Course content

The aim of the course is to provide an introduction of equilibrium chemistry principles in aquatic systems. This course is designed for engineers who are often required to understand the composition of solutions and direction of changes occurring during treatment or in environmental systems. The concepts are introduced theoretically using real-world examples and practically in laboratory exercises. After completing the water chemistry class, the student will be able to interpret and communicate results related to water quality. Therefore the course curriculum include the following topics: chemical equilibrium principles of acids-bases, dissolution-precipitation, titration, gas-liquid equilibrium, oxidation-reduction, complexation and water quality analysis and quality control.

Learning outcome

Objective:
1. To develop theoretical aquatic chemistry basis and use the principles for the evaluation of water quality. Emphasis is given to develop an understanding of chemical equilibrium calculations.
2. To analyse how aquatic chemistry principles can be applied in natural water resources and in treatment of drinking water and wastewater.

Specific learning objectives:
At the end of the course the students should be able to:
- Perform a description of aqueous system including concentration, activities, activity coefficients and pH of equilibrium.
- Develop the mathematical equations such as mass balance, charge balance, and equilibrium constants for systems at equilibrium.
- Interpret and predict acid and base behavior in aquatic systems.
- Use chemical equilibrium software for solving water chemistry problems.
- Perform quantitative and qualitative interpretations of titration and be familiar with the concept of alkalinity and buffer capacity.
- Explain how gas and liquid equilibrium affects the pH and buffer intensity of solutions.
- Calculate whether or not a solid precipitate in aqueous systems.
- Perform water quality analyses and interpret the results.
- Solve problems in groups and present solution orally.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching methods include problem-solving and class lectures. Laboratory work and semester project with oral presentation each counting 20% of the final grade.

Compulsory assignments

• Assignment and laboratory assignment

Further on evaluation

If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral. All parts of the assessment must be passed in order to achieve a passing grade in the course. For a re-take of an examination, all assessments during the course must be retaken.

Recommended previous knowledge

TMT4100, general chemistry or equivalent; general understanding of chemistry, stoichiometry and chemical reactions.

Course materials

Textbook:
Mark M. Benjamin, 2015, Water chemistry, Waveland Press, second edition, ISBN 1-4786-2308-X (required)
References:
1. Zumdahl & Zumdahl, Chemistry, 8th edition, Brooks/Cole, 2010
2. Sawyer, McCarty & Parkin, Chemistry for Environmental Engineering, McGraw Hill, 2003
3. Stumm & Morgan, aquatic Chemistry. Third edition, John Wiley&Sons. 1995

Credit reductions