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Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry


Course Description

Chemical behavior of natural aquatic systems: chemical kinetic and equilibrium relationships controlling the quality of surface and subsurface waters, both pristine and polluted. Distribution and behavior of chemical species in aqueous environments.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to complete a research project on a geochemical problem of global environmental significance. The results of the research shall be presented as a technical completion report. The score on the research project will account for 20% of the course grade for graduate students.


Athena Title

Aqueous Environmental Geochem


Undergraduate Prerequisite

GEOL 3020-3020L or GEOL 4110/6110 or CHEM 2100 or permission of department


Graduate Prerequisite

GEOL 4110/6110 or CRSS 4670/6670 or GEOL 4550/6550 or permission of department


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Student learning Outcomes

  • Students will understand controls on the chemical quality of pristine and polluted surface and groundwaters.
  • Students will have a real insight into the way natural systems behave and familiarity with concepts of chemical kinetics and equilibrium.

Topical Outline

  • Hydrologic Cycle and Chemical Background - Week 1
  • Thermochemical Principles - Week 2
  • Chemical Kinetics - Week 2
  • Aqueous Complexes - Week 3
  • Activity Coefficients of Dissolved Species - Week 4
  • Acids and Bases - Week 5
  • Carbonate Chemistry - Week 6
  • Carbonate Chemistry - Week 7
  • Chemical Weathering - Week 8
  • General Controls on Natural Water Chemistry - Weeks 9 & 10
  • Adsorption-Desorption Reactions - Week 11 & 12
  • Oxidation-Reduction Reactions - Week 13
  • Iron and Sulfur Geochemistry - Week 14