VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Biogeochemistry of trace elements
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:06:21
Abstract
The course provides an in-depth overview of the biogeochemical processes that drive the cycling of specific trace elements (heavy metals, actinides, arsenic, mercury, and chromium) in the environment, and the chemical methods that are used to study the behavior of these elements in the geosphere.
Objective
The students should gain an in-depth understanding of the biogeochemistry of the most urgent/relevant trace elements, with a special focus on the elements that are qualified as pollutants. Sources and cycling of these trace elements as related to interactions with abiotic and biotic geosphere components, and abiotically and biotically driven transformations will be discussed. Relevant methods/techniques to study these processes will be presented as well.
Content
The course provides an in-depth overview of the biogeochemistry of heavy metals, chromium, arsenic, mercure and actinides. Sources and cycling of these trace elements as related to interactions with abiotic and biotic geosphere components, and abiotically and biotically driven transformations will be discussed. The techniques most commonly used to study these processes will be presented as well.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Selected handouts (lecture notes, literature) will be distributed during the course.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 60 minutes
- Aids
- None
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Biogeochemistry of trace elements |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
-
-
Terrestrial Systems (Weitere Lehrveranstaltungen nach freier Wahl in Absprache mit dem Fachberater)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-