Online Course Index

Membrane Technology

Topics of Study:
Reverse Osmosis
Nanofiltration
Ultrafiltration
Microfiltration

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UV Disinfection

Topics of Study:
How UV Disinfection works?
Advantage
Applications
Lamp output
UV Effluent System
System sizing

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Ozone Disinfection

Topics of Study:
What is ozone?
How does ozone work?
How is ozone produced?
What is the half-life of ozone?
Is ozone harmful and what are the effects?
How can you tell the level of ozone?

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Removing Metals from Wastewater

Topics of Study:
Management of Industrial Wastestreams
Oil and Grease Segregation
Solvents and Toxic Organics
Cleaners and Acids Interference
Hexavalent Chromium and Cyanide Wastes
Complex Metals Removal
System Design and Process Control

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Biochemical Oxygen Demand Concept and Treatment

Topics of Study:
Oxygen Uptake by Microorganisms
Organic and Inorganic Compounds
Carbonaceous Oxygen Demand
Nitrogenous Oxygen Demand
Removing BOD by Aerobic Treatment
Removing BOD by Anaerobic Treatment
Removing BOD by Chemical Treatment

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Parasites and Pathogens

Topics of Study:
Significant disease agents found in water
Viruses, bacteria, protozoa, etc.
Food Born/Water Borne Bacterial Diseases
Food poisoning, Salmonellosis,
Shigellosis, typhoid fever and cholera
Soil Born Bacterial Diseases, anthrax and tetanus
Viral diseases, Hepatitis A and B, AIDS
Antiviral vaccines and drugs
Protozoan diseases, amoebiasis, Giardiasis

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Settleability and Loss of Solids

Topics of Study:
Factors affecting solids settleability
Physical and chemical factors
Clarifiers design
Methods used to remove solids
The effect of nitrification on solids settleability
Importance of nutrients
Settleometer and sludge judge usage

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The Microlife

Topics of Study:
Microscopic study of slides of: microorganisms in the activated sludge
Amoebae, flagellates, ciliates
Rotifers and nematodes
Higher invertebrates found in activated sludge
Bristle worms, water bears, and water mites
Filamentous bacteria
Identification, types and staining
Nocardia
Growth characteristics

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Odor Control

Topics of Study:
Need For Odor Control Biological Generation of Odor
Hydrogen Sulfide Generation
Odor Identification and Measurement
Odor Complaints
Solutions to Odor Problems
Odor Removal towers (ORT)
Ozonation
Good Housekeeping
Odor Control Facilities
Review of Plans and Specifications

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Biological Nitrogen Removal

Topics of Study:
Sources of Nitrogen in Wastewater
Autotrophs Role in Removing Nitrogen
Anoxic Zone
Nitrification/Denitrification
Process Control
Factors Affecting Nitrogen Removal
Plant Design and Specifications

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Wastewater Mathematics I - Understanding Wastewater Mathematics

Topics of Study:
Basic Conversion Factors
Basic Formulas
Sedimentation Tanks and Primary Clarifiers
Trickling Filters
Rotating Biological Contactors
Activated Sludge
Design Problems
Mathematics Functions and Tools

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Wastewater Mathematics II - Wastewater Mathematics Practice Problems WW

Topics of Study:
Pumps Problems
Clarifier Problems
Plant Design Problems
Efficiency Problems
Laboratory Problems
Chemical Doses Problems
Digesters Problems
Centrifuges and DAFs Problems

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Multiple Choice Questions

Topics of Study:
Wastewater Treatment
Troubleshooting
Process Control
Activated Sludge Microorganisms
Management
Laboratory
Maintenance
Pumps

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Activated Sludge I

Topics of Study:
Activated Sludge Process Description
Conventional Activated Sludge Plants
System Description
Secondary Clarifiers
Step Feed Aeration
Activated Sludge Process Control
Aeration System
Package Plants
Extended Aeration Plants
Contact Stabilization
Complete Mix

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Activated Sludge II

Topics of Study:
Problems of Activated Sludge Systems
Foaming
Septic Sludge
Rising Sludge
Sludge Bulking
Filamentous Growth
Microbiology of Activated Sludge
Oxidation Ditches

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Aerobic and Anaerobic Sludge Digestion

Topics of Study:
Anaerobic Sludge Digestion
Start a Digester
Factors Upset the Digestion Process
Digesters Temperature Zones
Secondary Digestion Tanks (Secondary Digesters)
Suitable Conditions for Good Digester Operation
Control Tests
Floating Cover Digester
Aerobic Sludge Digestion
Start Up
Comparison Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Digestion.

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Air Stripping and Carbon Adsorption

Topics of Study:
Air Stripping
Purpose
Process Description
Factors Affecting Air Stripping
Methods for handling contaminated vapors discharge
Activated Carbon Adsorption
Purpose
Process Description
Regeneration of Activated Carbon
Status of Activated Carbon
Safety

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Ammonia, pH and Chlorine

Topics of study:
Ammonia selective electrode method
Samples, purpose and description
Hydrogen Ion (pH)
Discussion, purpose and procedure
Volatile Acids/Alkalinity
Bacteriological testing
Chlorine residual
Purpose and description

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BOD, DO and COD

Topics of study:
Biochemical oxygen demand
Purpose, description and calculations
Dissolve oxygen
Purpose, description and procedure
Chemical oxygen demand
Purpose and description

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Filtration

Topics of Study:
Purpose
Systems Used
Gravity Filters
Rapid Sand Filters (Static Beds) or Down Flow Beds:
Inert Media Pressure Filter
Continuous Backwash, Up-Flow, Deep-Bed Silica Sand Media Filter
Cross Flow Membrane Filtration
Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Nanofilteration and Reverse Osmosis

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Final Effluent I

Topics of Study:
Disinfection
Disinfection by Chlorine Gas
Disinfection by Sodium Hypochlorite
Factors Affecting Chlorine Disinfection
Breakpoint Chlorination
Properties of Chlorine
Chlorine Cylinders
Dechlorination
Sulfur Dioxide Gas (SO₂)
Disinfection by UV Irradiation

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Final Effluent II

Topics of Study:
Phosphorous and Nitrogen Removal
Forms of Phosphorous in Wastewater
Methods of Phosphorous Removal
Biological Treatment
Luxury Uptake of Phosphorous
Process Description
Ammonia Removal
Forms of Nitrogen in Wastewater
Nitrification /Denitrification
Water Hyacinth Culture

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Industrial Waste Treatment I

Topics of Study:
Use of Water by Industry
Industrial Waste Prevention and Reduction
Industrial Wastewater Treatment Alternatives
Industrial Waste Pollutants
Physical characteristics of chemical wastes that can affect the treatment process collection system
Industrial Discharge Characteristics
Types of Industrial Wastes and Characteristics

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Industrial Waste Treatment II

Topics of Study:
Treatment of Metal Waste Streams
Waste Characteristics
Sources of pollution in the metal finishing industry
Pollution source minimization techniques for metal finishing industry
Waste Management
Neutralization
Hydroxide Precipitation
Sulfide Precipitation
Complexed Metals Removal
Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium
Cyanide Destruction by Oxidation

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Laboratory Procedures For Plant Control

Topics of Study:
Settleable solids test
Settleability test
Total suspended solids test
Total sludge solids
Mixed liquor volatile suspended solids
Sludge age and mean cell residence time

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Laboratory Terms, Equipment and Sampling

Topics of study:
Definitions
Laboratory Equipment
Equipment and tests in which they are used
Sampling
Types of samples
Preservation of samples
Locations of sampling

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Primary Treatment

Topics of Study:
Why Treat Wastewater?
Sedimentation and Floatation:
Factors Influencing Primary Clarifiers Efficiency
Clarifier Efficiency Formula
Sludge and Scum Pumping
Start Up a Clarifier
Floating Sludge
Short Circuiting
Excessive Erosions
Septic Tanks

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Safety

Topics of study:
Types of hazards
Infections and infectious diseases
Confined spaces
Harmful gases encountered in sewers and treatment plants
Plant safety and good housekeeping
Material safety data sheets
Chemical storage and handling
Spills and cleaning

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Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs)

Topics of study:
SBRs system description
SBRs cycles:
Fill cycle
React cycle
Settle cycle
Decant cycle
Idle cycle
Advantages of SBRs
PLC (programmable logic control) system description
Cost analysis
Equipment maintenance

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Sludge Stabilization Versus Sludge Conditioning

Topics of Study:
Chemical Stabilization of Sludge
Lime Stabilization
Chlorine Stabilization
Coagulation, Flocculation and Sedimentation
Precipitation
Chemicals used for coagulation
Polymers
Thermal Stabilization of Sludge
Wet Oxidation
Thermal Conditioning

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Solids Dewatering

Topics of Study:
Purpose
Belt Filter Press
Frame Filter Press
Vacuum Filtration
Sand Drying Beds
Black Top Drying Beds

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Solids Handling Alternatives/Centrifugation

Topics of Study:
Sludge Thickening
Gravity Thickeners
Centrifuge Thickeners
Volume Reduction
Composting
Sludge Incineration

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Trickling Filters and RBCs

Topics of Study:
Trickling Filter Description
Classification of Filters
Standard Filters
High rate Filters
Roughing Filters
Hydraulic Loading and Recirculation
Advantages of Trickling Filters
Problems of Trickling Filters: Ponding, Odor, Filter Flies and Sloughing
Rotating Biological Contactors (RBCs)

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Wastewater Preliminary Treatment

Topic of Study:
Collection System
Treatment Facilities
Why Pretreatment?
Three Ways to Pretreat Wastewater
Comminutors
Barminutors
Grit Removal
Cyclone Separators
Preaeration

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Disinfection by Chlorine

Topics of Study:
What is water disinfection?
How does disinfection work?
Disinfection by free chlorine
Disinfection by hypochlorite ion
Diisnfection by chlorine dioxide
Chloramines
Disinfection byproducts
Dechlorination
Legionella prevention and control

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2009 H1N1 Flu

Topics of Study:
What is 2009 H1N1 "swine flu"?
Why is 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called swine flu?
Is 2009 H1N1 virus contagious?
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
How severe is illness associated with 2009 H1N1 flu virus?
How does 2009 H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
Prevention & Treatment

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Maintenance I/Boiler Feed Water

Topics of Study:
Description of boilers operation
Characteristics of boilers feed water
The principal difficulties caused by water in boiler
Scaling in boilers
Foaming and priming in boilers
Corrosion in boilers
Carbon Dioxide attack in boiler
Caustics attack in boilers
Oxygen attack in boilers
Boiler water treatment

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Maintenance II/Pumps

Topics of Study:
Sump pumps
Submersible pumps
Trash pumps
Diaphragm pumps
Centrifugal pumps
Making your pump last
Checklist: priming speed, capacity, proper RPM, Crankcase oil level, hose washers and suction strainer, etc.
Pump problems:
Noise in pump casing
Shaft seal leakage of air and water
Spark plug condition
Unusual engine noise
Wear in pumps
Maintenance needed every 6 months
Pump storage tips

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Chemistry I/Water Chemistry

Topics of Study:
What is Water?
How is a water molecule built up?
How much does a water molecule weigh?
In what states (phases) can water be found?
What happens if water changes phases?
Why does ice float on water?
Which substances are water soluble?
What is hard water?
Water Softeners
Which physical and chemical properties does water have?
How are water molecule bond together?
How does water evaporates?
What are thermal properties of water?
How do we determine the solubility of gases in water?
How do we determine the solubility of liquids in water?

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Chemistry II/The Periodic Table

Topics of Study:
History of the periodic table
Arrangement of elements in the periodic table
Atomic number and atomic mass
Isotopes
Electron configurations of atoms
Reaction types
Redox (Reduction-Oxidation Reactions)
Oxidizing and Reducing agents
Examples of Redox Reactions
Displacement Reactions

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Drinking Water Production W

Topics of Study:
Drinking water quality standards
Drinking water production from surface water
Pre-filtration
Addition of chemicals
Natural filtration
Disinfection
Fine filtration
Preservation and storage

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Clarifiers Optimization

Topics of Study:
Purpose of clarifiers
Control options to run clarifiers more efficiently
Practical Design Criteria
Surface overflow rate (hydraulic loading)
Solids loading rate (sludge mass loading)
The volumetric loading rate (sludge volume loading)
The weir loading rate (hydraulic loading of the overflow weir).

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Operation and Control of a Wastewater Treatment Plant

Topics of Study:
SVI – Sludge Volume Index
MCRT or Sludge Age - Mean Cell Residence Time
F/M Ratio – Food to Mass (Microorganism) Ratio
Constant MLSS
RAS Control - Return Activated Sludge Control
Daily Microscopic Analyses – often overlooked

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Waste Disposal Management

Topics of Study:
Landfill: Description and operation
Reclaiming Material
Landfill alternatives:
Incineration: Description and usages
Advantages and disadvantages
Health hazards of incineration
Recycling: Process description
Benefits of recycling over its costs
ISO standards related to recycling

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Environment and Health in Developing Countries

Topics of Study:
Health, Environment and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Priority Risks to Environment and Health:
Unsafe Water
Disease agents
Indoor smoke
Urban air
Road Traffic injuries
Lead Exposure
Climate changes
Unintentional poisoning
Scientific data and assessment

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Septic Systems and their Maintenance

Topics of Study:
Septic systems applications and their usage
Septic systems description and operation
Septic systems design and requirements
Legal requirements to operate a septic system
Septic systems maintenance
Regular pumping
Using chemicals
Alternatives to the conventional septic system

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Oxidation Ditches

Topics of Study:
Oxidation ditches process description
System design and modification of the conventional activated sludge
Secondary clarifiers
Aeration System
Extended Aeration concept
Trouble shooting
Oxidation ditches' advantages

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Ground Water and Wells

Topics of Study:
Well Basics
Types of wells
Well Siting & Potential Contaminants
Well Testing
Well Treatment
Well Maintenance
Well Retirement
Aquifers and wells
Groundwater use
Groundwater Quiz
How much do you know about the water below your feet?

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Package Plants

Topics of Study:
Wastewater Package Plants:
Extended Aeration Plants
Class A Package Plants
SBR Package Plants
Oxidation Ditch Package Plants
Water Package Plants:
Tube-Type Clarifier Package Plant
Adsorption Clarifier Package Plant

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Basic Mathematics

Topics of Study:
Basic Arithmetic
Percentage
Arithmetic and Geometric Means
Range, Median, Mode and Significant Figures
Unit Conversions
The steps to performing unit conversions are taught from the ground up, including
a simple approach to solving any unit conversion type problem.
Temperature conversion celsius and Fahrenheit and flow conversion.

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Advanced Mathematics

Topics of Study:
Calculating Areas
Calculating Volumes
Weight/Vol Relationships
This course covers the relationship between the weight of water, and the volume of water.
Calculating Pounds
Chemical Dose Problems
Correctly dosing chemicals is essential for public health and for treatment plant efficiency.
Polymers and Chlorine problems
Jar Test Problems
Equalization Tanks Math
Membrane Filtration Problem
Dissolved Air Floatation

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Water Analysis

Topics of Study:
Total Coliform analytical test
Quality assurance and control measures
Solutions and media preparation
Counting colonies and correctly interpreting the test results with respect to drinking water quality.