Environmental Control, Monitoring and Modeling

Course Coordinator: Dr Alphonse Tsang, BSc (HKU), PhD (HKU)

Course Developer: Y H Yau & Associates

ENVR S335 is a core course in the BSc and BSc (Hons) in Environmental Studies degree programmes. The course has a strong linkage with the middle-level course ENVR S237.

Aims
This course aims to:

• Present design principles as applied in environmental engineering and plant operations;
• Help students develop their technological knowledge in environmental control, monitoring and management.

Contents
The course is divided into four blocks with 12 self-study units inclusive. Principles and concepts of waste management, drinking water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control and modelling, and noise pollution control and prediction, are included along with design methods for different types of environmental devices. Working examples are used extensively to illustrate the applications of principles to practical situations. Self-assessment questions are included at the ends of most of the units to give students a chance to test their understanding of the material. Case studies and design problems of varying degrees of complexity are selected to suit the needs of the course and are included in an appendix. Suggested recent references are presented as footnotes to show students where additional information can be obtained.

Specifically, the course contents cover:

• Block 1 provides background material for understanding waste management. It contains a selection of treatment and disposal methods. Some students may have encountered much of the material in Unit 1 of the course ENVR S237. Therefore, this unit introduces basic, not comprehensive, coverage on the relationship between pollutants and the biosphere, environmental legislation, as well as how wastes move through the environment and their effects on people and the environment. Unit 2 discusses the technical aspects of incineration with energy recovery and identifies where environmental control measures must be taken to prevent another form of pollution from occurring. Unit 3 covers landfill design. This includes the characterization of a landfill site, the assessment of risks that it poses, and the development and selection of remedies.
• Block 2 presents a rather thorough introduction to traditional air pollution problems involving criteria pollutants, dispersion models and emission controls. Unit 4 introduces the concepts of air pollution management. This includes classification of air pollutants and formation of primary and secondary pollutants. Unit 5 discusses the mathematical models currently used by environmental professionals to assess the magnitude of air pollution problems, and how to avoid environmental and health impacts. Unit 6 introduces the methodology of chimney design.
• Block 3 gives a general introduction to noise and vibration control techniques that are used frequently in the field of noise abatement. Units 7 and 8 give a general overview of the noise concept, covering basic acoustics and scales, indices and ratings, and methods of prediction and control.
• Block 4 presents a concise summary of present theory, with emphasis on the application of that theory to both municipal water and wastewater treatment problems. Units 9 and 10 focus on water and wastewater treatment systems for conventional pollutants. The design aspects of water and wastewater treatment systems are also covered.

Learning support
There will be regular tutorials and surgeries throughout the course. Students are also required to attend day schools on either Sunday, Saturday afternoon or weekday evenings.

Assessment
There will be five assignments and a final examination. Assignment 1-4 relate to the course contents, whereas Assignment 5 is the final report of a mini project of the individual student. Tutors will provide guidance and supervision in the design and carrying out of projects. Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

To gain an overall pass in the course, attendance at the day schools is essential.

Equipment
Students will need access to a personal computer or other electronic devices with an Internet connection.

Set book(s)
There are no set books for this course.

Students with disabilities or special educational needs
The lab work and field trips may be a problem if you have impaired vision or hearing, or difficulty walking. You should seek advice from the Course Coordinator before enrolling on the course. All possible support and help will be given to you.