Module Details

Module Code: AGRI S8Z09
Full Title: Environmental Management in the Agri-Food Sector
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Siobhan Jordan
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The aims of this module are to provide students with knowledge of the fundamental principles of environmental management in the agri-food industry, with particular emphasis on organic wastes generation, control and alternative options for its future effective management. In addition, an interactive learning environment will be created to encourage students to develop an appreciation of alternative agricultural waste management systems and techniques. This module offers a combination of interactive practical classes, field trips and lectures that will cater for a wide range of cognitive abilities on topics that are highly relevant today, owing to the recent implementation of various environmental regulations.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Compare, contrast and evaluate various agricultural waste classes in terms of their chemical composition and variability.
MLO2 Identify and synthesise the impact of rainwater harvesting and dirty water control on the efficiency of farmyard management in terms of meeting the requirements of various EU and global legislations.
MLO3 Critically appraise the fundamental factors that affect soil hydrology, nutrient storage and the movement of nutrients through a soil profile and their possible impact on surface / groundwater contamination.
MLO4 Investigate, appraise and constructively criticise natural, complementary and novel waste treatment technologies to effectively deal with apposite quantities of agricultural wastes generated, keeping in accordance with relevant legislations.
MLO5 Perform lab practicals effectively and efficiently and demonstrate an appreciation of the relationship between the scientific content of the various practicals and their application in the field.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Waste classes and storage options in the agri-food industry
Manure storage (farmyard, dairy industries, abattoir, outwintering pads, pig, poultry, mushroom, equine wastes); manure storage capacity; liquid manure; silage effluent; solid manure storage. Agrichemical wastes; pesticide and herbicide use, control and management; effects on water systems; ecotoxicology. Management, recycling and treatment options for farm plastic, scrap metal, tyres, used oil, oil filters and engine batteries. Implications of various contaminants on climate change and monitoring emissions. Discharge and release of antimicrobials and resistant bacteria, as well as other resistance-driving chemicals such as biocides and heavy metals into the environment.
Bioremedation: Principles and applications
Application of agri wastes and biosolids to land and contaminated sites; linking phytoremediation, bioremediation (through plants and bacteria), phytoprotection, carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. Review of technologies associated with using carbon filters, sand filters and organic wastes as filters in treating various agricultural wastewater streams. Integrated constructed wetlands; nutrient control; site assessment; hydraulic resistance times; nutrient cycling, retention and retrieval. Reed bed systems; construction and nutrient retention.
Traditional and conventional waste treatment technologies
Management of diffuse pollution (organic and agrochemical sources) from land spreading (soil hydrology, nutrient storage in soil); buffer strips; fencing; commercial systems, habitat biodiversity recovery; nutrient management planning. Attitudes and public perceptions of traditional and conventional waste treatment technologies.
Innovative waste treatment technologies
Overview of other alternative waste management options (bioenergy). Technologies for slurry separation; decanter centrifuge systems; Options for pelleting liquid wastes. Review of other available commercial systems for treating wastewater e.g. Hydrointernational. Biodiesel and bioplastic production.
Integrated environmental management approach
Inclusion of alternative energy options such as wind, hydro and geothermal energy in environmental management. Rainwater harvesting technologies and its environmental footprint. Emissions for from the Agri-food industry, waste licensing and impacts of agricultural waste management on various legislations including carbon dynamics as addressed under the Kyoto Protocol.
Laboratory practicals and site visits
Waste analysis and characterization; Slurry separation using decanter centrifuge systems; In-situ trials on surface run-off using lysimeters; Chemical and biological analysis of integrated constructed wetlands; Composting trials, using Slovita maturity test-kit to determine compost maturity; Phytotoxicity of various wastes using germination index tests. Field site visits; AFBI, Hillsborough; Integrated constructed wetlands; Indaver.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work40.00%
Final Examination60.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

No Course Work
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Waste analysis and characterization; Slurry separation using decanter centrifuge systems; In-situ trials on surface run-off using lysimeters; Chemical and biological analysis of integrated constructed wetlands; Composting trials, using Slovita maturity test-kit to determine compost maturity; Phytotoxicity of various wastes using germination index tests. Biodiesel and bioplastic production. Site visits such as Integrated constructed wetlands, reed bed systems, decanter slurry system / slurry pelleting system
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Practical Contact Laboratory practicals Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Directed Reading Non Contact Direct reading on relevent topics covered during class and site visits Every Week 1.00 1
Total Weekly Learner Workload 8.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Creamer, R. and O'Sullivan, L.. (2018), The Soils of Ireland, Springer International Publishing, [ISBN: 9783319711898].
  • Poltronieri, P and D'Urso, O.F.. (2016), Biotransformation of Agricultural Waste and By-Products: The Food, Feed, Fibre, Fuel economy., Elsevier, [ISBN: 0128036222].
  • Ashworth, G.S. and Azevedo, P. (2009), Agricultural Wastes, 1st. Nova Science Publishers Inc, p.306 pages, [ISBN: 1607413051].
  • Kulakow, P.A. and Pidlisnyuk, V.V. (2009), Application of Phytotechnologies for Cleanup of Industrial, Agricultural and Wastewater Contamination, 1st. Springer, p.202 pages, [ISBN: 9048135907].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Insam, H. , Franke-Whittle, I and Goberna, M. (2009), Microbes at Work: From Wastes to Resources, 1st. Springer, p.329 pages, [ISBN: 364204042X].
  • Ronald E. Hester, Roy M. Harrison. (2012), Environmental Impacts of Modern Agriculture, RSC publishing, [ISBN: 9781849733854].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources