Overview

Pollution is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet, with environmental, social and economic consequences.

This module introduces a range of anthropogenic-derived pollutants which affect the marine environment and provides an overview of how pollution is assessed. It examines in detail the sources, environmental behaviour, effects, and potential remediation strategies associated with key ‘degradable’, ‘dispersive’ and ‘persistent’ pollutants, e.g. oil, nutrients, microplastics and persistent organic pollutants. A detailed 'Catchment to Coast’ case study using the Conwy Estuary highlights the problems caused by nutrients, bacteria, viruses and toxins and considers the implications for management of water quality. The physical processes which influence the dispersion of pollutants are studied with the use of models for practical application. Throughout, relevant, and emerging, national and international policy will be highlighted.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Equivalent to 40% Pass mark (D-)Basic appreciation of contaminant/pollutant inputs and effects in coastal waters and implications for water quality. Basic understanding of the dispersion of contaminants/pollutants in coastal waters. Basic ability to manage your own learning and to make use of the referred research articles. Attendance at practical sessions.

-good -Equivalent to 60-70% (B range)Able to appreciate contaminant/pollutant inputs and effects in coastal waters and implications for water quality. Understanding of the dispersion of contaminants/pollutants in coastal waters. Demonstrate management of own learning and use of referred research articles. Attendance at practical sessions and perform practical work and analysis of data in a competent manner.

-excellent -Equivalent to >70% (A range)Considerable appreciation of contaminant/pollutant inputs and effects in coastal waters and implications for water quality. Thorough understanding of the dispersion of contaminants/pollutants in coastal waters. Thorough demonstration of ability to manage your own learning and to make use of referred research articles. Attendance at practical sessions and carry out experimental work carefully in an enquiring manner - performing additional experiments/tests to answer questions raised.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to demonstrate an awareness of how water quality is controlled by a regulatory framework

• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and critically appraise, the inputs, behaviour and effects associated with waste disposal to coastal waters

• Be able to manage your own learning and to make use of referred research articles.

• Model the dispersion of a pollutant in coastal waters.

• Produce accurate and precise chemical measurements, and interpret and evaluate data.

• demonstrate an understanding, and critically appraise, the problems caused by nutrients, bacteria, viruses and toxins in coastal waters