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701-0423-00L 3 Credits BSC D-USYS , D-CHAB

Chemistry of Aquatic Systems

Chemie aquatischer Systeme

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Lenny Winkel

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:40:30

Abstract

This course gives an introduction to chemical processes in aquatic systems and shows applications to various systems. The following topics are treated: acid-base reactions and carbonate system, solubility of solids and weathering, redox reactions, complexation of metals, reactions at the solid/water interface, applications to lakes, rivers and groundwater.

Objective

Understanding of chemical processes in aquatic systems. Quantitative application of chemical equilibria to processes in natural waters. Evaluation of analytical data from aquatic systems.

Content

Introduction to the chemistry of aquatic systems. Regulation of the composition of natural waters by chemical, geochemical and biological processes. Quantitative application of chemical equilibria to processes in natural waters. The following topics are treated: acid-base reactions, carbonate system; solubility of solid phases and weathering; complexation of metals and metal cycling in natural waters; redox reactions; reactions at the interface solid phase-water; applications to lakes, rivers, groundwater.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Script is distributed.

Literature

Sigg, L., Stumm, W., Aquatische Chemie, 5. Aufl., vdf/UTB, Zürich, 2011.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language: German
Levels: BSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 60 minutes
Aids: Handouts, Übungen und Lösungen, TaschenrechnerBuch: Sigg, L., Stumm, W., Aquatische Chemie, 2011

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Chemie aquatischer Systeme	Tue 15:15-17:00 (CHN D 42)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Environmental Sciences Bachelor
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2016)
  - Specialization in an Environmental System
    - Biogeochemistry (The following courses are highly recommended as preparation for the Specialization in Biogeochemistry: 701-0225-00L Organic Chemistry (Autumn semester) 752-0100-00L Biochemie (Autumn semester) 752-1300-00L Introduction to Toxicology (Spring semester) These courses should be successfully completed during the second year.)
Interdisciplinary Sciences Bachelor
- Physical-Chemical Direction (Programme Regulations 2018 and 2010)
  - 4. Semester (Physical-Chemical Direction)
    - Electives (The Bachelor's programme in Interdisciplinary Sciences allows students to choose from any subject taught at a Bachelor's level at ETH Zurich. In consultation with the Director of Studies of Interdisciplinary Sciences, every student must establish his/her own individual study programme at the beginning of the 2nd year. See the Programme Regulations 2018 for further details.)
- Biochemical-Physical Direction (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - 4th Semester (Biochemical-Physical Direction)
    - Electives (The Bachelor's programme in Interdisciplinary Sciences allows students to choose from any subject taught at a Bachelor's level at ETH Zurich. In consultation with the Director of Studies of Interdisciplinary Sciences, every student must establish his/her own individual study programme at the beginning of the 2nd year. See the Programme Regulations 2018 for further details.)
- Biochemical-Physical Direction (Programme Regulations 2010)
  - 4. Semester (Biochemical-Physical Direction)
    - Electives (The Bachelor's programme in Interdisciplinary Sciences allows students to choose from any subject taught at a Bachelor's level at ETH Zurich. In consultation with the Director of Studies of Interdisciplinary Sciences, every student must establish his/her own individual study programme at the beginning of the 2nd year. See the Programme Regulations 2018 for further details.)