Ecological Design of Regenerative Aquatic Systems

Catalog description

This course begins with an introduction to natural wetlands, and then extends those fundamental ecological principles to the design of constructed wetlands for wastewater and mine water treatment. In the second half of the course, these ecological principles are applied to the design of a variety of aquaponics systems for fish and vegetable production. Throughout the semester, emphasis is given to how beneficial byproducts (food, energy, water) can be produced in ecological systems to support sustainable communities in both developed and developing countries. The course culminates with a final team project on the design of an ecological system for a real community.