Water quality and microbiology

Optimized management and protection of water resources (surface or groundwater) requires taking into account water quality. The assessment of the quality status of water bodies, particularly with regard to the legislative frameworks in force, is based on precise chemical and microbiological quality criteria, as well as standards adapted to the types of use envisaged for these resources.

The aim of this course is to: (1) to know how to evaluate the chemical and microbiological quality of a surface or ground water according to the desired use, by putting oneself in the legislative context in force, (2) to understand the role of micro-organisms in the biogeochemical cycles and their implication in the fate of pollutants in water (3) acquire the basics of the most commonly used chemistry/microbiology methods and analytical techniques and finally (4) be able to couple hydrological, hydrogeological, hydrochemical and microbiological information available on a hydrosystem, in order to identify the different problems posed as resources (quality and quantity). The development of a critical scientific mind will be encouraged.

Prerequisites*: basic knowledge in water chemistry and microbiology or UE PAM1ECAD (contamination of the aquatic environment)

Continuous assessment, including a written grade (2 hours) and an average of the grades of the chemistry and microbiology laboratory reports.

1. Chemistry part:

- Types of pollution and health risks

- Quality criteria and pollution indicator parameters

TD: Diagnosis of the evaluation of the quality of a watercourse. Application to the river Lez.

Practical work: Measurement of physico-chemical parameters and the main indicators of the chemical quality of a watercourse (Lez river)

1. Microbiology part:

• Microbiological quality of water and health risk
• Fecal contamination indicators: definition, principle and limitations.
• Control of the microbiological quality of water and French legislation
• Practical work: Analysis of the microbiological quality of several types of water (surface, underground...)

• Microbial Ecotoxicology:  
• Biogeochemical cycles
• Interactions between microorganisms and chemical pollutants: 2 case studies:
• Acid mine drainage
• Arsenic in aquifers in Southeast Asia