Overview

Major topics in the module may include:

1. Context and major concepts: key terminology, introduction to the primary and secondary environments and natural elemental abundance, importance of mineralization.
2. Geochemical behaviour in the secondary environment, cations and valency, processes of sorption, importance of pH and Eh.
3. Natural (geogenic) release of metals to the environment: processes of physical, biological and chemical weathering, volcanic activity. Determining `background' metal concentrations. Mapping of environmental geochemistry and the use of geochemical maps.
4. Human activities as sources of metals to the environment: mining, smelting, petrol combustion, waste incineration, use of sewage sludge.
5. The mineral resource requirements of new (and green) technology and the potential environmental impacts.
6. Geochemistry and human health: toxicity and deficiency.
7. The importance of the fluvial environment in pollutant dispersal and storage. Geochemical timetombs.

Major topics in the module may include:

1. Context and major concepts: key terminology, introduction to the primary and secondary environments and natural elemental abundance, importance of mineralization.
2. Geochemical behaviour in the secondary environment, cations and valency, processes of sorption, importance of pH and Eh.
3. Natural (geogenic) release of metals to the environment: processes of physical, biological and chemical weathering, volcanic activity. Determining `background' metal concentrations. Mapping of environmental geochemistry and the use of geochemical maps.
4. Human activities as sources of metals to the environment: mining, smelting, petrol combustion, waste incineration, use of sewage sludge.
5. Geochemistry and human health: toxicity and deficiency.
6. The importance of the fluvial environment in pollutant dispersal and storage. Geochemical timetombs.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grade D- to D+Adequate knowledge of the key concepts in inorganic geochemistry. Presentation of appropriate examples to illustrate geochemical processes. Structured, accurate and relevant description of the impacts of trace metal contamination on environmental and human health. Limited quantification, but with some errors and no critical evaluation.

-good -Grade B- to B+Clear understanding and thorough knowledge of the key concepts in inorganic geochemistry with evidence of reading and knowledge of recent developments in the subject. Multidisciplinary issues emphasised, and thoroughly described with a balanced review of natural and anthropogenically-influenced geochemical processes. Thorough quantification and critical evaluation of case studies. High standard of presentation.

-excellent -Grade A- and aboveClear and accurate understanding, wide and thorough knowledge of the key concepts in inorganic geochemistry. Evidence of substantial reading, and appreciation of recent and potential future research developments. Multidisciplinary issues emphasised, and thoroughly described with a balanced review of natural and anthropogenically-influenced geochemical processes. Detailed quantification and explanation of derivations. Critical evaluation with well reasoned opinion. Elegant and flowing presentation, with flair for subject.

-another level-Grade C- to C+Adequate understanding and knowledge of the key concepts in inorganic geochemistry but with no or very limited evidence of reading and knowledge of recent developments in the subject. Multidisciplinary issues are not emphasised, with a limited and unbalanced description of natural and anthropogenically-influenced geochemical processes. Mostly accurate quantification but limited critical evaluation. Adequate standard of presentation.

Learning Outcomes

• Accurately explain elemental behaviour in the secondary environment.

• Analyse geochemical data using appropriate statistical techniques and draw appropriate conclusions.

• Evaluate and exemplify the role of human activity and natural processes in releasing elements into the environment.

• Explain the role of environmental geochemistry in influencing human health.