Year
2021
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 1-hour lecture per semester
1 x 2-hour tutorial weekly
2 x 3-hour laboratories per semester
4 x 2-hour computer labs per semester
1 x 1-hour on-line lecture weekly
1 x 1-hour on-line tutorial weekly
Prerequisites
^ = may be enrolled concurrently
1 ^ 1 of EASC1101, EASC1201
2 1 of CHEM1101, CHEM1201, ENGR1722, CHEM1205, CHEM1204, ENGR1208
Must Satisfy: (1 and 2)
Enrolment not permitted
1 of EASC8751, WARM8751 has been successfully completed
Topic description

This topic covers those aspects of water chemistry relevant for an understanding of pollution, water quality and hydrogeochemistry, and includes the physical and chemical properties of natural waters and their classification, expressing concentrations and activity of dissolved chemical species, speciation, dissolution and precipitation, chemical interactions between water, sediments and soils, environmental tracers, nutrient cycles, and solute transport processes.

Educational aims

This topic aims to provide a basic understanding and appreciation of the nature and role of water chemistry in hydrological systems.

Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

  1. Discuss weathering as a transfer of geochemical constituents between surface and groundwaters and the biosphere
  2. Outline the principles of aqueous geochemistry
  3. Outline the major types of water pollutants
  4. Explain applications and techniques of geochemical tracers in surface and groundwaters
  5. Discuss the transport and fate of aqueous solutes and contaminants
  6. Explain the relationship between management practices and water quality