PLSCS 3650 - Environmental Chemistry: Soil, Air, and Water

Spring. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: CHEM 1560 or CHEM 2070-CHEM 2080.

M. McBride.

Overview of the chemistry of the biosphere and biogeochemical processes that control the fluxes, concentrations, and bioavailability of essential elements and pollutants in soil, air, and water. Gives particular attention to soil’s function as a filter for contaminants. Describes the history of environmental contamination by xenobiotics and heavy metals, with emphasis on behavior and properties of pollutants that pose the greatest risk to human and ecological health.

Outcome 1: Explain the basic chemical nature and composition of soils, water and the atmosphere.

Outcome 2: Describe how elements and organic chemicals, both natural and anthropogenic, are
mobilized, cycled and modified or degraded in the soil, water and air of the biosphere.

Outcome 3: Communicate the degree to which human activity contaminates our environment and
impacts ecosystems and the health of plants and animals.