The processes will be studied in terms of thermodynamics, transport phenomena and rates. Present day approach to environmental processes is empirical in nature and is based on certain correlations for scale-up. However, all treatment technologies are separation or rate processes controlled by thermodynamic equilibrium and transport phenomena. Thus the students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts and how they apply in analysis of environmental processes. There will be no make-up exams, if you miss an exam without a valid excuse and without first informing me, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam.
Exams can be open book, closed book or both.
Attendance is required although will not be enforced. Past experience shows that if you miss classes and do not understand the material covered, you will suffer. Talking in class during a lecture distorts the attention of fellow students, therefore if you do not understand or cannot read something, ask the question to me not to your friend sitting next to you. Detailed Course Outline I. Introduction Introduction to environmental contamination issues, severity and magnitude of the problem, past, current and future approaches, definitions of systems and matrices. V. Biological Processes Biodegradation and biomineralization, cell growth stoichiometry and cell composition, control of rate of metabolism, kinetic regulation, induction of gene expression, mutation and acclimation, batch growth kinetics, Monod and Haldane expressions, slurry bioreactor design.