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Syllabus

MX0131 Safe Nutrient Recycling, 15.0 Credits

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Subjects

Environmental Science Biology Environmental science Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

A1N

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

- 120 credits, including 90 credits in natural science

- Knowledge equivalent to English 6 from Swedish upper secondary school

Objectives

The course intends to provide an understanding of systems for safe recycling of plant nutrients and organic matter from biological waste and wastewater to cultivation.

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the sources of biological waste and wastewater and explain the characteristics of the different flows,

• propose design criteria for safe recycling systems for plant and biological materials from biological waste and wastewater,

• describe the difference between microbiological and macrobiological treatment with regard to the biology and processes and the value of the products

• Describe the difference between aerobic and anaerobic treatment of solid and liquid waste, with respect to both biology and processes,

• Evaluate treatment systems for composting, anaerobic digestion and small scale wastewater, including source separated sewage systems, with regard to microbial risk and environmental impacts of the systems,

• suggest systems and processes that ensure that the recycled nutrients are properly hygienised, as well as describe factors that regulate the inactivation of pathogens,

• evaluate results from different environmental systems analyses and microbial risk assessments,

• write and orally present proposals for recycling systems for nutrition from biological waste and wastewater and describe the factors that regulate inactivation of pathogens.

Content

The course combines theoretical learning in lectures with practical laboratory exercises to achieve an increased understanding of the subject. The practical exercises are a composting laboratory exercise, a computer exercise, a study visit to a waste facility and a project assingment on risk assessment.

The focus of the course is biological treatment, safe hygienic treatment, environmental assessment and microbial risk assessment of biological waste and decentralized wastewater systems. This is discussed in literature and lectures.

Lectures, literature, calculations and study visits cover amounts and compositions of different fractions of biological waste and sewage and how these can be treated in different aerobic and anaerobic processes for waste and wastewater. Examples of these treatment techniques are composting, fly larvae composting, anaerobic digestion, infiltration and drainage ponds. During the course, we go in-depth in the process microbiology, thermo- and process dynamics, dimensioning, emissions, resource utilisation, hygiene and practical implementation as well as the value of the products as feed and fertilisers. We also cover other parts of the return systems, such as collection, distribution and application.

Two laboratory exercises are carried out. In one of these, biological treatment is practiced. The other is a computer exercise in which an environmental system analysis is conducted. In a case study, application of microbial risk assessment is practiced. A compulsory study visit is carried out at a waste facility

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

The course is examined in written tests, written laboratory reports, written and oral project reports and a compulsory study visit.

For approved course, approved tests, approved reports and project reports are required, as well as approved participation in compulsory moments. Compulsory elements of the course are the implementation of and approved report from:

• projects in microbial risk assessment

• practical composting

• computer exercises in environmental systems analysis

Furthermore, participation in a study visit at a waste facility is required

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Energy and Technology