The primary aim of the M(Eng) and MSc(Eng) specialising in Water Quality Engineering is to produce graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage effectively in theory, design, modelling and operation of biological and chemical wastewater and sludge treatment systems.
To protect surface water quality and prevent the de-oxygenation and eutrophication, municipal wastewater treatment is required. In South Africa (and many other countries in the world) the preferred technology for this is the biological nutrient (N&P) removal (BNR) activated sludge system.
The primary objective of the PGDip, M(Eng) and MSc(Eng) specialising in Water Quality Engineering is to produce engineers and scientists with high-level and in-depth knowledge and understanding of bioprocess engineering so that they can competently and effectively use steady state and dynamic simulation models for the design and operation of municipal wastewater treatment plants comprising primary treatment, BNR activated sludge, secondary settling tanks, flotation thickening and stabilisation of waste sludge by aerobic and/or anaerobic digestion unit operations in a plant wide integrated way.
The steady state and dynamic WWTP unit operation models are based on bioprocess engineering and mathematical modelling principles with supporting information from several scientific disciplines such as chemistry, microbiology and biochemistry. Upon completion of this curriculum the modern approach of modelling and simulation to wastewater treatment plant design and operation can be embraced with deeper insight, advanced knowledge and greater confidence.
