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

• identify the major geochemical processes that control metal mobility in a groundwater system, based on aquifer hydrogeology, available groundwater composition data, and with the assistance of computer models
• explain the significance of mineral dissolution and precipitation on groundwater composition
• quantify mass balance relations and thermodynamic reactions in groundwater systems both with and without the help of computer models
• explain the differences in groundwater composition that are observed in aquifers as a result of differences in soil and geology
• describe 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

Examination 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 deemed approved. A student who fails the examination can be examined again either at the beginning of the autumn or the spring term.