Environmental Engineering Basics: Mass Balance and Water Modeling

Understanding how pollutants move through ecosystems is critical for modern environmental engineering and sustainability. This written course guides you through the fundamental principles of mass balance, using a practical stormwater detention pond scenario to show you how to model and analyze chemical concentrations over time. You will learn to evaluate how physical factors, such as pond size, directly affect water quality and ecosystem health. By completing this text-only program, you will transition from understanding basic ecological concepts to building your own mathematical models for environmental analysis. You will develop the confidence to analyze real-world water management scenarios and propose sustainable engineering solutions. What you'll learn: - Understand the core principles of mass balance and conservation of mass in environmental systems - Define key terms and variables used in ecological modeling and water quality analysis - Calculate time-varying chemical concentrations, such as phosphorus, in a simulated stormwater pond - Analyze the physical effects of pond dimensions and flow rates on pollutant retention - Apply modern sustainability frameworks to water resource management and environmental engineering This course begins with essential terminology and foundational mathematical concepts before moving into structured modeling exercises. You will read detailed explanations, analyze worked mathematical examples, and practice your skills through written scenarios that simulate real engineering challenges. This course is designed for beginners, students of environmental science, and aspiring civil engineers who want a clear introduction to ecological modeling. No prior engineering experience or advanced programming skills are required to begin.