?OMG 214 Introduction to Environmental Geochemistry
P Geo-Environmental Science 124
PP Geo-Environmental Science 154
P Chemistry 124, 144
Course Synopsis
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the application of geochemical principles to the natural environment. We shall consider the geochemistry of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and sedimentary environment. Since water is the common link between all of these environments, the course will emphasize water chemistry.
ORIGIN OF ELEMENTS
Why are certain elements more abundant than others? Why is the surface of the Earth composed of primarily only certain elements, and not full of mercury, lead, or arsenic?
CHEMICAL BONDING
How does bonding affect the chemical behavior of elements in the natural environment?
CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS & KINETICS
Applications of thermodynamics and kinetics to the studies of environmental chemical processes
WATER CHEMISTRY
Introduction to acid-base equilibria and chemical speciation in natural water systems. How does chemical speciation influence biological uptake and the toxicity of elements?
CHEMISTRY OF LIVING & NON-LIVING ORGANIC MOLECULES
Introduction to the chemical processes mediated by living organisms
REDOX PROCESSES IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Electron transfer reactions in the environment, and the role of living organisms. Influence of redox reactions on the elemental cycles and toxicity How the redox conditions changed on the Earth?s surface during its history
THE CONTINENTAL ENVIRONMENT
Rock weathering and formation of soils. Role of soils in the fate and transport of contaminants
THE ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT Introduction to the chemistry of the atmosphere. Gas-phase and aerosol chemistry. Chemistry of rainwater.
CHEMISTRY OF LAKES, RIVERS & MARINE ENVIRONMENTS
General chemical composition of lake, river and ocean waters Introduction to the biogeochemical reactions occurring in these environments
Course Outcomes
i. Understanding
of the natural geochemical cycles of elements at the surface
of the Earth, as well as the effects of human activities upon
these cycles.
ii Understanding of the processes involved in the distribution
and transport of chemical substances between the atmospheric,
continental and marine environments.
iii Ability to reflect on the interactions among chemical, geological,
physical and biological environmental processes.
iv Ability to interpret environmental geochemical
data sets.
Study Materials and textbooks
"Environmental and Low Temperature Geochemistry" by Peter
Ryan, ISBN: 978-1-4051-8612-4, May 2014, Wiley-Blackwell.
"Principles of Environmental Geochemistry" by G. Nelson Eby
Additional material will occasionally be provided in class and/or posted on SUNLearn.
