Aquatic chemistry
Master
In Maynard (USA)
Description
-
Type
Master
-
Location
Maynard (USA)
-
Start date
Different dates available
This course details the quantitative treatment of chemical processes in aquatic systems such as lakes, oceans, rivers, estuaries, groundwaters, and wastewaters. It includes a brief review of chemical thermodynamics that is followed by discussion of acid-base, precipitation-dissolution, coordination, and reduction-oxidation reactions. Emphasis is on equilibrium calculations as a tool for understanding the variables that govern the chemical composition of aquatic systems and the fate of inorganic pollutants.
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
Reviews
Subjects
- Systems
- Composition
Course programme
Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session
To teach fundamental concepts for understanding the behavior of inorganic species, such as carbonate and trace metals, in aquatic systems. Dominantly considers a thorough treatment of equilibrium, including acid-base, complexation, precipitation-dissolution, and reduction-oxidation reactions. There is a short introduction to chemical kinetics. A main skill you will learn is to determine the equilibrium composition of a system given its initial conditions. To help you gain an intuitive sense of the behavior of complex chemical systems, approximation techniques are emphasized.
Morel, Francois M., and Janet G. Hering. Principles and Applications of Aquatic Chemistry. New York, NY: Wiley-Interscience, 1993. ISBN: 0471548960.
Anderson, G. W. Thermodyanmics of Natural Systems. New York, NY: Wiley-Interscience, 2005. ISBN: 0521847729.
Stumm, Werner, and James J. Morgan. Aquatic Chemistry. New York, NY: Wiley-Interscience, 1996. ISBN: 0471511854.
Both exams are open book, open notes.
You are encouraged to discuss class material with your classmates. Problem sets should be your own work (this is how you learn the material).
Problem sets are due at the beginning of the class period on the day stated. Late problem sets are not accepted except under extenuating circumstances (e.g., prolonged absence due to illness…)
Don't use calculational aids other than calculators unless otherwise indicated.
Take-home Mid-term - To be done during a 24-hour period after Ses #13
Final Exam - 3-hour exam during exam week
Don't show me this again
This is one of over 2,200 courses on OCW. Find materials for this course in the pages linked along the left.
MIT OpenCourseWare is a free & open publication of material from thousands of MIT courses, covering the entire MIT curriculum.
No enrollment or registration. Freely browse and use OCW materials at your own pace. There's no signup, and no start or end dates.
Knowledge is your reward. Use OCW to guide your own life-long learning, or to teach others. We don't offer credit or certification for using OCW.
Made for sharing. Download files for later. Send to friends and colleagues. Modify, remix, and reuse (just remember to cite OCW as the source.)
Learn more at Get Started with MIT OpenCourseWare
Aquatic chemistry