Environmental Engineering

Prepared by Natben (AASTU POLL)

Environmental
Engineering
• Definition
• Scope
• History
• Requirements
• Technical Skills
• Professional Skills
• Courses Related to Physics
• Courses Related to Mathematics
• Courses Related to Biology and Chemistry
• Challenges
• Job Opportunities
Definition
Environmental Engineering applies
scientific and engineering principles
to design, manage, and protect air,
water, and soil resources,
addressing pollution, promoting
sustainability, and serving public
and industrial needs.
 Scope

PUBLIC UTILITIES: DESIGN, POLLUTION CONTROL: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

OPERATION, AND ADDRESSING EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE ASSESSMENT: ANALYZING
MANAGEMENT OF SYSTEMS CONTAMINATION IN AIR, USE OF WATER, ENERGY, AND POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL
RELATED TO WATER, AIR, AND WATER, AND SOIL USING OTHER RESOURCES, EFFECTS OF PROJECTS AND
SOIL RESOURCES (E.G., WATER VARIOUS TECHNOLOGIES AND MINIMIZING ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPING MITIGATION
TREATMENT PLANTS, WASTE REMEDIATION METHODS. IMPACT. STRATEGIES.
MANAGEMENT FACILITIES).
Continued
Waste Management:
Collection, treatment, and
disposal of solid, hazardous,
and other waste materials in an
environmentally responsible
way.
Ecological Restoration: Climate Change Mitigation and
Reclaiming and restoring Adaptation: Addressing the
degraded ecosystems. challenges of climate change
through strategies like
renewable energy and
emissions reduction.
Environmental Policy and Law:
Understanding and complying
with environmental regulations
and contributing to policy
development.
Public Health and Safety:
Protecting public health by
ensuring clean air, water, and
soil, and minimizing exposure
to environmental hazards.
History of Ancient Times:
• Limited scope: Focused on
Environmental practical solutions like
Engineering sanitation, water
management (aqueducts,
irrigation), and waste
disposal.
• Examples: Roman sanitation
systems, Mesopotamian
irrigation canals, and Chinese
waste pits.
• Driven by: Public health
concerns, resource scarcity,
and religious beliefs.
Middle Ages:
• Stagnation and decline: Loss
of knowledge, limited
technological advancements,
focus on other priorities.
• Negative impacts: Increased
pollution, deforestation, and
soil erosion due to
unsustainable practices.
• Exceptions: Windmills for
water pumping,
advancements in agricultural
techniques in some regions.
 Modern Times (18th Century onwards):
• Industrial Revolution: Industrialization led to widespread
pollution, triggering awareness and action.
• Public health movements: Efforts to address sanitation
issues, waterborne diseases, and air pollution.

Continued • Environmental legislation: Governments enact

regulations to control pollution and protect resources.
• Advancements in technology: Development of treatment
plants, recycling methods, renewable energy sources.
• Focus on sustainability: Shift towards responsible
resource management, ecological preservation, and
climate change mitigation.
Requirements

Strong foundation in: Math & Analytical & problem-solving Technical aptitude: Understand & Research & data analysis:
Science (physics, chemistry, skills: Identify & analyze apply engineering principles, Conduct research using scientific
biology), Engineering complex environmental issues, Utilize software & modern tools. methods, Interpret & utilize data
fundamentals. Develop & assess solutions. to inform decisions.
Continued
• Communication & collaboration:
Communicate effectively with diverse
audiences, Work effectively in teams and
leadership roles.
• Professional responsibility & ethics: Adhere
to ethical principles & professional
standards, Consider societal &
environmental impacts.
• Lifelong learning & adaptability: Stay
updated on advancements in technology &
regulations, Continuously develop new
knowledge & skills.
Technical Skills

• Apply knowledge of math, science, and

engineering fundamentals.
• Identify, analyze, and solve complex
environmental problems.
• Design solutions, systems, and processes
for environmental challenges.
• Conduct research using scientific
methods and analyze data.
• Utilize modern engineering and IT tools
for complex problems.
Professional Skills
• Apply ethical principles and professional
responsibility.
• Work effectively in teams and diverse settings.
• Communicate complex information effectively.
• Understand societal and environmental impact of
engineering solutions.
• Manage projects and make economic decisions.
Courses Related to
Physics
• Engineering Mechanics I (Statics)
• Engineering Mechanics II (Dynamics)
• Strength of Materials
• Fluid Mechanics
• Transport phenomenon for environmental engineering
• Renewable energy engineering
• Energy and the Environment
Courses Related to
Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics IIIB
• Probability and Statistics
• Numerical Analysis for Environmental Engineering
• Engineering Economics
• Air Quality Modeling and Forecasting
• Ecological Risk Assessment
Courses Related to
Biology and Chemistry
• Environmental microbiology
• Environmental chemistry
• Fundamentals of soils & pollution control
• Waste to energy technology
• Environmental biotechnology
• Cleaner Production and LCA
• Sludge treatment technologies
• Ecological risk assessment
• Green building and energy conservation
• Emerging technologies for water and wastewater treatment
Challenges of Technical :
• Dealing with diverse
Environmental environmental problems
often requires
Engineer interdisciplinary knowledge.
• Staying updated with rapid
advancements in technology
and data analysis.
• Designing and implementing
solutions in complex and
dynamic natural systems.
• Balancing effectiveness,
cost-efficiency, and
sustainability in project
design.
Environmental :
• Minimizing environmental
damage while providing
necessary infrastructure and
services.
• Navigating trade-offs
between competing interests
and ensuring responsible
resource management.
• Addressing climate change
and its multifaceted impacts
on various ecosystems.
• Adapting to evolving
environmental regulations
and standards.
Continued Social and Ethical:
• Facing community concerns and
potential conflicts over resource
use and project development.
• Ensuring fair and equitable
solutions that consider everyone's
well-being.
• Upholding ethical principles and
professional responsibility in
challenging situations.
• Balancing economic development
with environmental preservation
and social justice.
Career Landscape:
• Fluctuating job markets and
competition for positions,
especially in specific sectors.
• Adapting to potential
relocations and working in
various environments.
• Dealing with emotional
challenges associated with
environmental degradation and
its consequences.
• Continuing professional
development to stay relevant in
a rapidly evolving field.
Job Opportunities
• Pollution Control Engineers: Design and implement
systems to minimize air, water, and soil pollution
from industries, municipalities, and other sources.
• Waste Management Engineers: Develop and manage
systems for responsible waste collection, treatment,
and disposal, including solid waste, hazardous waste,
and e-waste.
• Water Resource Engineers: Manage and protect water
resources through projects like water treatment,
wastewater treatment, sustainable water use, and
flood control.
• Environmental Consultants: Provide technical
expertise and advice to clients on environmental
impact assessments, permitting, compliance, and
project development.
Continued
Renewable Energy Engineers:
Design and develop renewable
energy systems like solar
power, wind power, and
geothermal energy.
Sustainability Engineers:
Integrate sustainability
principles into design,
construction, and operation of
various projects and
infrastructures.
Climate Change Specialists:
Analyze climate impacts,
develop adaptation strategies,
and contribute to mitigation
efforts.
Environmental Policy Analysts:
Assist governments and
organizations in developing and
implementing environmental
policies and regulations.
Research and Development:
Conduct research on new
technologies and solutions for
environmental challenges.
Is there any available
job in Ethiopia?

• Yes, there is. Like sector jobs in

government agencies (Environmental
Protection Agency, water resources…),
Private companies (consulting firms,
manufacturing, construction),
International Organizations and NGOS if
u are lucky, research institutions,
Industry sectors like consulting, etc…
Thank You for your all Attention