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Environmental Analytical Chemistry
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:08:08
Abstract
This course introduces the basic concepts of analytical chemical methods and instruments for the identification and quantification of inorganic and organic contaminants in environmental relevant aqueous and solid phases. The course will cover the fundamental principles of analysis and technical implementation and demonstrate the application to environmental questions in examples and case studies.
Objective
After passing this course, students will be able to • Name and explain the basic concepts of quantitative analyses, e.g., analytical limits, calibration approaches, types of errors • propose and justify sampling process(es) for a given contaminant and considering the environmental context • explain quantitative measurement principles for organic and inorganic contaminants • recommend appropriate analytical method(s) for a given compound and/or context, giving a critical appraisal This course will prepare the students for several of the Field and Lab Courses in the MSc programme (Environmental Sciences, Major in Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics) that expand on the theoretical background provided here and translate it into practice.
Content
The course follows the ‘life cycle’ of environmental samples to be analysed in the context of specific research questions or case studies and covers examples of both inorganic and organic contaminants found in aqueous and solid phases of environmental relevance (surface/groundwater, soil, sediment). The course will include aspects of sample retrieval, preservation and preparation, and introduce basic principles of analytical chemistry (e.g., analytical limits, calibration approaches, types of errors). Commonly used analytical techniques will be introduced and advantages and drawbacks discussed: - major anions and cations (e.g., IC; ICP-OES, AAS; complementary in-field analyses) - trace metals and metalloids in aqueous phase (e.g., ICP-MS; speciation analysis approaches) and solid phase (e.g., XRF; XAS) - mineral phase identification and characterisation (e.g., XRD; IR, and Mössbauer spectroscopies) - volatile organic compounds (e.g., GC-FID, GC-ECD, GC-MS) - organic compounds (e.g., LC with UV-vis, fluorescence detection; MS detection and different ionisation techniques; high resolution MS techniques)
Resources
Literature
D. A. Skoog und J. J. Leary, Instrumentelle Analytik, Springer, Heidelberg, 1996 // Skoog, Holler, Crouch, Principles of Instrumental Analysis;, Brooks Cole Pub Co, 7th Edition, 2017 Additional reading material (e.g., journal articles, relevant sections of text books) will be provided throughout the course
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- Use of a calculator (non-programmable) is allowed and strongly advised.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Environmental Analytical Chemistry | No time listed | 2 h weekly |