Universidade Nova de Lisboa

Universidade Nova de Lisboa

Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia

Geoenvironmental Engineering

Code

10738

Academic unit

Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia

Department

Departamento de Ciências da Terra

Credits

6.0

Teacher in charge

Maria da Graça Azevedo de Brito

Weekly hours

6

Total hours

64

Teaching language

Português

Objectives

The aim is to give multidisciplinary technical training on geoenvironmental problems, that includes knowledge of engineering geology, environment, geochemistry and urban planning.
It provides skills for planning and preparation of studies aimed at solving problems arising from human occupation in the territory, including:
- assessment of contaminated land - soil and groundwater - in areas subject to environmental requalification: definition of the methodological approach, development of the conceptual contamination model (source route-target); site investigation planning: definition of soil sampling and groundwater survey: spacing and depth of samples, protocol and procedures for sample collecting. Site modelling. Risk assesment. Planning of monitoring campaigns. Data analysis. Soil and groundwater remediation technologies. Selection of remediation technologies based on site geoenvironmental characteristics. 
- collaboration on environmental impact studies, characterization of the environment affected by the project. Identification, assessment and classification of impacts. Preparation of plan for remediation and monitoring of impacts.

Prerequisites

Degree in Earth Sciences or related

Subject matter

Includes knowledge of geological engineering, environmental, geochemical, and others. Encloses the following topics:
- Environmental legislation and European and national guidelines. Environmental liability regime.
- Technological risks: risk management strategy. Climate changes and effects in pollution accidents.
- Assessment of contaminated sites - model contamination, methodologies and approach phases. In situ field investigation and sampling methods.
- Environmental Geochemistry: pollutants transport and medium properties.
- Human Health Risk Analysis. Risk models, scenarios and exposure pathways. Organic and inorganic contaminants. Environmental monitoring.
- Soils and waters remediation technologies.
- Environmental impact assessment. Identification and evaluation of environmental impacts. Mitigation actions.
The practical component includes the development of a project for environmental rehabilitation of a derelict area (includes two field trips).

Bibliography

SHARMA, H. D.; REDDY, K. R. (2004) - Geoenvironmental Engineering: Site Remediation, Waste Containment, and Emerging Waste Management Technologies, 992 p.

LaGREGA, M. D., BUCKINGHAM, P. L. & EVANS, J. C. (2001) - Hazardous Waste Management. McGraw-Hill, New York, 2nd Ed., XXVI + 1202 p.

BRITO, M. G. (2005) - “Metodologia para a avaliação e remediação da contaminação por metais pesados em áreas industriais degradadas”. Dissertação apresentada para a obtenção do grau de doutor. Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 336p.

Teaching method

The syllabus allows the articulation of multidisciplinary knowledge acquired in geological engineering area (geological /geotechnical, environmental, geochemistry, hydrogeology…) in order to solve real problems related to environmental industrial problems and develop scientific knowledge and critical attitude towards actual environmental pollution problems.

Students are exposed to real environmental industrial problems and actual studies related to contaminated industrial sites  and environmental rehabilitation of degraded areas. Based on subjects presented on this unit, students must be able to respond to the resolution of the problems presented.

Evaluation method

Assessment is made by  two theorical tests (TT1 and TT2) and by the evaluation of one individual report of one of the two field trips (FTR) and one group report (GR) about a case study. Calculation of the final classification (FC) is obtained by:

FC = (TT1+TT2) x  (60%-50%)* + (FTR) x (10%) + GR x (30%-40%)*

* the weigth is given by student decision

Courses