ENVL 535 - Surface Water Quality Laboratory


Catalog Description:

Field laboratory in the metropolitan New York area. Stream flow gaging, tracer studies, and dissolved oxygen water quality analyses. Written reports and oral presentations on data collection, data analysis, and engineering application are required.

One credit. Co-requisites: ENVL 505.


Textbook(s):

Thomann, R.V. and J.A. Mueller (1987). Principles of Surface Water Quality Modeling and Control. Harper and Row Publishers, Inc. New York. 644 pp.


Goals:

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the design of water quality surveys and to familiarize students with field sampling techniques and water quality analyses.  Students are also required to analyze their field data (using approaches presented in ENVL 505 - Surface Water Quality Modeling, to present their results in a written report, and to provide an oral presentation.


Objectives:

  1. To provide students with skills to design and conduct a field sampling program for stream flow and mixing processes, for dissolved oxygen and for toxic contamination in a stream.
  2. To introduce students to field sampling and sample analysis techniques.
  3. To provide students with practical experience in applying water quality modeling techniques (taught in ENVL/G 505) to a field study.
  4. To provide students with experience in preparing relevant engineering reports and oral presentations.


Prerequisites by Topics:

  1. Differential and integral calculus
  2. Fluids
  3. Environmental chemistry


Topics Covered:

  1. Introduction and Project Organization (1 class)
  2. Design of Water Quality Survey (1 class)
  3. Field Laboratory Preparation (2 classes)
  4. Field Laboratory/Sampling (1 class)
  5. Follow up Laboratory Analyses (1 class)
  6. Analysis of Field and Laboratory Data (1 class)
  7. Preparation of Report (2 classes)
  8. Presentation (1 class)

Computer Usage:

Students are required to use personal computers for data analysis (using EXCEL) and for project presentation (using PowerPoint).


Laboratory Experience:

Students are required to design a water quality sampling survey, collect water quality sampling, and perform various in-stream and laboratory analyses.


Relationship to Environmental Engineering Program:

This course is required for students in the Environmental Engineering program. It introduces students to the design of water quality surveys and to familiarize students with field sampling techniques and water quality analyses. Students are also required to analyze their field data (using approaches presented in ENVL 505 - Surface Water Quality Modeling, to present their results in a written report, and to provide an oral presentation.


Outcome Criteria Addressed:

  1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering (ABET Criterion 3a)
  2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data (ABET Criterion 3b)
  3. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams (ABET Criterion 3d)
  4. An ability to communicate effectively (ABET Criterion 3g)
  5. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice (ABET Criterion 3k)


Assessment Tools:

Project Report
Oral Presentation


Professional Component Contribution:

1 Credits (100%), Engineering Science


Prepared by the Course Coordinator, Dr. Kevin J. Farley, Professor of Environmental Engineering........May 2002