Modelling the Fate of Microbes in Aquatic Habitats and Assessment of their Associated Risk

Vienna University of Technology, Austria, 4th to 7th October 2010

Overview
The course will cover the basic principles determining the fate, transport, and risk assessment of pathogenic microbes and pathogen indicators in the aquatic environment. Special emphasis is given to groundwater, due to its importance as a drinking water resource. 

Who Should Attend
This course is aimed at Masters and PhD students engaged in research surrounding water resource management.  It will also be of interest to professionals working in the field.  Participants should have at least a bachelor degree in a relevant science or engineering subject (hydrology, water resources, microbiology, chemistry). Advanced knowledge of English is essential. 

Goals
Those who complete the course will be able to understand:
•    Fate and transport of microorganisms in groundwater.
•    Model concepts for the analytical and numerical modelling of these processes.
•    Laboratory and field experiments on the transport of microorganisms.
•    Concepts and methods on quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA).

Lecturers
The classes will be taught by Dr. Jack Schijven from the Expert Centre for Methodology and Information Services, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, The Netherlands and Dr. Liping Pang from the Institute of Environmental Science & Research Limited (ESR), Christchurch, New Zealand.

Dr. Schijven is a senior scientist with research interests in the field of microbial transport modelling in aquatic habitats.  He has extensive knowledge of quantitative microbial risk assessment and has significantly contributed to the risk based health related water quality targets and groundwater protection measures in the Netherlands.

Dr. Pang is a senior groundwater scientist with research interests in experimental investigations and modelling of fate and transport of microbes, heavy metals, pesticides and nutrients in subsurface media, colloid-associated contaminant transport, setback distances against microbial contamination, cumulative effect of on-site systems on groundwater quality, and development of pathogen surrogates.

Venue
The course will be held at the Vienna University of Technology, located in the heart of the historic centre of the city and easily accessible by public transport. 

Course Fee and Registration
There are no fees to attend the course but transport, accommodation and meals are not provided. 
Advanced registration is essential as places are limited.  Early application is recommended.  For further information and registration please contact:
Gemma Carr
Centre for Water Resource Systems,
Vienna University of Technology, Karlsplatz 13/222, A-10

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