This course explores the biogeochemical behavior of trace elements, focusing on processes driving their cycling in aquatic and terrestrial systems. It examines how abiotic and biotic transformations interact to shape trace element dynamics, with examples from both natural and engineered environments.

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.

Why is the pH of aquatic systems of interest? What factors determine the pH of aquatic systems? This practical course provides a theoretical and practical introduction to the fascinating field of carbonate chemistry in natural waters. The course combines field measurements with statistical analysis of independently collected data sets.

First, the students learn how to analyze soil systems with physical, chemical and microbiological methods. Later, the students train their experimental skills by conducting kinetic experiments in the laboratory and by quantifying process rates under field conditions in a river.

This course covers chemical and biogeochemical processes in soils and water and their influence on the behavior and cycling of nutrients and pollutants in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Approaches for quantitative modeling of the processes are introduced and applied in selected examples.

The ability to critically evaluate original (scientific) literature and to summarise the information in a succinct manner is an important skill for any student. This course aims to practice this ability, requiring each student to write a term paper of scientific quality on a topic of relevance for research in the areas of biogeochemistry and pollutant dynamics.

This class is the 2nd part of a series and participation is conditional on the successful completion of "Term Paper 1: Writing". The results from the term paper written during the previous term are presented to the other students and advisors and discussed with the audience.