Course Overview
The following topics are discussed: air pollution meteorology, air pollution chemistry and toxicology, air sampling methods, classical and instrumental techniques for measuring atmospheric contaminants (i.e., hydrogen sulfide, mercaptan, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, various organic contaminants, and heavy metals in air), particulate counting and sizing. Principles and techniques used in water pollution microbiology and stage I and Stage II site assessment are also discussed. Laboratory sessions cover contemporary methods and techniques used for sampling and analysis of ambient and indoor air, microorganisms, and groundwater.
Prerequisite(s)
Credits
6.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
- Use macro- and micro-scale meteorological conditions to analyze dispersion of pollutants.
- Discuss environmental toxicology: sources of toxicants, dose-response theory, and types of toxicity tests relevant to human safety.
- Explain sources, environmental fate, health effects and detection methods of atmospheric gases: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, organic pollutants, and particulates.
- Describe atmospheric photochemical reactions, kinetic and thermodynamic NO, NO2 formation; combustion parameters.
- Compare traditional pollutants and odorous compounds with respect to sources, environmental fate and detection methods.
- Categorize indoor air pollutants including gases, particulates and microorganisms.
- Carry out Stage I and Stage II site assessments.
- Discuss water pollution concepts, BOD, COD, TOC, DO, etc., organic contaminants and water pollution microbiology: types, structure, growth, survival, fecal and non-fecal coliforms, detection and counting methods, MPN, waterborne viruses, and treatment methods.
- Organize environmental sampling events including planning, methods selection, equipment preparation and data recording and analysis.
- Perform with confidence environmental sampling at the industrial, commercial and residential sites according to standard methods and safety procedures.
- Use with confidence modern methods of chemical and instrumental air analysis and basic microbial assay as required by engineering consulting firms, commercial and government laboratories involved in pollution analysis.
- Discuss environmental laws and regulations.
Effective as of Winter 2012
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.