Environmental Science and Engineering

Course Outline: Environmental Science and Engineering

I. Introduction to Environmental Engineering

• Definition and Scope of Environmental Engineering

• The Role of Engineers in Sustainable Development

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Global Environmental Issues (Climate Change, Resource Depletion)

• Quiz 1

II. Ecological Concepts

• Structure and Function of Ecosystems

• Biogeochemical Cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Water)

• Energy Flow and Trophic Levels

• Biodiversity and Conservation

• Assignment 1 (Submit now) Note: Make sure the submitted paper/s has your name and signature clearly per page.

Assignment 1: Kindly discuss briefly the processes of the following; The Carbon Cycle, The Nitrogen Cycle, The Phosphorus Cycle, and The Sulfur Cycle. Instruction: Write in whole sheet of paper/s, and take a clear photo of your assignment and submit to the given submission bin below. Make sure you convert it in pdf format. Deadline is moved to February 4, 2026.

File Name: SurnameFirstname_SECTION (example: RublicoReyArth_20672) 

III. Pollutant concentration and basic environmental calculations

• Application of chemical principles in expressing concentration of pollutants in solid samples

• Application of chemical principles in expressing concentrations of pollutants in aqueous solutions

• Application of chemical principles in expressing concentrations of pollutants in the air (e.g., ppm, ppb, ppt; micrograms per cubic meter; etc.)

• Sample Problems

IV. Water Quality Management

• Physical, Chemical, and Biological Water Quality Parameters

• Water Quality Standards (Local and International)

Water quality standards ensure safety for human consumption and environmental health through,,local regulations (e.g., PH's DAO 2016-08, RA 9275) and international guidelines (e.g., WHO). These include strict limits on contaminants like coliform, metals, and nutrients, utilizing specific pH ranges (6.5-8.5) and turbidity levels to classify fresh/marine water.

Local Water Quality Standards (Philippines)

DAO 2016-08 (Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards): Sets the standards for different water body classifications (Class AA-SC) based on intended use (e.g., drinking, bathing, fishing).

Republic Act No. 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004): Aims to protect water bodies from pollution from land-based sources (industrial, commercial, agricultural).

Key Parameters: Monitors pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and fecal coliform.

International Water Quality Standards

World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines: Provides authoritative guidance for drinking-water quality and health, emphasizing risk management and Water Safety Plans.

International Standards (WHO/Various Regions): Guidelines often recommend a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5 for drinking water.

Focus: Focuses on eliminating waterborne diseases (diarrhea, schistosomiasis) and reducing chemical contaminants (heavy metals, nitrate/phosphates).

• Point vs. Non-Point Source Pollution

• Oxygen Demand (BOD and COD) and Dissolved Oxygen Sag Curve (Assignment: Write in a one-whole sheet of paper, expound the topic.) Deadline: March 9, 2026

• Solved 1

• Solved 2

V. Water Treatment Engineering (Potable Water)

• Water Sources and Demand Forecasting

• Unit Operations: Screening, Coagulation, Flocculation, Sedimentation

• Filtration Systems

• Disinfection Technologies (Chlorination, UV, Ozone)

VI. Wastewater Treatment Engineering

• Wastewater Characteristics

• Primary Treatment (Physical)

• Secondary Treatment (Biological: Activated Sludge, Trickling Filters)

• Tertiary/Advanced Treatment (Nutrient Removal)

• Sludge Management and Disposal

VII. Air Pollution and Control

• Sources and Classification of Air Pollutants (Particulate vs. Gaseous)

• Meteorology and Dispersion of Pollutants

• Indoor Air Quality

• Air Pollution Control Devices (Cyclones, Electrostatic Precipitators, Scrubbers)

VIII. Solid Waste Management

• Characterization of Solid Waste

• Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) Hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)

• Composting and Incineration/Waste-to-Energy

• Sanitary Landfill Design and Leachate Management

IX. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

• The EIA Process and Methodology

• Screening, Scoping, and Baseline Studies

• Impact Prediction and Mitigation Measures

• Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC)

X. Environmental Laws, Policy, and Ethics

• Key Environmental Laws (Specific to your region, e.g., Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act)

• Environmental Ethics and Justice