Course content

The course provides a broad overview of the chemical composition and chemical processes in the natural environment: air, water and soil, and how this is affected by human activity. Covered topics: The natural environment in a sustainability context; chemistry and the anthroposphere; basic water chemistry; redox processes in water chemistry; phase interactions in water chemistry; microbial biochemistry in water; water pollution; water treatment; the atmosphere and atmospheric chemistry; particles in the atmosphere; gaseous inorganic air pollutants; organic air pollutants; photochemical smog; the endangered global atmosphere; geosphere and geochemistry; soil chemistry.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student can:

• Describe fundamental features of the chemical composition of nature
• Explain important chemical processes in air, water and soil
• Describe natural geochemical and biogeochemical cycles
• Explain the effects of human activity on the natural environment from a chemical point of view, especially in connection with polluting processes
• Explain the dispersion of pollutants and their turnover in the natural environment
• Understand chemical processes in the natural environment and be able to use this knowledge to contribute to sustainable solutions within e.g. industry, research and environmental management

Learning methods and activities

Lectures (4 hours per week) and exercises (2 hours per week). Two mandatory exercises during the semester.

Information about the deadlines for mandatory activities will be published at the beginning of the semester.

Expected work load in the course is 200-225 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory assignment
• Mandatory assignment

Recommended previous knowledge

The course builds on knowledge corresponding to KJ1000 General chemistry, and partly on knowledge corresponding to KJ1020, TMT4130 and KJ1041.

Course materials

Syllabus:

- Textbook: Stanley E. Manahan: Environmental Chemistry, 11th. edn. Boca Raton, Fl: CRC Press, 2022. Chapter 1-15.

- Powerpoint presentations of the lectures (posted as pdf files on Blackboard).

In addition to the syllabus, recommended additional literature may be posted on Blackboard.

Credit reductions