Water quality and microbiology

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

The objectives of this course unit are: (1) to learn how to assess the chemical and microbiological quality of surface water or groundwater according to its intended use, within the context of current legislation, (2) understand the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles and their involvement 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 combine hydrological, hydrogeological, hydrochemical, and microbiological information available on a hydrosystem in order to identify the various issues raised in terms of resources (quality and quantity). The development of critical scientific thinking will be encouraged.

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

Continuous assessment, including a written exam (2 hours) and an average of the marks for chemistry and microbiology lab reports.

1. Chemistry section:

- Types of pollution and health risks

- Quality criteria and pollution indicator parameters

TD: Diagnosis to assess the quality of a watercourse. Application to the Lez River.

TP: Measurement of physical and chemical parameters and key indicators of the chemical quality of a watercourse (the Lez River)

1. Microbiology section:

• Microbiological quality of water and health risks
• Indicators of fecal contamination: definition, principle, and limitations.
• Microbiological water quality control and French legislation
• Lab work: Analysis of the microbiological quality of several types of water (surface water, groundwater, etc.)

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