CHE 3213 Environmental Chemistry
Principles of environmental chemistry, chemical reactions and mechanisms, transport, and fate of pollutants in natural systems. Explores the chemistry of pesticides, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, natural vs synthetic toxicants, and emerging contaminants and how these substances move, concentrate, transform, and dissipate in air, water, soil, and living organisms. The course explores atmospheric chemistry (greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, smog formation, and climate change), water chemistry and pollution (acid rain, eutrophication, and water treatment). Students will also examine toxicological chemistry, including dose-response relationships, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification, as well as modern green chemistry approaches to pollution prevention and sustainable design. Laboratory experiences and case studies focus on environmental sampling, pollutant detection using analytical techniques (UV-Vis, QTOF- LC-MS, HPLC), and evaluation of emerging contaminants such as microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and PFAS (“forever chemicals”). PR: CHE 2514.