VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

701-1351-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC D-MATL , D-USYS

Anthropogenic Particles in the Environment

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Bernd Nowack, Dr. Thomas Bucheli
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:39

Abstract

The lecture provides an overview on the behavior and effects of anthropogenic particles in the environment, covering engineered nanoparticles, micro/nanoplastics, tire wear, soot and pigments. The course will cover key concepts of particle behavior and analysis, fate in technical and natural systems, toxicity and environmental risk assessment and sustainability aspects and regulation.

Objective

- Successful application of knowledge gained in traditional disciplines of environmental sciences (e.g. biogeochemistry, environmental chemistry) to elucidate particle fate and behavior in the environment - Identify key parameters that potentially influence the environmental fate and behavior of anthropogenic particles - Get acquainted with the most common analytical tools for the quantification of anthropogenic particles in the environment - Critical assessment of current state of research, including the sometimes controversial literature data

Content

- Definitions, particle types - Particle behavior: colloidal behavior, transport, transformation - Sources and release; Material flow modeling - Fundamentals of particle analysis - Release and emission - Fate in the environment: water, soil, air - Fate in technical systems: water treatment, waste incineration - Uptake and toxicity of particles - Environmental risk assessment - Life cycle assessment

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts will be provided

Literature

will be provided during lecture

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Anthropogenic Particles in the Environment No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In