Environmental Chemistry

Catalog description

Environmental chemistry includes both natural processes (in the air, water, and soil) and anthropogenic disruptions to these processes (such as pollution and climate change). This course builds on fundamental chemical principles to explore the chemistry of major environmental topics. Recurring chemical themes include chemical equilibria, oxidation-reduction reactions, acid-base and buffering reactions, and phase partitioning. Molecular interactions with solar radiation and free radical reactions are also examined, as are positive and negative feedback mechanisms. The laboratory component of this course will provide hands-on experience in qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses applied to environmental issues. Students will collect and analyze real-world samples (surface water, engine exhaust, soils), and will quantify important environmental processes (greenhouse effect, acid rain, oxygen consumption) in the lab.