Microbiology for Wastewater Professionals

Course overview

This training covers aspects of wastewater quality management at a microbial level, to provide individuals with the knowledge and expertise in ensuring treated wastewater poses no risk to environmental or public health. Upon course completion, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the importance of microbial community composition within wastewater treatment and the risks associated with sewage contamination in the environment.
• Assess how microbial communities are utilised to improve wastewater quality.
• Think ahead to interpret how innovative developments in the field can bring positive change to the water industry.
• Enhance their ability to analyse scenarios and propose effective solutions.

Who can benefit?

Delegates may include those needing to develop and broaden their knowledge of wastewater microbiology and wastewater quality management to support their current role of future career. Individuals may be drawn from any area of business or service where the impact of wastewater microbiology effects their decision making. Relevant roles may include: those early in their microbiology career; biology graduates with an interest in the wastewater sector; middle managers and non-technical specialists; and laboratory analysts. 

Training outline

The live online course is interactive, with a mix of lecture, group discussion, and exercises to facilitate an engaging learner experience. An end-of course multiple choice assessment effectively demonstrates knowledge transfer. Delivery is structured into three half-days of learning to allow delegates to take the course alongside work commitments. *The course can also be conducted in-person (instead comprising 2 full days) if required. Please enquire using the form at the bottom of this page. Topics covered include:

• Introduction to Wastewater Microbiology: An overview to provide a broad understanding of the relevance of microbiology to the wastewater industry.
  
• Microbial Ecology: The micro-organisms that are present in wastewater and the important functions that these communities contribute to. Also, the environmental and public health effects of sewage pollution in the environment.
• Microbial Processes in Wastewater Treatment: Microbial-based wastewater treatment processes, and how microbial communities are utilised within the industry. Monitoring and analysis conducted to understand wastewater quality required for discharge or re-use.
  
• Frontiers: Exploring the exciting new developments in wastewater microbiology (such as Recycled Water and Bio-fuel), their application to the water sector and how this sector is essential to the benefit of environmental and public health whilst drawing upon the knowledge from previous modules.