CH2117: Environmental Chemistry

School Cardiff School of Chemistry
Department Code CHEMY
Module Code CH2117
External Subject Code 101045
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Joseph Beames
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2020/1

Outline Description of Module

This module discusses the chemistry of the environment, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. Particular attention is devoted to the causes and effects of pollution in the environment, such as smog, acid rain, global warming, ozone depletion, water pollution, and the methods used for pollution control.  Furthermore, the physical and chemical properties of water and soils are examined in detail, with particular emphasis on their environmental impact.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

describe the physical properties of the atmosphere and the differences in chemical composition of various layers;

describe the photochemistry of stratosphere;

describe ozone chemistry and the Chapman cycle;

discuss the of meteorology of the Antarctic ozone hole;

describe inorganic pollutants of the troposphere, with reference to climate change;

discuss case studies associated with photochemical smog and acid rain;

describe chemical emissions from volcanoes, and related sulfur chemistry;

describe the Miller-Urey experiment and discuss it in the context of volcanic emissions;

describe the global water cycle and the chemical composition of sea water;

discuss and compare conservative and non-conservative properties of sea water;

describe the interaction of the atmosphere with sea water and discuss its consequences;

describe the properties of the hydrosphere;

describe the properties of the lithosphere;

describe the physical properties of solis used for classification;

discuss how the chemical properties of soils can be influenced by atmospheric conditions;

explain the key chemical and physical threats to soil that have a negative environmental impact;

plan, conduct and report on an individual research assignment;

present a critical argument through a written piece of work;

plan and present a group presentation on a chosen environment-related subject.

How the module will be delivered

A blend of on-line learning activities with face to face small group learning support and feedback.

16 x 1h lectures, 5 x 2h workshops

Skills that will be practised and developed

Chemistry-specific skills

On completion of this module student will be able to:

  1. apply an understanding of radical chemistry to the photochemistry of atmosphere;
  2. apply an understanding of radical chemistry to elucidation of the anthropogenic pollution of the troposphere;
  3. apply of knowledge of solution chemistry to understanding the chemical composition and physical properties of sea and fresh water.

Transferable skills

This module will also:

  1. introduce and develop the use of web-based resources;
  2. develop skills in the critical analysis of data;
  3. develop essay-writing skills;
  4. develop experience of group work and presentational skills.

How the module will be assessed

A written exam (1 h) will test the student's knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes. The coursework (workshops and assignments) will allow the student to demonstrate his/her ability to judge and critically review relevant information.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 80 Environmental Chemistry 1
Written Assessment 20 Workshops And Assignments N/A

Syllabus content

Atmospheric chemistry

Structure and composition of the atmosphere; photochemical processes; photochemistry of the stratosphere and the ozone layer; chemistry and metereology of the Antarctic ozone hole; chemistry and photochemistry of the troposphere and inorganic pollutants; photochemical smog; acid rain; global warming.

Chemistry of volcanoes

Volcanic emissions; sulfur chemistry; Miller-Urey experiment - the origins of life?

Chemistry of sea-water

Global water cycle; chemical composition of sea-water; conservative and non-conservative properties; salinity; interaction with atmosphere: gases in sea-water.

The hydrosphere

Physical and chemical properties of water; gases in water; redox properties; buffers, pH; effect of dissolved carbonate and carbon dioxide; pollution of natural waters; eutrophication; water purification.

The lithosphere

Structures of minerals; silicates and aluminosilicates; weathering/erosion chemistry of rocks and minerals; physical and chemical properties of soils; humic substances; cation exchange capacity; reactions with acids and bases; salt-affected (salinated) solis; soil erosion and contamination.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Please see Background Reading List for an indicative list.

Background Reading and Resource List

Enviromental Chemistry ; a global perspective, 3rd Ed, G W van Loon and S J Duffy, OUP

Environmental Chemistry, 8th Ed, S E Manahan, CRC Press

Environmental Chemistry, I Williams, Wiley

Chemistry of Atmospheres, 3rd Ed, R P Wayne, OUP


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