Learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• describe the chemical compositions of natural waters, and explain how and why these compositions vary

• describe the main sources of water pollution, the main types of pollutant and how each type may be controlled

• outline the extent of water pollution in the UK and in selected global locations

• identify the criteria for drinking water acceptability in the EU, and outline the processes used to treat water for a public water supply

• outline how sewage may be treated before discharge to the environment.