Course Description

Quantitative approaches to practical groundwater geochemistry problems. Equilibrium thermodynamics, kinetics, complexation, oxidation reduction, cation exchange, sorption and partitioning of organics. Case Studies.

UBC Calendar

For a full listing of course offerings please see the UBC calendar description

Learning Goals

under development

Instructors

Ulrich Mayer, Roger Beckie

Textbook

None. Course notes will be distributed in class for a nominal photocopy fee.

Course Content

Additional Course Content

Lecture Topics

The focus of this course is to provide a basic understanding of geochemical processes and their effect the evolution of natural and contaminated groundwater. Quantitative approaches to groundwater geochemistry problems are introduced and further discussed based on practical applications and case studies. Specific topics covered include hydrolysis, acid-base chemistry, the carbonate system, aqueous complexation, dissolution-precipitation, cation exchange, surface complexation, and inorganic and microbially-mediated oxidation-reduction reactions. Case studies include the dedolomitization of aquifers, the formation of uranium roll fronts, arsenic contamination in Bangladesh, trace metal mobility in mining waste environments, and geochemical aspects of groundwater remediation methods.

Labs

A number of exercises will involve the application of quantitative techniques introduced in the course largely based on case studies. Some of the assignments involve the use of a computer model (PHREEQC V2) to simplify the assessment of more complex geochemical systems. An introductory laboratory on the use of this model is also part of the course.