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Unit information: Aqueous Geochemistry in 2018/19

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Aqueous Geochemistry
Unit code EASCM0045
Credit points 10
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Dr. Hendy
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

Mandatory units in years 1-3 of either the Environmental Geoscience or Geology degree programme curriculum.

Co-requisites

n/a

School/department School of Earth Sciences
Faculty Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit includes theory and practical measurement of processes that control the geochemistry of aquatic environments and the accumulation and release of environmental contaminants. It is designed around direct application of learning to a study on the environmental fate of metals in a local estuary and/or river.

Practical skills will focus on physical sampling of sediments, pore waters and waters, the analytical chemistry and physical measurements (e.g. mineralogy, grain size analysis) involved, and the application of computational modelling.

The laboratory-based exercises will focus on a distinct set of analytical techniques that are different to but build upon those taught in Level I (year 2) and Level H (year 3) units.

One formal presentation and contribution to discussion in groups are required. The understanding outlined in the first intended learning outcome will not be possible without taking part in the seminar-style discussion groups.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion students will:

  • Understand the role of sediment-porewater-water interactions (e.g. mineral dissolution/precipitation, ion exchange, sorption and complexation reactions), in determining the chemistry of the oceans, estuaries, rivers, lakes and groundwater.
  • Be able to complete a field, laboratory and modelling-based environmental assessment of the impact of sediment-porewater-water interactions on the fate and transport of contaminants in an aquatic environment.

Teaching Information

Lectures, group seminars, fieldwork, laboratory practicals and online co-writing exercises.

Assessment Information

100% coursework:

  • literature-based seminar-style discussion sessions led by student presentations (30%)
  • final written report (5000 words based on a field sampling program, laboratory data collection and background literature review (70%)

Students should note that active engagement in all of the discussion sessions is a requirement for the award of credit.

Formative feedback will be given on practical and seminar exercises.

Reading and References

Recommended:

  • Appelo C.A.J. and Postma D. (2005) Geochemistry, groundwater and pollution. 683 pp. CRC Press
  • Dunnivant F. and Anders E. (2006) A basic introduction to pollutant fate and transport: An integrated approach with chemistry, modeling, risk assessment and environmental legislation. 480pp. Wiley-Interscience
  • Langmuir D. (1997) Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry. 600pps. Prentice Hall
  • Radojevic M. and Bashkin V. (2006) Practical Environmental Analysis. 457pp. The Royal Society of Chemistry

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