Chemical Fate of Organic Compounds

3 credits · Graduate

This course will review environmental organic chemistry basics with a focus on contaminant chemistry. We will discuss quantitative processes used in predicting the fate and distribution of organic chemicals in the environment with regards to equilibrium/thermodynamics and some kinetic considerations. Topics include: equilibrium partitioning among air, water, sediments and biological tissues; factors affecting bioaccumulation and biomagnification; processes influencing the ultimate fate of organic contaminants in rivers and lakes; and processes influencing global transport. Prerequisites: University-level general chemistry and organic chemistry within last four years.