ENVL 202      Environmental Chemistry I       Spring 2002

2000-2002 Catalog Description:

The application of basic chemical principles to the water and sediment environments.  Introductory geochemistry.  Chemical speciation. The study of the chemistry of specific environmental topics including alkalinity, hardness, acid rain, water treatment process, heavy metal contamination, and acid mine drainage.  Three lectures and one three hour laboratory every fourth week.    Three credits.

        Textbook:

Environmental Chemistry, N. Bunce, 2^nd Edition. (University of Guelph Press) – Extensively supplemented with notes on water chemistry, speciation, and thermodynamics.

        Objectives:

       At the end of the course students will be able to have:

1.   An in-depth knowledge of the chemistry of natural waters including alkalinity and carbonate chemistry generally; hardness and its removal; metal speciation and its relationship to toxicity; acid-base and solubility equilibria including applications such as Langelier Index.

2.   An understanding of oxidation-reduction chemistry and introduce applications to environmental engineering practice such as chlorination.

3.   A grasp of thermodynamics – Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entrophy-at a level that enables them to understand applications to environmentally important reactions such as boiler scale growth and remediation processes.

4.    A knowledge of acid rain chemistry including sources, impact and remediation.

5.    A basic understanding of the chemistry of disinfection and drinking water treatment  

6.       A proemial knowledge of the behavior of toxic heavy metals in sediments including AVS, SEM and sediment quality criteria.

7.       Successfully carried out laboratory experiments related to the course subject matter and environmental engineering.

8.       The ability to solve quantitative problems in all appropriate categories to reinforce concepts and methods being presented.

9.       A familiarity with relevant ethical, social, economic, and political implications of certain scientific environmental issues.

Prerequisites by Topics:

General Chemistry II

Topics Covered:

1.    Chemistry of Natural Waters

       Alkalinity and carbonate chemistry generally; hardness and its removal.  Metal

       speciation and relationship to toxicity; acid-base and solubility equilibria including

       applications such as Langelier Index       21 classes

2.    Oxidation-reduction chemistry with applications to environmental engineering

   practice such as chlorination.  6 classes

3.    Thermodynamics – Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entrophy-with applications to

environmentally important reactions such as boiler scale growth and remediation

       processes. 6 classes

4.     Acid rain chemistry including sources, impact and remediation      3 classes

5.       Chemistry of disinfection and drinking water treatment 3 classes

6.     AVS, SEM and sediment quality criteria    3 classes

       Computer Usage:

Extensive use of spreadsheets (excel) especially in speciation and solubility topics.

Laboratory Experience:

Performance of the following 3-hour experiments

1. Determination of alkalinity of natural water samples and the effect of acid rain events
2. Determination of hardness followed by treatment with the soda lime method to reduce hardness in natural water and laboratory samples.
3. Determination of the formation constant for the CdCl⁺ complex using an ion selective electrode.

          Relationship to Environmental Engineering Program:

        This course is required for all students in the Environmental Engineering program.  It together with Environmental Chemistry II provides the student with knowledge of the basic chemistry used in environmental engineering practice.

          Outcome Criteria Addressed:   

1.       An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering (ABET Criterion 3a)

2.       An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data (ABET Criterion 3b)

3.       An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems (ABET Criterion 3e)

4.       The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context (ABET Criterion 3h)

5.       An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice (ABET Criterion 3k)

          Assessment Tools:

       Three examinations, special homework assignments, laboratory reports

          Professional Component Contribution:

Environmental Engineering Chemistry 3 Credits (100%)

          Prepared by the Course Coordinator:

Dr. John D. Mahony, Professor of Environmental Engineering      May 2002