Entry requirements

120 credits with at least 90 credits in Earth Sciences and 15 credits in Mathematics or 90 credits in Physics.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to

• Provide a summary of the major hydrogeochemical processes that control metal mobility in an aquatic system
• explain the significance of mineral dissolution and precipitation on water composition
• quantify mass balance relations and thermodynamic reactions in aquatic systems
• explain the differences in groundwater composition that are observed in aquifers as a result of differences in soil and geology
• prove, with the help of calculations, how master variables such as temperature, pH and redox potential affect reactions between water and minerals
• explain how speciation affects metal mobility in the environment.

Content

Introduction to hydrochemistry, with special emphasis on geochemical processes at low temperature. The student will attain an improved understanding for processes that control the composition of water in environments where water - mineral interactions dominate (e.g. in groundwater). Acid - base reactions in natural water, the carbonate system, oxidation and reduction processes, mineral precipitation and dissolution, adsorption reactions, and metal speciation.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars and exercises.

Assessment

An exam (5 credits) is held at the end of the course. Grading on the scale 3, 4 or 5 is given provided all exercises and seminars are completed and approved.