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701-0423-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-PHYS , D-ERDW , D-MATL , D-MTEC , D-MATH , D-BAUG , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-ITET , D-ARCH , D-BIOL , D-CHAB

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Chemistry of aquatic systems

Chemie aquatischer Systeme

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Laura Sigg

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:15:04

Abstract

This course gives an introduction to chemical processes in aquatic systems and shows applications to various systems. The following topics are treated: acid-base reactions and carbonate system, solubility of solids and weathering, redox reactions, complexation of metals, reactions at the solid/water interface, applications to lakes, rivers and groundwater.

Objective

Understanding of chemical processes in aquatic systems. Quantitative application of chemical equilibria to processes in natural waters. Understanding of the chemical composition of aquatic systems.

Content

Introduction to the chemistry of aquatic systems. Regulation of the composition of natural waters by chemical, geochemical and biological processes. Quantitative application of chemical equilibria to processes in natural waters. The following topics are treated: acid-base reactions, carbonate system; solubility of solid phases and weathering; complexation of metals and metal cycling in natural waters; redox reactions; reactions at the interface solid-water; applications to lakes, rivers, groundwater.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Script is distributed.

Literature

Sigg, L., Stumm, W., Aquatische Chemie, 4. Aufl., vdf/Teubner, Zürich, Stuttgart 1996.

General Information

Language: German
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 60 minutes
Aids: Skript

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Chemie aquatischer Systeme	Wed 15:15-17:00 (CHN F 46)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Earth Sciences Bachelor (Information about the Bachelor-studies: )
- 5. Semester Majors BSc
  - Major in Climate and Water: Electives
    - Major in Climate and Water: Electives (From the offered elective courses during autumn (5th semester) and spring semester (6th semester), 24 credits have to be acquired. The choice of other courses has to be granted by the advisor (Dr. M. Wüest).)
Environmental Sciences Bachelor
- 5. Semester
  - Specialization in an Environmental System
    - Aquatic Systems
Interdisciplinary Sciences Bachelor
- Physical-Chemical Direction
  - 3. Semester (Physical-Chemical Direction)
    - Electives (Further combinations of Compulsory elective subjects arising upon specific written request by the students and permission by the Director of studies.)
- Biochemical-Physical Direction
  - 3. Semester (Biochemical-Physical Direction)
    - Electives (Further combinations of Compulsory elective subjects arising upon specific written request by the students and permission by the Director of studies.)
Environmental Engineering Master
- 1. Semester (Programme Regulations 2006)
  - Minors
Earth Sciences Master
- Major in Geology and Geochemistry
  - Electives (Elective courses from the entire choice of ETHZ and UZH courses, in agreement with the MSc committee)
Certificate of Teaching Ability
- D-UWIS: Biological, Chemical, Physical or Environmental Direction
  - For Biology