Course overview
This course covers the theoretical and practical engineering principles for remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. Topics covered include: Modelling of groundwater flows; Modelling pollutant transport above and below ground; Industrial and agricultural contamination of soil and groundwater; Potential hazards to human health and the environment; Epidemiology; Planning and legislative issues; Site investigation (preliminary, exploratory, detailed and monitoring). Field hydrogeology; Risk assessment (source-pathway-receptor concept; estimation, evaluation and control of risk); Remediation options (removal, containment, hydraulic, thermal, physical, chemical, biological, and stabilisation); Selection of options (on and off site); Design and implementation (specification, technical design, project planning, supervision, documentation and reporting).
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the main scientific and engineering principles of soil and groundwater contamination and remediation
- Identify the environmental health issues and refer to appropriate legislative frameworks in relation to redevelopment of contaminated sites
- Model groundwater flows using standard equations and techniques
- Interpret and summarise principles of assessment of a contaminated site
- Apply design principles to recommend feasible remedies for contaminated sites