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Roberto Canziani
The water cycle is strictly related to the fair and sustainable development of any society. Appropriate technologies and practices are needed for providing clean water and adequate sanitation to citizens worldwide, while facing environmental and societal challenges, such as climate change and increasing urbanization. Wastewater treatment facilities are nowadays shifting from infrastructures providing effective clean water, sanitation and environmental protection towards advanced biorefineries that can recover valuable resources (as reusable water, biopolymers and nutrients) from wastewater, while aiming at more stringent effluent quality targets, at energy neutrality, and at lowering the overall environmental impact. This MOOC is aimed at providing key elements in relation to the management of the urban water cycle, including both conventional goals and the challenges of the smart cities of the future. This MOOC presents a full picture, although very concise, of present and emerging technologies for wastewater treatment, presented by professors teaching at Politecnico di Milano.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Evolution from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to biorefineries
Energy saving and energy recovery
Alternative sources of water supply for multiple uses: recovery of water for agricultural and industrial uses
Read more
Syllabus
Evolution from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to biorefineries
Energy saving and energy recovery
Alternative sources of water supply for multiple uses: recovery of water for agricultural and industrial uses
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Covers topics on the smart cities of the future, which is an emerging topic in urban planning and development
Taught by professors at Politecnico di Milano, which is recognized for its research and teaching in engineering and architecture
Explores the shift from wastewater treatment plants to advanced biorefineries, which is a trend in the water industry towards more sustainable and resource-efficient wastewater management
Examines alternative sources of water supply, such as recovering water for agricultural and industrial uses, which is important in regions facing water scarcity
Covers material recovery options and sustainability, which are important considerations for reducing the environmental impact of wastewater treatment
This course does not explicitly state any prerequisites, so it may be suitable for learners with varying backgrounds in water management and engineering
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Reviews summary
Wastewater's future: biorefineries & resource recovery
According to students, this course offers a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape in wastewater management, specifically focusing on the shift from traditional treatment plants to resource-recovering biorefineries. Learners frequently highlight its relevance to current global challenges and the forward-thinking content on energy saving and recovery, as well as material recovery options. While a majority found the lectures insightful and high-quality, some reviews indicated that the course assumes a level of prior knowledge, making it potentially challenging for absolute beginners. Overall, it's considered a must for professionals seeking to update their skills in sustainable water practices.
Strong theory, but could use more real-world examples.
"The theoretical concepts are well-presented, but I found it lacked practical implementation examples."
"As a field engineer, I was hoping for more 'how-to' guidance rather than just 'what-if'."
"Decent course, but a bit too academic for my taste... Needed more real-world examples or short case studies."
Presents a full picture without excessive detail.
"It's concise, as mentioned, so don't expect deep dives into every single technology, but it does a great job painting the full picture."
"The professors provide a concise yet comprehensive view. It did require me to do some external reading..."
"A very comprehensive overview of modern wastewater management."
Emphasizes the critical shift to sustainable practices.
"The discussion on material recovery options and sustainability was fantastic."
"The concepts of energy saving and energy recovery are highlighted brilliantly."
"I loved this course! It opened my eyes to the incredible potential of wastewater treatment plants as resource hubs."
Delivers up-to-date and future-focused insights.
"Absolutely essential for anyone in the water treatment industry. The shift from traditional WWTPs to biorefineries is clearly articulated..."
"Outstanding course! It truly brings new paradigms into focus, moving beyond just 'treating' water to 'recovering' resources."
"Very relevant to current global challenges. I'd recommend it to colleagues. The content on biopolymers and nutrient recovery was particularly insightful."
More suited for experienced professionals than beginners.
"Too high-level for me. As someone relatively new to the field, I found it assumed a lot of prior knowledge."
"I struggled with some of the terminology and concepts without more foundational explanations. Felt like it was designed for experts..."
"Very disappointing. The course assumes too much prior knowledge and doesn't explain fundamental concepts properly. It's definitely not for beginners."
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 New paradigms in wastewater management with these
activities:
MIT OpenCourseWare: Water Resources Engineering
Show steps
This tutorial will provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of water resource engineering, including topics such as the water cycle, fluid mechanics, and hydrology.
Browse courses on
Water Cycle
Show steps
-
Go through the MIT OpenCourseWare materials on Water Resources Engineering.
-
Complete the interactive exercises and quizzes.
Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of wastewater treatment and resource recovery, including topics such as biological treatment, nutrient removal, and sludge management.
View
Wastewater Engineering
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book chapters related to the topics covered in the course.
-
Review the key concepts and equations.
Online Quizzes on Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
These quizzes will help you test your understanding of the key concepts and principles of wastewater treatment.
Browse courses on
Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
-
Find online quizzes on wastewater treatment.
-
Complete the quizzes and review your results.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Discussion Forum: Current Trends in Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
This discussion forum will allow you to exchange ideas and insights with your peers on emerging trends and innovations in wastewater treatment.
Browse courses on
Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
-
Join the discussion forum
-
Share your thoughts and experiences.
-
Read and respond to other posts.
Volunteer at a Local Wastewater Treatment Facility
Show steps
Volunteering at a wastewater treatment facility will provide you with practical experience and insights into the operations and challenges of wastewater management.
Browse courses on
Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
-
Find a local wastewater treatment facility that accepts volunteers
-
Contact the facility and apply for a volunteer position.
Create a Case Study: Planning a Sustainable Wastewater Management System
Show steps
This project allows you to apply the principles of sustainable wastewater management and develop a plan that addresses the specific challenges and opportunities of your local community.
Browse courses on
Water Resource Management
Show steps
-
Analyze the current state of wastewater management in your community.
-
Research and identify best practices for sustainable wastewater treatment.
-
Develop a comprehensive plan for a sustainable wastewater management system.
Contribute to Open-Source Projects on Wastewater Management
Show steps
Contributing to open-source projects on wastewater management will allow you to apply your skills, learn from others, and make a real impact on the field.
Browse courses on
Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
-
Find open-source projects related to wastewater management.
-
Identify areas where you can contribute your skills.
-
Contact the project maintainers.
MIT OpenCourseWare: Water Resources Engineering
Show steps
This tutorial will provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of water resource engineering, including topics such as the water cycle, fluid mechanics, and hydrology.
Browse courses on
Water Cycle
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go through the MIT OpenCourseWare materials on Water Resources Engineering.
- Complete the interactive exercises and quizzes.
Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of wastewater treatment and resource recovery, including topics such as biological treatment, nutrient removal, and sludge management.
View
Wastewater Engineering
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book chapters related to the topics covered in the course.
- Review the key concepts and equations.
Online Quizzes on Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
These quizzes will help you test your understanding of the key concepts and principles of wastewater treatment.
Browse courses on
Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online quizzes on wastewater treatment.
- Complete the quizzes and review your results.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Discussion Forum: Current Trends in Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
This discussion forum will allow you to exchange ideas and insights with your peers on emerging trends and innovations in wastewater treatment.
Browse courses on
Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join the discussion forum
- Share your thoughts and experiences.
- Read and respond to other posts.
Volunteer at a Local Wastewater Treatment Facility
Show steps
Volunteering at a wastewater treatment facility will provide you with practical experience and insights into the operations and challenges of wastewater management.
Browse courses on
Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local wastewater treatment facility that accepts volunteers
- Contact the facility and apply for a volunteer position.
Create a Case Study: Planning a Sustainable Wastewater Management System
Show steps
This project allows you to apply the principles of sustainable wastewater management and develop a plan that addresses the specific challenges and opportunities of your local community.
Browse courses on
Water Resource Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Analyze the current state of wastewater management in your community.
- Research and identify best practices for sustainable wastewater treatment.
- Develop a comprehensive plan for a sustainable wastewater management system.
Contribute to Open-Source Projects on Wastewater Management
Show steps
Contributing to open-source projects on wastewater management will allow you to apply your skills, learn from others, and make a real impact on the field.
Browse courses on
Wastewater Treatment
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find open-source projects related to wastewater management.
- Identify areas where you can contribute your skills.
- Contact the project maintainers.
Career center
Learners who complete New paradigms in wastewater management will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators oversee the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities. This MOOC can help a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator stay up to date on the latest technologies and best practices.
Sanitary Engineer
Sanitary Engineer
Sanitary Engineers work to improve public health by designing and maintaining water and wastewater systems. This MOOC can help a Sanitary Engineer advance their knowledge of wastewater treatment technologies for cities.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer uses their specialized knowledge of the environment to develop solutions for environmental issues. Solving problems such as air pollution, water sanitation, and climate change are core daily activities for an Environmental Engineer. This MOOC provides a great foundation for an Environmental Engineer interested in wastewater management.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers develop and implement plans to help organizations reduce their environmental impact. This MOOC can help a Sustainability Manager develop the knowledge necessary to manage wastewater in a sustainable way.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants provide expertise on environmental issues to businesses and organizations. This MOOC can help an Environmental Consultant develop the knowledge necessary to advise clients on wastewater management.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers plan, design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water treatment plants. This MOOC can help a Civil Engineer develop the necessary knowledge to specialize in designing and constructing water treatment facilities.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and manage projects. This MOOC may be useful for a Project Manager leading a wastewater management project.
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineers are responsible for planning, designing, and managing water resources projects. This MOOC may be useful for Water Resources Engineers interested in the management of wastewater and its treatment.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components. This MOOC may be useful for an Environmental Scientist interested in wastewater management.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. This MOOC may be useful for a Policy Analyst interested in water policy.
Biologist
Biologist
Biologists study living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment. This MOOC may be useful for a Biologist interested in the biological processes involved in wastewater treatment.
Hydrologist
Hydrologist
Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. This MOOC may be useful for a Hydrologist interested in water treatment.
Chemist
Chemist
Chemists study the composition, structure, properties, and change of matter. This MOOC may be useful for a Chemist interested in the chemical processes involved in wastewater treatment.
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Water Treatment Plant Operators oversee the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities. This MOOC may be useful for a Water Treatment Plant Operator interested in learning about wastewater treatment.
Geologist
Geologist
Geologists study the Earth's physical structure and history. This MOOC may be useful for a Geologist interested in the geological aspects of wastewater management.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yttpcx/new
Reading list
We've selected nine 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
New paradigms in wastewater management.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of wastewater engineering, with a focus on treatment processes and resource recovery. would be a valuable reference for students seeking a broader understanding of the field.
Widely used reference book providing in-depth coverage of wastewater treatment and reuse.
Save
Presents principles of sustainable wastewater treatment, focusing on technologies that minimize environmental impact. This book is helpful for readers seeking supplementary material on sustainable approaches.
Renowned textbook covering the principles and practice of water quality engineering.
This textbook presents a broad overview of water resources engineering, including topics such as water quality, water treatment, and water distribution. provides a useful overview of water resources topics related to wastewater management.
Save
Comprehensive reference book providing practical guidance on wastewater treatment design.
Introductory textbook providing a broad overview of environmental engineering and science.
Save
This textbook presents the principles and practice of urban drainage, including topics such as stormwater runoff, flooding, and drainage system design. This textbook is helpful for understanding the connections between wastewater management and stormwater management.
Save
Explores the challenges and solutions related to sustainable water resources development.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yttpcx/new
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 1-2 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Politecnico di Milano
Instructor
Roberto Canziani
Language
English
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