Microplastics & Emerging Water Contaminants: Protect Aquatic Ecosystems

Introduction:

Microplastics & Emerging Water Contaminants empowers professionals to address the growing threat of new-age pollutants in aquatic environments. This course focuses on understanding the sources, pathways, and impacts of microplastics and emerging contaminants in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Participants will learn to implement monitoring techniques, analyze data, and develop mitigation strategies. This course bridges the gap between traditional water quality management and the urgent need for addressing these novel pollutants, enabling professionals to safeguard aquatic ecosystems.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for professionals involved in environmental science, water quality management, and pollution control, including:

• Environmental Scientists
• Water Quality Analysts
• Marine Biologists
• Environmental Engineers
• Policy Analysts
• Researchers
• Consultants
• Municipal Officials

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Microplastics & Emerging Water Contaminants course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the sources, pathways, and fate of microplastics and emerging contaminants in aquatic environments.
• Implement sampling and analytical techniques for microplastics and emerging contaminants.
• Analyze data on microplastic and emerging contaminant concentrations and distribution.
• Understand the ecological and human health impacts of microplastics and emerging contaminants.
• Develop and implement monitoring programs for microplastics and emerging contaminants in water systems.
• Understand the role of advanced treatment technologies for removing microplastics and emerging contaminants.
• Implement strategies for mitigating microplastic and emerging contaminant pollution.
• Understand the role of policy and regulation in addressing microplastic and emerging contaminant pollution.
• Implement strategies for stakeholder engagement and public awareness on microplastic and emerging contaminant issues.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation and remediation strategies.
• Enhance their ability to assess and manage microplastic and emerging contaminant pollution.
• Improve organizational capacity for monitoring and addressing new-age pollutants.
• Contribute to the development of sustainable water management practices.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in microplastic and emerging contaminant management.
• Become a knowledgeable and effective professional in addressing microplastic and emerging contaminant pollution.
• Understand ethical considerations in microplastic and emerging contaminant research and management.
• Learn how to use analytical tools and software for microplastic and emerging contaminant assessment.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Microplastics and Emerging Water Contaminants

• Overview of the nature, sources, and pathways of microplastics and emerging contaminants.
• Understanding the key differences between traditional and emerging pollutants.
• Introduction to the concept of "One Health" and the interconnectedness of human and environmental health.
• Review of relevant international and national regulations and guidelines.
• Setting the stage for understanding the challenges of new-age pollutants.

Module 2: Sources and Pathways of Microplastics in Aquatic Environments

• Analyzing the sources of primary and secondary microplastics (e.g., textiles, cosmetics, industrial waste).
• Understanding the pathways of microplastic transport in freshwater and marine ecosystems.
• Implementing techniques for identifying and quantifying microplastic sources.
• Analyzing the role of wastewater treatment plants and urban runoff in microplastic pollution.
• Understanding the importance of atmospheric deposition.

Module 3: Sources and Pathways of Emerging Water Contaminants

• Analyzing the sources of pharmaceuticals, personal care products (PPCPs), endocrine disruptors, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
• Understanding the pathways of emerging contaminant transport in aquatic environments.
• Implementing techniques for identifying and quantifying emerging contaminants.
• Analyzing the role of agricultural runoff and industrial discharges in emerging contaminant pollution.
• Understanding the importance of landfill leachate.

Module 4: Sampling and Analytical Techniques for Microplastics

• Implementing techniques for sampling microplastics in water, sediment, and biota.
• Utilizing microscopy, spectroscopy (FTIR, Raman), and thermal analysis for microplastic identification.
• Analyzing the role of density separation and filtration in microplastic extraction.
• Understanding the principles of quality control and assurance in microplastic analysis.
• Understanding the importance of standardized methodologies.

Module 5: Sampling and Analytical Techniques for Emerging Contaminants

• Implementing techniques for sampling emerging contaminants in water, sediment, and biota.
• Utilizing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for contaminant analysis.
• Analyzing the role of solid-phase extraction and other sample preparation methods.
• Understanding the principles of quality control and assurance in emerging contaminant analysis.
• Understanding the importance of method validation.

Module 6: Ecological Impacts of Microplastics

• Analyzing the impacts of microplastics on aquatic organisms (ingestion, toxicity, trophic transfer).
• Understanding the role of microplastics as vectors for other pollutants.
• Implementing techniques for assessing microplastic toxicity and bioaccumulation.
• Analyzing the impacts of microplastics on ecosystem function and biodiversity.
• Understanding the importance of long-term ecological monitoring.

Module 7: Ecological Impacts of Emerging Contaminants

• Analyzing the impacts of emerging contaminants on aquatic organisms (endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, toxicity).
• Understanding the role of emerging contaminants in altering ecosystem processes.
• Implementing techniques for assessing the ecotoxicity of emerging contaminants.
• Analyzing the impacts of emerging contaminants on food webs and biodiversity.
• Understanding the importance of mixture toxicity.

Module 8: Human Health Impacts of Microplastics and Emerging Contaminants

• Analyzing the potential human health risks associated with microplastic and emerging contaminant exposure.
• Understanding the pathways of human exposure through water, food, and air.
• Implementing techniques for assessing human exposure and risk.
• Analyzing the role of epidemiological studies in understanding health impacts.
• Understanding the importance of public health surveillance.

Module 9: Advanced Treatment Technologies for Microplastics Removal

• Implementing techniques for removing microplastics in wastewater treatment plants (filtration, sedimentation).
• Utilizing advanced technologies (membrane filtration, coagulation) for microplastic removal.
• Analyzing the role of tertiary treatment and advanced oxidation processes.
• Understanding the principles of source control and prevention.
• Understanding the importance of sludge management.

Module 10: Advanced Treatment Technologies for Emerging Contaminants Removal

• Implementing techniques for removing emerging contaminants in wastewater treatment plants (activated carbon adsorption, advanced oxidation).
• Utilizing advanced technologies (membrane filtration, ozonation) for emerging contaminant removal.
• Analyzing the role of advanced treatment processes in drinking water purification.
• Understanding the principles of bioremediation and phytoremediation.
• Understanding the importance of process optimization.

Module 11: Mitigation and Prevention Strategies for Microplastic Pollution

• Implementing strategies for reducing microplastic pollution at the source (product design, waste management).
• Utilizing techniques for promoting circular economy principles and plastic recycling.
• Analyzing the role of consumer awareness and behavior change.
• Understanding the principles of extended producer responsibility (EPR).
• Understanding the importance of international cooperation.

Module 12: Mitigation and Prevention Strategies for Emerging Contaminant Pollution

• Implementing strategies for reducing emerging contaminant pollution at the source (green chemistry, sustainable agriculture).
• Utilizing techniques for promoting responsible pharmaceutical disposal and waste management.
• Analyzing the role of best management practices (BMPs) for pollution prevention.
• Understanding the principles of pollution prevention and control.
• Understanding the importance of regulatory frameworks.

Module 13: Policy and Regulation for Microplastics and Emerging Contaminants

• Analyzing national and international policies and regulations related to microplastics and emerging contaminants.
• Implementing strategies for promoting regulatory reforms and standards.
• Understanding the role of risk assessment and environmental impact assessment.
• Analyzing the principles of precautionary principle and polluter pays principle.
• Understanding the importance of enforcement and compliance.

Module 14: Stakeholder Engagement and Public Awareness

• Implementing strategies for stakeholder engagement and public communication on microplastics and emerging contaminants.
• Utilizing techniques for addressing public concerns and building trust.
• Analyzing the role of education and awareness campaigns.
• Understanding the principles of participatory planning and decision-making.
• Understanding the importance of citizen science.

Module 15: Future Trends and Action Planning for Aquatic Ecosystem Protection

• Exploring emerging trends and opportunities in microplastic and emerging contaminant research and management (nanotechnology, AI, biomonitoring).
• Developing action plans for advancing aquatic ecosystem protection within organizations and communities.
• Analyzing the role of individual and collective action.
• Understanding how to stay up to date on microplastic and emerging contaminant information.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.