SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

Module AGRO- INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT

The main objective of the course is to provide knowledge on the main nature-based solutions for the agro-industrial wastewater treatment. The students will acquire knowledge on the different design and management options for these wastewater treatment systems. The student will acquire skills on the selection of treatment systems applicable to the various agro-industries and on the design of the main natural treatment systems.

Expected learning outcomes:

1. Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge on the characteristics and the different agro-industrial wastewater and on the main conventional and natural treatment techniques;
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Ability to apply the knowledge acquired in the practical resolution of problems related to the design and management of agro-industrial wastewater treatment plants;
3. Independent judgment: Ability to critically select the best technical and managerial solutions applicable to the different agro-industries;
4. Communication skills: ability to interact with sector technicians and with agro-industrial entrepreneurs;
5. Learning skills: Ability to autonomous study of the scientific literature and professional updating.

The course includes 21 hours of frontal lessons and 42 hours of exercises (in classroom, seminars and technical visits) also on-line.

If teaching is done in mixed or remote mode, specific changes to the program may need to be made.

Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD: to guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the regulations in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the referent teacher CInAP (Centro per l’Inclusione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) of our Department, Prof. Anna De Angelis.

Basic knowledge of organic chemistry concepts.

Attendance is not compulsory. Attendance is taken for statistical and course evaluation reasons.

Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of domestic and agro-industrial wastewater. Wastewater classification. Regulations for the discharge, treatment and reuse of wastewater. Sizing of on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems. Conventional agro-industrial wastewater treatment systems. Nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment: characteristics, efficiency, maintenance, design, sizing. Illustration of case studies on treatment and reuse of treated agro-food wastewater with nature-based solutions. Characterisation of wastewater and by-products from the main agro-food industries: citrus, oil, wine, dairy, canning. Wastewater treatment solutions for the main agro-food industries.

Contribution of education to the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Goals N. 6, 12 and 14:

• Target 6.3
• Target 6.b
  
• Target 12.2
• Target 12.5
• Target 14.1

Modalities:

• frontal lesson
• study visit

1. Masotti L.. Depurazione delle acque, Calderini, 2011.
2. Cirelli G.L.. I trattamenti naturali delle acque reflue urbane. Ed. Gruppo Editoriale Esselibri – Simone, 2003.
3. Langergraber G., Dotro G., Nivala J., Rizzo A., Stein O.R.. Wetland Technology: Practical Information on the Design and Application of Treatment Wetlands. International Water Association Publishing: London, UK, 2019.
4. Barbagallo S., Gentile A.. Nuovi prodotti dalla trasformazione agroindustriale di frutti da colture mediterranee e gestione sostenibile dei sottoprodotti. Quaderni CSEI Catania, 27, 2023.
5. Barbagallo S., Barresi S., Cirelli G., Milani M.. La fitodepurazione per la gestione sostenibile delle acque reflue lattiero-casearie. Quaderni CSEI Catania, 32, 2023.
6. Milani M., Barresi S., Cirelli G., Barbagallo S.. Tecniche sostenibili nel trattamento e recupero dei reflui e degli scarti della filiera vitivinicola. Quaderni CSEI Catania, 39, 2024.
7. Slides of lessons.

The examination consists of an oral test.

The following will constitute elements of the student's assessment: the relevance of the answers to the questions asked, the quality of the content, the ability to link with other topics in the syllabus, technical language property and overall expressive ability.

The vote follows the following scheme:

Unsuitable

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize

Use of references: Completely inappropriate

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At the threshold level. Obvious imperfections;

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Just enough skills;

Use of references: As appropriate.

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge;

Analysis and synthesis skills: It is capable of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently;

Use of references: Use standard references.

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good knowledge;

Analysis and synthesis skills: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently;

Use of references: Use standard references.

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good;

Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis;

Use of references: Has explored the topics.

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge;

Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis;

Use of references: Important insights.

Sizing an anaerobic lagoon for the citrus wastewater treatment

Quali-quantitative characteristics of winery watsewater

Main dairy wastewater treatment techniques