Course info

This module considers the behaviour of aqueous contaminants and provides a broad introduction to the modelling of aqueous chemistry. We study key aqueous pollutants (e.g. metals, organic contaminants), their partitioning in different waters and soils/sediments (speciation, mobility, bioavailability and toxicity) and methods of remediation. We undertake a field trip to investigate a groundwater quality issue. Students will receive a broad introduction to geochemical modelling with a focus on environmental issues and natural environmental endmembers. This will include training in the Geochemist's Workbench software package and a set of lectures discussing the geochemical properties of 'extreme' natural settings.

The module is coordinated by Nicky Allison (na9).

Assessment for this module take the form of 3 pieces of coursework, a report on behaviour of a contaminant of your choice (40% of module mark), a media interview on your contaminant report (20% of module mark) and a report on a Geochemists workbench model (40% of module mark).