| Module Identifier |
EA30120 |
| Module Title |
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY |
| Academic Year |
2002/2003 |
| Co-ordinator |
Dr Ronald Fuge |
| Semester |
Semester 1 |
| Pre-Requisite |
|
| Co-Requisite |
|
| Course delivery |
Lecture | 40 Hours 20 x 2 hours |
| Assessment |
Semester Exam | 3 Hours | 75% |
| |
Semester Assessment | Essay: 2,500 words | 25% |
| |
Supplementary Exam | 3 Hours exam and the resubmission of failed coursework component. | 100% |
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate :-
-
knowledge of geochemical mapping and monitoring and their applicability to environmental problems
-
general basic knowledge of element behaviour in the secondary environment and an understanding of some of the problems caused by anthropogenic activities
-
general ability to estimate the role of human intervention in the environment
-
knowledge of the role of environmental geochemistry on human and animal health
Aims
To introduce the concept of geochemistry of the total environment and outline some of the problems posed to the biosphere.
Content
Geochemical Maps
-
Media used for geochemical mapping
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Establishment of baselines
-
Use of geochemical maps (UK and other countries) to identify geochemical 'rotspots?
Geochemistry of Primary Environment
-
Crustal chemistry
-
Weathering processes and element behaviour
Anthropogenic influences on geochemistry
-
Urban Geochemistry
-
Influence of agriculture and industry
-
Past and present mining and extractive industries
Environmental Geochemistry and Health
-
Trace elements essential and detrimental to human and animal health
-
Pathways of elements into biosphere
-
Chemical quality of potable waters
Organic pollutants
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Sources and fate of organics in the environment
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Organic pollutants in groundwater
Radioactivity in the environment
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Radon, sources and problems
-
Anthropogenically derived radioactivity, sources and problems
Stable isotope geochemistry
-
Uses of stable isotopes in environmental geochemistry
Reading Lists
Books
British Geological Survey.
Regional Geochemical Atlases for the United Kingdom.
Appleton, J.D., Fuge, R. and McCall, G.J.H. (Edts). (1996)
Environmental Geochemistry and Health.. Geological Society Special publication 113.