Monday, May 4, 2015

Field Methods in Water Quality in Norway

May 17-June 7, 2015

Based in Trondheim, Norway, this seminar will investigate various methods to analyze the quality of lakes, streams, drinking water, and wastewater.
May 17-June 7, 2015

Seminar Description
Based in Trondheim, Norway, this seminar will investigate various methods to analyze the quality of lakes, streams, drinking water, and wastewater. The course will be jointly taught by numerous instructors both from the University of Minnesota (Professors Arnold, Hondzo, Hozalski, and LaPara) and from the Norwegian Technical University (Professors Halle, Østerhus, and Muthanna).

Students will get hands-on experience in measuring numerous water quality parameters used to assess water quality. Approximately one week of the course will be spent at the Sletvik field station near Agdenes, where vertical profiles of various water quality parameters (temperature, pH, salinity) will be measured and compared.

The other two weeks will be spent in Trondheim studying streams and water and wastewater treatment methods. Students will learn how to measure velocity profiles, dispersion, and respiration in streams.

Additionally, the class will visit drinking water and wastewater treatment plants to learn about how these processes differ in Norway compared to the United States. Water samples will be taken for lab analysis including bacterial plate counts, chemical oxygen demand, and total suspended solids.

Outside of class, students will be able to explore Trondheim's waterfront, cathedrals, fort, and beaches. There are plenty of hiking opportunities along the fjord and in the hills surrounding the city. Weekend trips will allow for exploration of Norway's famous mountains and fjords.