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701-0533-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-BAUG
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Soil and Water Chemistry

Boden- und Wasserchemie

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Ruben Kretzschmar, Dr. Daniel Iso Christl, Prof. Dr. Lenny Winkel
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:34:45

Abstract

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.

Objective

1. Understanding of important chemical properties and processes of soils and water and their influence on the behavior (e.g., chemical speciation, bioavailability, mobility) of nutrients and pollutants. 2. Quantitative applications of chemical equilibria to processes in natural systems.

Content

Chemical equilibria in aqueous solutions, gas equilibria, precipitation and dissolution of mineral phases, silicate weathering, weathering kinetics, formation of secondary minerals (clay minerals, oxides, sulfides), redox processes in natural systems, pH buffering and acidification, salinity and salinization, environmental behavior of selected essential and toxic trace elements.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture slides on Moodle

Literature

–Chapters 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11 in Sigg/Stumm – Aquatische Chemie, 6. Auflage, vdf, 2016. –Chapter 2 and 5 in Scheffer/Schachtschabel – Lehrbuch der Bodenkunde, 17. Auflage, Springer Spektrum, 2018 (or English edition). –Selected Chapters in: Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment, 2005.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
Keine Hilfsmittel ausser Taschenrechner

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Boden- und Wasserchemie
  • Wed 14:15-16:00 (IFW A 36)
2 h weekly

Offered In