Course detail

Soil Chemistry

FCH-MA_ENG8Acad. year: 2022/2023

Chemical processes of soil development, Mobilization and precipitation of soil components, Sorption, ion exchange, Sesquioxides, soil redox processes and their role for mobilization and immobilization of nutrients and pollutants, Relation between speciation, bioavailability, toxicity and mobilization, Discussion of the current status and experiences in the laboratory exercises, Case-oriented investigation of a location for contaminants and soil chemical parameters, Methods of soil chemical analysis, contaminant analysis including planning, sampling, sample preparation, enrichment, purification, Techniques of sequential extraction for inorganic and organic compounds, instrumental analysis and sum parameters, Advanced knowledge of chromatography and spectrometry, Evaluation of analysis results in the ecologic and legislative context.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

6

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The students know and understand the soil chemical processes and their relevance for soil quality, soil development, as well as for the transport, bioavailability and toxicity of contaminants.
The knowledge of instrumental analysis is deepened.
The students are able to plan and perform a soil chemical analysis (nutrients, soil parameters and contaminants).
Students are able to evaluate and judge the analysis result in the ecological context.
Students have basic knowledge on current​ ​environmental​ ​laws.

Prerequisites

basics of general and analytical chemistry

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Seminars 1h/week, laboratory exercises 3h/week, the e-learning system (LMS Moodle) is available to students.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

written test, for E is necessary to answer at least 50% of questions

Course curriculum

Chemical processes of soil development.
Mobilization and precipitation of soil components.
Sorption, ion exchange.
Sesquioxides, soil redox processes and their role for mobilization and immobilization of nutrients and pollutants.
Relation between speciation, bioavailability, toxicity and mobilization.
Discussion of the current status and experiences in the laboratory exercises.
Case-oriented investigation of a location for contaminants and soil chemical parameters.
Methods of soil chemical analysis, contaminant analysis including planning, sampling, sample preparation, enrichment, purification.
Techniques of sequential extraction for inorganic and organic compounds, instrumental analysis and sum parameters.
Advanced knowledge of chromatography and spectrometry.
Evaluation of analysis results in the ecologic and legislative context.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The students know and understand the soil chemical processes and their relevance for soil quality, soil development, as well as for the transport, bioavailability and toxicity of contaminants. The knowledge of instrumental analysis is deepened. The students are able to plan and perform a soil chemical analysis (nutrients, soil parameters and contaminants) and to evaluate and judge the analysis result in the ecological context as well as in the context of current environmental laws.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

none

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Alfred R. Conklin Jr. (2005): Introduction to Soil Chemistry. Wiley (EN)
Appelo, C.A. J., Postma, D. (1994): Geochemistry, groundwater and pollution. Balkema, Rotterdam (EN)
Foth, H.D. (1990) Fundamentals of soil science. Wiley. (EN)
György F. (1999) Soil Chemistry: Processes and Constituents. Akadémiai Kiadó. (EN)
Sparks, D.L. (2008) Environmental soil chemistry. Acad. Press. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme NPAP_ENVI Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme NPAP_ENVI Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Guided consultation in combined form of studies

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Seminar

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Laboratory exercise

39 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer