also aligns with the responsibilities of a Sustainability Manager, who may be involved in overseeing the implementation of these systems.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. For projects involving the construction or renovation of wastewater treatment facilities, this course offers invaluable insights. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the various stages and components of wastewater treatment plants. The knowledge gained regarding design considerations, equipment specifications, and maintenance requirements can help Project Managers effectively oversee and manage these projects. Understanding the content of this course will help ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with environmental regulations. Project Managers may find that the topics covered in this course help them avoid costly mistakes.
Facilities Manager
Facilities Managers are responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of buildings and their systems. This course may be useful for Facilities Managers overseeing facilities that have onsite wastewater treatment plants. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the design, operation, and maintenance of these systems. The course can help Facilities Managers optimize the performance of wastewater treatment plants, reduce operational costs, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The course's emphasis on practical tips and case studies enables them to effectively manage these systems.
Environmental Technician
Environmental Technicians assist environmental scientists and engineers in monitoring and mitigating environmental hazards. This course may be useful for Environmental Technicians working in the field of wastewater treatment. The course provides a practical overview of the various treatment processes and equipment used in wastewater treatment plants. The course's emphasis on maintenance requirements and troubleshooting techniques will also be beneficial for technicians involved in the day-to-day operation of these systems. Environmental Technicians gain a better understanding of how wastewater treatment plants function and how to perform their duties effectively.
Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural Engineers apply engineering principles to solve problems related to agricultural production and natural resources. This course may be useful for Agricultural Engineers who focus on water management and irrigation. The course covers effluent reuse for irrigation of crops, trees, and landscaping plants. This course also helps Agricultural Engineers design and implement sustainable irrigation systems that utilize treated wastewater. The course's coverage of wastewater characteristics and effluent quality norms is also relevant to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of these systems.
Water Resource Manager
Water Resource Managers are charged with the task of overseeing the sustainable use and protection of water resources. This course may be useful for Water Resource Managers dealing with wastewater treatment and reuse. The course dives into the design and operation of onsite wastewater treatment plants. The course covers various treatment processes and technologies, including nature-based solutions. The course is helpful for the development and implementation of effective water management strategies. Water Resource Managers can use the course to promote the responsible use of water resources within their communities.
Public Health Officer
Public Health Officers work to improve community health through various initiatives. This course may be useful for Public Health Officers involved in ensuring safe water and sanitation practices. The course covers treatment processes necessary to remove pollutants from wastewater and make it safe for reuse. The course helps Public Health Officers understand the technical aspects of wastewater treatment. Public Health Officers will be more effective in promoting public health through proper water and sanitation management. The course's coverage of effluent quality norms is especially relevant to the work of a Public Health Officer.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help businesses and other organisations reduce their environmental impact and improve their sustainability performance. The course provides a practical understanding of sustainable wastewater treatment solutions. This is especially true for smaller scale projects. The focus of this course is nature-based solutions and effluent reuse. This knowledge can be invaluable for Sustainability Consultants who wish to advise their clients on adopting environmentally friendly wastewater management practices. The course might be helpful for Sustainability Consultants working with organizations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint through sustainable wastewater treatment.
Environmental Compliance Inspector
Environmental Compliance Inspectors enforce environmental regulations and ensure that facilities are adhering to environmental standards. This course may be useful for Environmental Compliance Inspectors who inspect wastewater treatment plants. The course provides a detailed understanding of the design, operation, and maintenance of these facilities. The course can help Environmental Compliance Inspectors effectively assess the compliance of wastewater treatment plants with environmental regulations. The course's emphasis on effluent quality norms can also help them conduct thorough inspections and identify potential violations.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analysts develop and analyze environmental policies. This course may be helpful for Environmental Policy Analysts working on policies related to wastewater treatment and reuse. The course provides an understanding of the technical aspects of wastewater treatment technologies. This knowledge can help Environmental Policy Analysts develop informed and effective policies that promote sustainable wastewater management practices. The course's coverage of effluent quality norms and regulations can also aid in the policy development process. This content provides a good foundation for creating effective and enforceable standards.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Design of Wastewater Treatment Plants for Onsite Projects.
Comprehensive resource on wastewater engineering principles and practices. It covers a wide range of treatment technologies, including those discussed in the course, providing in-depth explanations and design considerations. It serves as an excellent reference for understanding the theoretical background and practical applications of wastewater treatment processes. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Provides detailed analytical methods for water and wastewater testing. It crucial reference for understanding how wastewater characteristics are measured and analyzed. It is more valuable as a reference tool than as additional reading. This book is commonly used by industry professionals.

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