Water quality
Water quality is a central concern in water resource management, affecting both ecological integrity and public health in developed and developing contexts alike. This course provides professional learners with a foundational and applied understanding of water quality challenges, the behavior of pollutants in aquatic systems, and strategies for improvement.
Participants will examine the sources and impacts of various pollutants, along with the physical and (bio)chemical processes—such as advection, diffusion, adsorption, and degradation—that determine their fate and transport. These processes will be described using mathematical models. The course also addresses current Dutch and European water quality policies and explores both technical and non-technical measures for improving water quality.
The theoretical framework will be applied to a real-world case study, this could also be your own case (if deemed suitable), offering practical experience in diagnosing and addressing water quality issues in surface water systems.
Key Topics Include:
- Water quality issues: pollutants, sources, and ecological impacts
- Physical and (bio)chemical transport processes in water systems
- Mathematical modeling of pollutant fate and transport
- Policy frameworks: Dutch and EU water quality regulations
- Technical and governance-based measures for water quality improvement
- Application of theory in a case study context
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify major sources and effects of pollutants in aquatic systems
- Understand and interpret Dutch and European water quality policies
- Explain key physical and (bio)chemical transport processes (e.g., advection, diffusion, adsorption, degradation)
- Perform basic calculations related to pollutant transport in surface waters such as lakes and streams
- Evaluate and recommend measures to improve water quality
- Apply theoretical knowledge in a practical, case-based setting
For whom? Professionals with a HBO degree in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Engineering with a basic understanding of programming
When & how? 1 September 2025 - 31 October 2025, weekly lectures
More in depth information on the course in our online course catalogue Osiris : link to osiris course information
Do you want to register for this course? Find the course registration form here
