Chem Transform Environment

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course investigates mechanisms underlying chemical transformation in the environment. Reactions and processes such as hydrolysis, catalysis, redox, acid-base, and phase partitioning are discussed in Earth’s spheres including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Natural (e.g., unaltered air and rain water) and perturbed (e.g., photochemical smog and acid rain) systems are compared. Both qualitative (product identification and reaction pathways) and quantitative (reaction kinetics and equilibrium) aspects of environmental chemistry are considered. Green chemistry principles and applications are examined using case studies. These topics are discussed in the context of distinct and often interlinking global environmental issues such as stratospheric ozone loss, air quality degradation, climate change, and plastics pollution.