CHM3961

Environmental chemistry: pollution and remediation

(SCI)

Dr Peter Junk

6 points + Two 1-hour lectures, one 1-hour tutorial and the equivalent of 3 hours laboratory activity per week + First semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: 12 points of level 1 chemistry and normally 12 points of level 2 chemistry, or permission + Prohibitions: permission if completed CHM3031, CHM3042, CHM3051, CHM3062 or CHM3962

Synopsis: The 3 major components of the environment, air, soil and water, will be considered. Air: atmospheric structure; air pollution; the ozone hole; the greenhouse effect and global warming; combating atmospheric problems; Soils: the nature of soils; constituents and properties of soil; chemical processes; organic matter; fertility; acidity; salinity; remediation of contaminated soils; Water: major components of natural waters; water treatment - coagulation, adsorption, polymer flocculation, settling, filtration, reverse osmosis, activated sludge processes, artificial wetlands; ecotoxicology; water quality quidelines, environmental risk assessment; remediation strategies for aquatic environments.

Assessment: One 3-hour examination: 50% + Laboratory work field trips and short laboratory reports and proforma reports: 30% + Assignment: 20%