Course - Water Chemistry - TVM4110
Water Chemistry
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About the course
Course content
The aim of the course is to provide an introduction of equilibrium chemistry principles in aquatic systems. This course is designed for engineers who are often required to understand the composition of solutions and direction of changes occurring during treatment or in environmental systems. The concepts are introduced theoretically using real-world examples and practically in laboratory exercises. After completing the water chemistry class, the student will be able to interpret and communicate results related to water quality. Therefore the course curriculum include the following topics: chemical equilibrium principles of acids-bases, dissolution-precipitation, titration, gas-liquid equilibrium, oxidation-reduction, complexation and water quality analysis and quality control.
Learning outcome
Objective
- To develop theoretical aquatic chemistry basis and use the principles for the evaluation of water quality. Emphasis is given to develop an understanding of chemical equilibrium calculations.
- To analyse how aquatic chemistry principles can be applied in natural water resources and in drinking water and wastewater treatment.
Specific learning objectives
At the end of the course the students should be able to:
- Perform a description of aqueous system including concentration, activities, activity coefficients, and pH of equilibrium.
- Develop mathematical equations such as mass balance, charge balance, and equilibrium constants for systems at equilibrium.
- Interpret and predict acid and base behavior in aquatic systems.
- Use chemical equilibrium software for solving water chemistry problems.
- Perform quantitative and qualitative interpretations of titration and be familiar with the concept of alkalinity and buffer capacity.
- Explain how gas and liquid equilibrium affects the pH and buffer intensity of solutions.
- Calculate whether or not a solid precipitate in aqueous systems.
- Perform water quality analyses and interpret the results.
- Solve problems in groups and present solutions orally.
Learning methods and activities
The teaching methods include problem-solving and class lectures. Laboratory work must be approved in order to attend the exam.
Compulsory assignments
- Presentation
Further on evaluation
The examination in this course has two components. An oral exam, duration approx. 45 minutes (60% of the final grade). A laboratory report will be submitted for 40% of the final grade.
In addition, the student must do a presentation of the problem-based learning activity. There is no grade for the presentation but the participation is mandatory.
Recommended previous knowledge
TMT4100, general chemistry or equivalent; general understanding of chemistry, stoichiometry and chemical reactions.
Course materials
Textbook: Mark M. Benjamin, 2015, Water chemistry, Waveland Press, second edition, ISBN 1-4786-2308-X (required) References: 1. Zumdahl & Zumdahl, Chemistry, 8th edition, Brooks/Cole, 2010 2. Sawyer, McCarty & Parkin, Chemistry for Environmental Engineering, McGraw Hill, 2003 3. Stumm & Morgan, aquatic Chemistry. Third edition, John Wiley&Sons. 1995
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| SIB5015 | 7.5 sp |
Subject areas
- Water Supply and Wastewater Systems
- Water and Wastewater Engineering
- Technological subjects