Fundamentals of Water Quality

Thomas Meixner,
The University of Arizona
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Summary

Introduction to chemical processes affecting the behavior of major and minor chemical species in the aquatic environment. Physical, equilibrium, inorganic/organic, and analytical principles as applied to natural waters.


Course Size:
15-30

Course Format:
Lecture only

Institution Type:
University with graduate programs, including doctoral programs

Course Context:

This course serves as one of the required courses for a degree in Hydrology at the University of Arizona.

Course Content:

In thise course students will achieve the following goals-
  1. A qualitative understanding of the physical and chemical controls on waters composition.
  2. Develop a quantitative framework from which to attack geochemical problems
  3. Learn the fundamental laws of equilibrium geochemistry.
  4. Be briefly introduced to the kinetic concepts that govern rate limited processes.
  5. Learn how to apply chemical concepts to the broader understanding of hydrology.

Course Goals:

  1. A qualitative understanding of the physical and chemical controls on waters composition.
  2. Develop a quantitative framework from which to attack geochemical problems
  3. Learn the fundamental laws of equilibrium geochemistry.
  4. Be briefly introduced to the kinetic concepts that govern rate limited processes.
  5. Learn how to apply chemical concepts to the broader understanding of hydrology.

Course Features:

The progression of homework assignments take students through variety of topics in geochemistry and expose them to the fundamental use of models to address geochemical problems.

Course Philosophy:

The size of the class and the students quantitative but generall weak chemistry backgrounds combine to make the design ideal.

Assessment:

Through assignments and exams.

Syllabus:

Syllabus (Microsoft Word 39kB May1 13)

Teaching Materials:


References and Notes:

CAJ Appelo and D. Postma, Geochemistry, groundwater and pollution.
Right mix of theory and applied also authors do not get overly bogged down in any one individual topics.