This module will introduce you to the principles and practices of environmental chemistry, particularly in relation to understanding groundwater and soil contamination, including equilibrium chemistry, biogeochemistry, soil composition, sorption phenomena, 1D groundwater contaminant transport, and testing techniques. 

LO1 – know the essential features of mineral solubility, acid-base reactions and redox chemistry in groundwater; 

LO2 – comprehend the structure and surface properties of soil minerals and their effect on sorption behaviour; 

LO3 - demonstrate the effect of microbiological action in redox zones beneath landfills and in soil sediments 

LO4 - associate key characteristics of different soil components and their roles in geoenvironmental engineering applications 

LO5 – systematically understand and apply key physicochemical properties of organic contaminants to determine their partitions between different phases 

LO6 – demonstrate a systematic understanding of the nitrogen cycle in the natural system and conceptualise different pools of phosphorus in the soil system 

LO7 – systematically understand the theories and apply ADE and diffusion equations to solve transport questions 

LO8 – systematically understand principles of common laboratory analytical techniques used in assessing the chemistry of natural and contaminated samples 

The module will be delivered through a blend of online teaching and learning material, guided study, and on-campus face-to-face classes (tutorials, feedback sessions). These are used to explain the principles of geoenvironmental chemistry and to develop your understanding of the material and its relevance to geoenvironmental problems. 

Students are expected to undertake all the tutorial sheets issued throughout the module in preparation for the relevant example classes and to broaden their understanding of geoenvironmental problems.

Successful completion of all the tutorial sheets will help the students towards meeting the learning outcomes.

Independent and critical thinking - You will need to: 

• use your critical judgement to identify appropriate methods and analyse complex problems within the domain of soil and groundwater chemistry 

• demonstrate intellectual curiosity in engaging with the complex ideas and principles underpinning soil and groundwater chemistry 

Within the module you will develop the following subject specific skills: 

• calculate the equilibrium chemical composition for simple geochemical systems; 

• calculate the pattern of migration of groundwater solute for important, simple situations; 

• evaluate the characteristic behaviour of organic and inorganic contaminants in the ground; and 

• calculate the effect of retardation and transformation on solute migration in the ground. 

The module is assessed through a combination of (i) a 1-hour formal examination (all questioned compulsory) scheduled during the Autumn Semester Examination Period (LO1-8); (b) an in-class test (1 hour) with multiple choice questions during the Autumn Semester (LO1-5) and (c) coursework completed during the Autumn Semester (800 words) (LO1-6). 

Formative Assessment 

Formative assessment opportunities will be provided through regular tutorial sessions delivered through the semester, which provides opportunities for student to receive feedback on their progress. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Re-assessment candidates will undertake a synoptic 100% individual exam based on the work undertaken within the module (LO 1-6). 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Environmental geochemistry: 
Concentration, equilibrium and mineral solubility 
The surface properties of minerals 
Adsorption phenomena, ion exchange, and sorption isotherms 
Acid-base chemistry, pH and buffering in soils 
Oxidation and reduction 
Biogeochemistry and microbiological controls in redox zones 

Laboratory testing and analysis 

Nutrient biogeochemistry 
 
Groundwater contaminant transport: 
Sources of groundwater contamination 
Advection, diffusion and dispersion 
Analytical solutions to the advection-dispersion equation 
Scale effects in dispersion 
Clay mineralogy 
Sorption processes 
Transformation and retardation of solutes