Chemical methods for environmental analysis
The course of environmental analysis includes an overview of the range of analytes of interest for environmental monitoring.
Students will learn about classification of environmental pollutants and legal requirements around monitoring. Methods for sampling different types of environmental matrices will be covered, such as air, water and soil. Finally, students will study and critically compare the various analytical methods to analyse compounds of interest within such environmental samples, for example chromatography hyphenated to mass spectrometry, spectroscopy methods, electroanalytical methods and chemical sensors.
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Course structure
The course consists of lectures, workshops, laboratories, oral and written presentation of scientific work in the following subjects:
Molecules and chemical species in the environment
classification of chemicals in the environment, for example nutrients metals, geochemicals, pharmaceuticals and other organic pollutants, volatile organic compoundsLegal requirements regarding environmental analysis
role of national authorities, international agreements, determination of maximum permitted levels, quality assurance and quality control in environmental analysesEnvironmental sampling
which includes sampling design, sampling techniques for a range of solid, liquid and gaseous samples and sample preservation.Methods for environmental analysis
overview of spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry and electrochemical methods, chemical sensorsCase studies for monitoring air, freshwater, seawater and soil samples.
Teaching format
The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, exercises and laboratories.
The course is given in English.
Expected learning outcomes
Theory
- be able to categorize and investigate different types of analytes relevant to environmental monitoring and pollution control.
- lay out the legal requirements around monitoring compounds of concern
- identify appropriate contexts for application of instrumental analytical techniques to monitor chemicals in the environment
Lab
- propose approaches and use a range of techniques in response to a specific problem, while being able to make well-informed independent decisions,
- explain and critically evaluate experimental analysis approaches
- communicate experimental findings at a professional standard to peers and wider audiences
- deconstruct and critique environmental analysis data published in the literature
- design a research project/experimental plan for a given (research) question in the realm of environmental monitoring
Assessment
Written exam, written lab reports.
Examiner
Ioannis Saktidis
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course reports
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Contact
Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office- Visiting address
Arrhenius laboratory, room M345
Svante Arrhenius väg 16 A-D
- Here you will find:
Student administrator
International coordinator
Study advisor
Director of studies
- Office hours
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 09.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00
- Phone hours
Wednesday 10.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00
- Visiting address
- A320
- Svante Arrhenius väg 16 C
