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Basics of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology
Grundlagen der Umweltchemie und Ökotoxikologie
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:13:10
Abstract
Introduction to environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology. Fate and reactions of organic pollutants in the environment. Biodegradation, bioavailabiliy and bioaccumulation. EToxic effects from the molecular to the ecosystem level. Overview on risk assessment of chemicals.
Objective
Goals: * the students develop an understanding of the processes that govern the fate and effects of chemicals in the environment *the students are able to use simple prediction models for estimating the fate and effect of environmental pollutants, including recognizing the relevant processes and assigning the appropriate computational estimation method
Content
Part I: Fate and Effect of chemicals in the environment: -Environmental compartments and overview on partition and transformation processes -molecular interactions that govern partitioning processes -vapor pressure, water solubility, air-water partitioning -global distribution of volatile and semi-volatile chemicals -solvent-water partitioning -octanol- and membrane-water partitioning (biological systems) -sorption to natural surfaces, partitioning in natural organic matter -speciation of metals and organic chemicals in the aquatic environment -chemical and photochemical transformation reactions -biodegradation, hydrolysis Part II: Effects of chemicals in the environment -Effects on individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems - acute and chronic toxicity, effects on reproduction - biological test systems - dose-response modeling - bioavailability and bioaccumulation - active and passive uptake mechanisms - metabolism and transformation reactions: toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics -detoxification, active excretion - genetic adaptation mechanisms - molecular mechanisms of toxicity in cells Part III: Integral effects and outlook in risk assessment -
Resources
Lecture Notes
Copies of the slides and some articles are distributed
Literature
R.P. Schwarzenbach, P.M. Gschwend, D.M. Imboden, Environmental Organic Chemistry, second edition, Wiley, 2003 C.J. van Leeuwen, J.L.M. Hermens (Editoren), Risk Assessment of Chemicals: An Introduction, Kluwer, 1995
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Grundlagen der Umweltchemie und Ökotoxikologie |
|
3 h weekly |