The importance of wastewater treatment for the marine environment. - European Commission
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Maritime Forum

The importance of wastewater treatment for the marine environment.

School information

School name
Nacka gymnasium
School year
2024-2025
School website
City
Nacka
Country
Sweden
Sea basin
Baltic Sea
Region
Coastal: <20 km from the sea

Project information

Project name in native language
Vikten av rening av avloppsvatten för havsmiljön.
Starting date of the project
End date of the project
Level of education
Senior High School
Categories
Healthy Ocean

The project is multidisciplinary, involving the subjects of biology, chemistry and Swedish. Three classes in the first year of the science programme are participating. Eight teachers are involved.

Objectives:
Students are to gain:
a greater awareness of the importance of the sea
an understanding of the differences between Sweden’s east and west coasts and of the special challenges of the Baltic Sea
a better understanding of the need for wastewater treatment and of how chemical treatments can reduce the impact of wastewater.

Activities:
At Tjärnö Marine Laboratory on the west coast, two classes participated in an excursion with a research vessel and a laboratory investigation of the collected organisms, one class investigated variation in a marine species, and all three classes investigated organisms in a sandy coastal area.
In biology lessons, students study general ecology, including the sea as an ecosystem, the unique environment of the Baltic Sea, eutrophication and acidification, and the need for wastewater treatment.
In chemistry lessons, students learn about precipitation reactions and how these can be used in the treatment of wastewater.
Students will learn about environmental toxins in an activity at the Baltic Sea Science Center.
In Swedish lessons, students are to study the Swedish translation of the novel “The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea” by Yukio Mishima. This considers existential perspectives of the sea and of mankind. They will also develop the text of the final posters.
The project concludes with a theme half-day.
The outcome of the project is the production of posters by the students. These are to be displayed at a public library (Nacka Forum Bibliotek).

Approach:
The project is largely integrated into the teaching of these three subjects and contributes to fulfilling their objectives. The different subjects offer different perspectives on the sea.