Course content

The course treats chemical reactions in natural waters at an advanced level. It provides a comprehensive treatment of homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical equilibria in natural aquatic systems (acid/base reactions, precipitation/dissolution reactions, complex formation, redox reactions and solid-solution interface reactions). This provides a solid foundation for understanding and evaluating how human activities can influence natural water systems.
The course is primarily aimed at students in environmental chemistry and geochemistry working on problems related to water, soil and sediments, but also other students, e.g. in limnology, should find the course useful.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
The student should have an in-depth knowledge about the different types of reactions that are important in natural water systems (freshwater and seawater) and in water treatment:
- acid/base reactions, especially the carbonate system.
- precipitation/dissolution reactions.
- complex formation.
- redox reactions.
- solid-solution interface reactions.

Skills:
The student should be able to:
- explain the processes that govern the chemical composition of natural waters: freshwater and seawater.
- interpret the main types of diagrams that are used in this scientific field to describe the equilibrium composition of water, especially in natural waters but also in water treatment processes.
- understand and evaluate how human activities can influence natural water systems.

Learning methods and activities

Three hours of lectures per day for three weeks (intensive teaching, probably weeks no. 35, 38 and 43). The language is normally Norwegian, but the course may also be given in English. There are no exercises or laboratory course.

Recommended previous knowledge

The course builds on knowledge corresponding to parts of KJ2070/KJ2072 Environmental Chemistry or KJ2071 Environmental Chemistry, Introduction Course.

Course materials

W. Stumm & J.J. Morgan: Aquatic Chemistry, 3. edition. New York: John Wiley, 1996.

Credit reductions