Biology and Ecology of Algae in the Built Environment: Phycology for Engineers
In Biology and Ecology of Algae in the Built Environment: Phycology for Engineers, you'll learn ...
- The ecological role of algae as primary producers in natural and engineered water systems
- The biological structure and classification of algae across bacterial and eukaryotic domains
- The mechanisms of algae growth, metabolism, and nutrient utilization in aquatic environments
- How to apply algal processes to wastewater treatment and manage eutrophication in engineered systems
Overview
Algae are an important component of any water system, serving as primary producers, converting carbon dioxide into organic compounds that feed larger ecosystems. In the build environment, algae can be both a help and a hindrance, depending on their application. Uncontrolled algal growth in natural waterways due to runoff can lead to toxic algal blooms through eutrophication. This same mechanism can be controlled to aid in wastewater treatment.
Phycology, or the study of algae, provides a basis for elucidating the underlying diversity and mechanisms of these organisms. As an engineer, it is critical to have a foundational knowledge of algae, given their impact on environmental and civil systems, as well as in biotechnological and agricultural applications.
This course covers the basic biology and ecology of algae, with specific emphasis on the role of single-celled algae in eutrophication and wastewater treatment. This course goes in depth into the diversity of algae, including cyanobacteria; the role of algae in natural and built systems; nutrient requirements for growth; interactions of algae with other organisms and their environments; and basic modeling efforts for growth and mass transfer.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the ecology and diversity of algae in relation to the built environment.
- Explain the basics of algal photosynthesis and its importance to larger ecosystems.
- Describe the role of algae in eutrophication and wastewater treatment.
- Identify the compounds required for algal growth.
- Apply basic methods for modeling algal growth.
- Calculate mass transfer into systems using the methods presented in the course.
Certificate of Completion
You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 35 questions. PDH credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.
| This course is applicable to professional engineers in: | ||
| Alabama (P.E.) | Alaska (P.E.) | Arkansas (P.E.) |
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| Ohio (P.E. Self-Paced) | Oklahoma (P.E.) | Oregon (P.E.) |
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