ESC 310 - CUE: Environmental Chemistry

1 course unit

The behavior of chemical pollutants in earth’s natural systems is critical to a study of environmental science. This course will examine the chemistry of soil, air, and water; the interactions and cycles of elements among them; and the pollutants that can adversely affect these important resources. Topics will include an overview of the physical chemistry of soil’s reactions and fates of pollutants in soil, reactions and movement of pollutants in water, wastewater treatment, and chemical reactions in the atmosphere, including the mechanisms of smog production, ozone depletion, and global warming. The chemistry of power generation involving fossil fuels, radioactive isotopes, solar energy, fuel cells, and other resources will also be considered. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite(s): CHM 104 - General Chemistry II or permission of the instructor.