Problems in Environmental Mineralogy & Chemistry

EART30812 Problems in Environmental Mineralogy & Chemistry 10 Semester 2 Undergraduate Level 6 Samuel Shaw Unit coordinator Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Last part of a Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 <div> This course introduces the basic concepts required to apply mineralogy and geochemistry to environmental problems. Starting with funamental mineralogy, this part of the course covers the structure and chemistry of minerals including key concepts related to lattice arrangements and bonding within minerals, ionic substitution and the concept of a unit cell. The course then covers the structure of low-temperature phases including clay minerals, oxides, phosphates and carbonates. In addition, concepts related to the fluid-solid interactions, including dissolution/precipitation, surface chemistry and adsorption processes are studied.Following on from the fundamental concepts the course focuses on mineralogical and geochemical processes in natural processes including weathering and soil formation, marine aquatic system and within the atmosphere, highlighting changes in mineralogy as a function of environmental conditions and processes.Finally, the course examines the role of minerals in key anthropogenically perturbed systems including but not limited to: radioactive waste disposal, hazardous waste disposal, groundwater production, aerosol particulates and mine tailings.This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 20/21 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates. </div>   <div> This course introduces the basic concepts required to apply mineralogy and geochemistry to environmental problems. Starting with funamental mineralogy, this part of the course covers the structure and chemistry of minerals including key concepts related to lattice arrangements and bonding within minerals, ionic substitution and the concept of a unit cell. The course then covers the structure of low-temperature phases including clay minerals, oxides, phosphates and carbonates. In addition, concepts related to the fluid-solid interactions, including dissolution/precipitation, surface chemistry and adsorption processes are studied.Following on from the fundamental concepts the course focuses on mineralogical and geochemical processes in natural processes including weathering and soil formation, marine aquatic system and within the atmosphere, highlighting changes in mineralogy as a function of environmental conditions and processes.Finally, the course examines the role of minerals in key anthropogenically perturbed systems including but not limited to: radioactive waste disposal, hazardous waste disposal, groundwater production, aerosol particulates and mine tailings.This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 20/21 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates. </div>   <div> The aim of the course to develop an integrated view of mineralogical and geochemical processes applied in understanding natural environmental processes and key contaminated systems.</div>  On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:<ul> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Compare the structure and crystal chemistry of key minerals, and relate this to their conditions of environmental formation</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Analyse and quantify the reactions occurring at the mineral fluid interface (e.g. adsorption) and how this relates to key environmental processes</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Interpret and evaluate the role of mineral phases within key natural biogeochemical processes, including those within soil, atmospheric and marine systems</li> <li style="margin-left: 18pt;"> Interpret and evaluate the mechanisms by which minerals control the behaviour of contaminants in the environment including their role in waste storage and remediation</li></ul> <div> The course consists of lectures and/or practicals each week. This is supported with additional e-learning materials on Blackboard including further reading. The lectures and practical are directly linked, and assessment are based on aspects covered in both elements. </div>  0 Other 40% 1 Written exam 60% <ul> <li> 4-5 page report, due in week 4 (20%)</li></ul><ul> <li> 4-5 page report, due in week 8 (20%)</li></ul><ul> <li> Exam, 1.5 hrs (60%)</li></ul> <ul> <li> 4-5 page report, due in week 4 - Individual feedback provided via blackboard, and general feedback provided in week 7</li></ul><ul> <li> 4-5 page report, due in week 8 - Individual feedback provided via blackboard</li></ul><ul> <li> Exam, 1.5 hrs - General exam feedback provided on Blackboard</li></ul> BSc(Hons) Environmental Sci BSc(Hons) Environmental Sci Third Year Mandatory BSc (Hons) Env Sci Year Abroad BSc (Hons) Env Sci year abroad Third Year Mandatory BSc (Hons) Env Sci Industry BSc (Hons) Env Sci Industry Third Year Mandatory Y Vaughan D.J. and Wogelius R.A.  (2013) Environmental Mineralogy. EMU Notes in Mineralogy, volume 13, Eotvos University Press.Wenk and Bulakh (2004/2016), Minerals: Their Constitution and Origin, Cambridge  University Press.   Putnis A. (1992)  Introduction to Mineral Sciences. Cambridge University Press.Other references will be added to the syllabus as required. Lectures 20 Practical classes & workshops 6 0 74